Paper bottle production goes into high gear

The cooperation of these two packaging players should allow for the large-scale production of these fiber bottles in 2024.

So far presented as prototypes, paper bottles should soon have their place on supermarket shelves. The Finnish-Swedish paper group Stora Enso and the packaging technology company Pulpex are joining forces to industrialize the production of bottles and containers made from wood fiber pulp.

These paper bottles and containers are promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to glass and PET products. Their production is said to have a much smaller carbon footprint and paper is a more recycled material than glass and plastic.

Formed in 2020 by British liquor maker Diageo (Johnnie Walker whisky, Smirnoff vodka and Guinness beer) and venture capital firm Pilot Lite, Pulpex will produce fiber bottles formed using Stora Enso’s pulp.

The partnership aims to set up a high-speed production line, which should be operational in 2022. The bottles are expected to have a wide range of applications, from healthcare products to alcoholic beverages to liquid foods. And Pulpex plans to distribute them to various international brands.

The Pulpex bottle allows for embossing, printing, labeling and color pigments to meet brand customization needs and easily integrates into producers’ existing filling infrastructure, according to the two groups.

“This cooperation marks an important step in bringing to market a truly sustainable solution to plastic bottles and containers, while offering end users qualities that match those of traditional packaging in the beverage market.” says Sohrab Kazemahvazi, SVP Formed Fiber at Stora Enso.