BillerudKorsnäs partners with EcoXpac to make paper bottle
EcoXpac based in Denmark, specialises in advanced 3D-forming of fibre based structures. The firm is already working with Carlsberg, Innovation Fund Denmark, and the Technical University of Denmark to bring a product called the “Green Fiber Bottle” to market in the next two years.
Carlsberg Green Fiber Bottle
Henrik Essén, SVP, communication and sustainability, BillerudKorsnäs, told BeverageDaily, it made the acquisition to tackle a number of larger, more fundamental, long-term challenges in the packaging sector.
"BillerudKorsnäs acquired the stake just recently. We have had discussions for some time, but we have not worked with EcoXpac in the past, " he said.
"To create a paper bottle is one way of challenging conventional packaging for a sustainable future. We believe it is a true challenge, but also a realistic one."
Carlsberg said its bottle will be fully biobased and biodegradable, including the cap. Unlike a similar technology announced by US company PaperBoy Wines last year that use a plastic bladder.
PepsiCo also launched a paper bottle patent in 2014.
Magnus Wikström SVP, technology and strategic development, BillerudKorsnäs, added innovation is a key factor in strengthening its business in the long term.
"It is natural for us to aim high in a number of well-chosen development projects and take on real challenges that can have a big and long term positive impact on our business and our contribution to a more sustainable world," he said.
"Although the investment in EcoXpac is small in financial terms compared to the size of BillerudKorsnäs, it creates conditions for success for the innovation challenges we now take on."
