Italian papermaker Fedrigoni announces the acquisition of a minority stake in French start-up Papkot, specialized in fiber-based barrier coatings to replace plastic in packaging. This operation is in line with the Group's venture capital strategy, aimed at supporting innovative technologies and accelerating their industrialization.
Plastic-free barrier coating technology
Founded in Paris in 2020 by Manuel Milliery, Papkot has developed a patented fiber-based coating that is fully recyclable and biodegradable, offering an alternative to plastic films and biopolymers. This coating provides protection against water, grease and even glycerol, without harmful substances such as PFAS, and is suitable for food packaging, disposable cups and special papers. This technology can even be used to create transparent substrates.
Papkot has already signed manufacturing partnerships in France, the United States and China, for global food and consumer goods brands such as Danone, McDonald's and Mars.
A strategic partnership for industrialization
For the Italian, this agreement represents "enormous potential thanks to the opportunity to acquire "disruptive technology to develop fully recyclable, single-material packaging.
Thanks to this investment, Fedrigoni intends to play a key role in the industrialization of Papkot technology.
Fulvio Capussotti, Executive Vice President of Fedrigoni Special Papers, RFID and Innovation & Group Sustainability Director, adds: "This advanced technology is in total synergy with Fedrigoni's activities in the field of specialty papers and self-adhesive materials. In addition to the barrier coating by coating, this solution makes it possible to replace the label backing, usually made of silicone, with a totally recyclable material." He points out that this innovation is in line with Fedrigoni's ESG strategy, which aims for optimum recyclability of materials by 2030.
"Fedrigoni's global reach in 28 countries responds to our simple goal: to improve packaging, for everyone, for the planet. We're here to build, to change the industry, and to do it together. To all brands and converters: the future is knocking at your door â?" we'd love you to open the door for us" warns Papkot on social networks.
