After years of perfecting its propriety microfibrillated cellulose product, Curran®, made from the waste stream of root vegetables, Scottish-based CelluComp, and Asia-based molded fiber packaging production firm, RyPax, are pushing the industry forward by combining precision plant-based packaging production with a highly renewable feed stock ingredient to crack the code on the all-fiber bottle.
The revolutionary step the two independent businesses took was developing a novel pulp fiber made with a mix of Curran®, bamboo and bagasse. This material is extremely strong with minimal porosity and allows the application of a thin, impermeable coating to the bottle’s interior, which allows manufacturers to take the next important step in environmental packaging by eliminating the need for a plastic liner.
“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, including establishing a Minnesota-based Public Benefit Corp. to better serve U.S. operations, has finally produced a design most packaged goods companies, and their consumers, have been longing for.”
“Combining our global expertise in fiber packaging design and production, with CelluComp’s creative ingredient solution, we’re looking at a true barrier packaging breakthrough,” 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-fiber 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 is 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 industry applications from beverage, beauty, health, medicine, food and other retail brands to help manufacturers deliver a more sustainable product to reduce waste and meet consumer, government and their own sustainability goals. Moving forward, RyPax and CelluComp will, in close collaboration with DTI, explore additional fiber packaging solutions including fiber screw threads, caps, even thinner coatings, and a more intricate means of branding on bottles for their customers.
RyPax and CelluComp presented demos of the bottle at PACK EXPO Las Vegas in September.
