Two entrepreneurial leaders in the fibre packaging industry are collaborating to introduce the very first all-fibre bottle solution with an interior coating that offers a biodegradable and renewable solution for one of the most widely-used packaging designs on the planet.
Asia-based moulded fibre packaging production firm, RyPax, and Scottish-based CelluComp, the developer of the propriety micro fibrillated cellulose product Curran® crafted from root vegetable waste, are collectively propelling the industry forward. Their collaborative efforts merge precision plant-based packaging manufacturing with a highly renewable feedstock ingredient, to launch a groundbreaking all-fibre bottle.
The pioneering leap the two independent businesses took was developing a novel pulp fibre made with a mix of Curran®, bamboo, and bagasse. This material is extremely strong with minimal porosity, enabling the application of a thin, impermeable coating to the bottle’s interior. This advancement empowers manufacturers to take the next important step in environmental packaging by eliminating the need for plastic liners. Furthermore, the all-fibre bottle design exudes premium aesthetics. It boasts a best-in-market finish, which will appeal to luxury brands across the beverages, beauty, and cosmetics sectors.
“Integrating RyPax’s and CelluComp’s proven technology, materials and production expertise to produce the industry’s first all-fiber bottle at scale is a major evolution for the industry,” said Christian Kemp-Griffin, CEO of CelluComp. “Our unique capabilities and entrepreneurial approach have finally produced a design most packaged goods companies, and their consumers, have been longing for.”
“Combining our global expertise in fibre packaging design and production with CelluComp’s innovative ingredient solution, we are making a genuine breakthrough in barrier packaging,” said Alvin Lim, CEO of RyPax. “This initiative will remove millions of tons of plastic waste from the environment.”
RyPax and CelluComp have been collaborating on a commercial all-fibre bottle format for more than three years and recently gained validation from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), who has been an important partner in helping create viable proof of concepts.
“This collaboration and design are something the industry has been waiting to see for a very long time and we’re excited a solution is now available,” said Alexander Bardenstein, business development manager with DTI. “The RyPax/CelluComp bottle has been through all of our comprehensive testing to earn our endorsement and allows them to start tailoring this technology for the global marketplace.”
The partnership is poised to scale production for a range of industry applications, spanning from beverages, beauty, health, medicine, and food to various retail brands. This collaboration aims to help manufacturers in providing more sustainable products, thereby reducing waste, and aligning with sustainability objectives. Moving forward, RyPax and CelluComp will work closely with DTI to explore further fibre packaging solutions, including fibre screw threads, caps, even thinner coatings, and intricate branding methods on bottles.
“After successfully unveiling our groundbreaking all-fibre bottle at PACK EXPO 2023, we are thrilled to announce our next strategic phase,” added Alvin Lim, CEO of RyPax. “We are actively seeking like-minded collaborators and prospective partners who share our vision and enthusiasm for innovation. Together, we aim to drive this remarkable all-fibre bottle into mass production, opening new avenues for brands’ sustainability goals. If you’re a company that values pioneering solutions, sustainability, and shared success, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future.”