DS Smith, a leading sustainable packaging company, and Aquapak, an innovative developer of biodegradable polymer, are teaming up to develop the next generation of packaging solutions.
By working together, DS Smith and Aquapak are aiming to provide sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions that will replace hard to recycle packaging made from combined materials such as cardboard and plastic.2
After a period of pilot trials with the combined materials, focusing on both performance and recyclability, the partnership will now begin developing practical applications.
Plastic technology specialists Aquapak has developed an innovative polymer resin capsule called Hydropol – 2This reportedly includes a range of fibre-based packaging where traditional plastic films can be replaced with Aquapak’s Hydropol, a biodegradable and water-soluble polymer that will help to improve the recycling process.
DS Smith’s partnership with Aquapak will support the company’s long-term sustainability targets which include manufacturing 100% reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025.
With a focus on tackling hard to recycle items, the adoption of this biodegradable technology is expected to allow for less contamination in the recycling and paper-making process.
Materials development director for DS Smith, Nick Thompson, commented: “Aquapak’s technological advances in novel barrier chemistries combined with our broad range of packaging applications can help us work together to solve many of the most pressing packaging recyclability issues.
“The impact will be immediate, and our aims are aligned in bringing a much greater circularity to recyclable packaging products.”
CEO of Aquapak Polymers, Mark Lapping, added: “It is exciting to see opportunities for our innovative polymer coming to fruition through our partnership with DS Smith.
“Both organisations are committed to eliminating plastic-pollution at the source and by working together, we can help speed up the roll out of recyclable, biodegradable packaging that is designed for the circular economy as well as being safe for land and sea.”
The partnership promises to transform the sustainable packaging market with potential scope across a variety of industries.
Working closely with customers, this brings an opportunity to reduce single-use plastic pollution and support successful recycling for both consumers and recyclers.