Next-generation sustainable liquid packaging using only bio-based feedstock derived from non-food waste - Pulpex UK BioScience Initiative

The '_Pulpex UK BioScience Initiative_' will help Pulpex Ltd fully achieve its medium-term ambition by replacing its existing petrochemical-based barrier coatings with truly sustainable coatings as barriers to water and foods. The barrier coatings are applied on the interior of the Pulpex sustainable bottle. Sustainable materials are the future of food packaging; consumers, general public and corporates are demanding this product now.

Pulpex has already demonstrated the manufacture of a paper bottle that will enable brands to switch from glass or plastic to a sustainable alternative that is readily recycled. Pulpex has developed an advanced manufacturing process that converts cellulose fibre into a bottle that can be easily recycled through the existing and well-established paper collection schemes that are available throughout the UK.

Pulpex are partnering with two UK bio-manufacturing firms. CuanTec is a world leading firm based in the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology in Oban who produce chitosan from waste material from shellfish using a proprietary fermentation process. CelluComp is an established company based in Fife with deep expertise in the extraction of micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) from waste root vegetables using bioprocessing techniques. These are world-class companies based here the UK and seeking expanding markets for their products.

This ambitious collaborative project draws on scientific expertise from across the UK to accelerate the adoption of bioprocessing-derived barrier coatings for Pulpex's breakthrough fibre bottles and other high barrier packaging applications. The incredible calibre of our partners is testament to the high standards we aspire to. The project offers deep industry and academic collaboration across the entire supply chain -- converting non-food waste (e.g. shells from crustaceans and discards from root vegetables) into high value high barrier packaging that is market ready and validated. We see properly bioprocessing as essential to the development of the next generation of sustainable products.

The project aim is to deliver and accelerate commercial high barrier products -- derived from the bioprocessing / fermentation of chitosan and MFC from vegetal waste streams -- that can be effectively applied to Pulpex fibre bottles at scale and certified as suitable for liquid food use.