Six major multinational companies have decided to pool their resources to develop flexible paper packaging. Nestlé, Mars, PepsiCo, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, and Procter & Gamble have just created the PaperFlex consortium, under the auspices of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, with support from the French organization (Re)Set, which specializes in environmental transition.
Together, they will tackle small, flexible plastic packaging, such as individual bags, pouches, and wrappers used to package a wide variety of food and hygiene products.
This type of packaging is particularly difficult to collect and recycle. The problem is even more acute in countries with inadequate waste management infrastructure. It is in these markets that PaperFlex will focus its efforts.
Performance, industrialization, and cost?areas that need work
But replacing flexible plastic with paper isn't that simple. The paper must provide sufficient protective properties to preserve the products, ensure their shelf life, and be compatible with industrial packaging lines.
"Responsibly designed flexible paper packaging does not yet exist with the performance, scale, and cost required." , says Sander Defruyt, head of plastics strategy at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The six manufacturers will therefore jointly fund and conduct trials over the next few years. The research will focus in particular on biodegradable packaging, technologies to protect products, and improving the performance of paper-based materials on packaging lines.
By pooling their research efforts, PaperFlex members aim to reduce development costs and accelerate industrial testing. However, each member will retain its independence in choosing its future packaging solutions.
Paper packaging that is both recyclable and biodegradable
PaperFlex imposes another requirement: the packaging developed must be recyclable when collection systems allow it, but also biodegradable if it accidentally ends up in the natural environment.
This two-fold requirement stems from a report published by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on replacing small flexible plastic packaging with paper. Backed by 48 manufacturers, NGOs, investors, and academics, this document outlines six design criteria, including recyclability, biodegradability, and responsible fiber sourcing.
The research must also comply with food safety and product quality requirements, as well as applicable regulations.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation points out, however, that replacing plastic with paper will not be enough. Reducing small-format packaging, where possible, and developing collection and recycling systems remain necessary.
The PaperFlex consortium is now open to other manufacturers, material suppliers, technology developers, and investors.
