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​."