In a Memorandum of Understanding with industrial hemp provider element6 Dynamics, PAPACKS plans to bring more hemp-based moulded and thermal-formed packaging to the US market – targeting decarbonization, reduced deforestation across the supply chain, and a transition away from plastics.
element6 Dynamics’ areas of expertise include the genetic breeding, cultivation, and conversion of industrial hemp biomass. These processes are intended to mimic the characteristics of the traditional softwood Kraft Pulp; apparently, the company’s e6 Pulp is a proven drop-in, market-ready pulp solution for new or existing papermill and packaging infrastructure.
Meanwhile, PAPACKS produces barrier-specific food and non-food packaging, alongside solutions for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Virgin fibre and industrial hemp are among the renewable raw materials the company seeks to use in its research and production.
Although the details of the Memorandum of Understanding are confidential, the partners assert that companies in a range of sectors can use regenerative alternative fibre packaging to lower their carbon emissions, scale back demand for felled trees, and replace traditional plastic packaging solutions.
PAPACKS and element6 Dynamics intend to build ten fully integrated moulded and thermal-formed manufacturing facilities across the US. They plan to take a bio-regional approach, locating each facility near and around their cultivation footprint.
Additionally, they expect to form academic partnerships and establish a cost-effective, responsible reshoring solution. The partnership is described as the ‘largest industrial hemp deal in US history’ and a ‘milestone for decarbonization efforts’.
Kimberly Kovacs, CEO of element6 Dynamics, commented: “Our goal is to provide new materials that are regenerative, not extractive, and introduce processes that decarbonize and have little to no waste at prices that are competitive with incumbent solutions. PAPACKS is an innovative leader in fibre-based material, focused on sustainable solutions, and we are thrilled to partner with them to bring this Joint Venture into the US.”
“We believe that element6 Dynamics will be a strong financial and strategic partner for us in the United States,” added PAPACKS CEO Tahsin Dag. “The Team at element6 Dynamics has successfully delivered the scale we require to deliver to our international customer base. The combination of our respective skills, knowledge, technologies, and shared vision positions our partnership for success.”
In another collaborative move, PAPACKS recently announced a strategic cooperation agreement with European Material Bank in an effort to explore, develop, process, and produce renewable raw materials like industrial hemp, sugar cane, eucalyptus, and bamboo. PAPACKS suggested that hemp cultivation captures up to 22 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, supports diverse ecosystems, improves soil health, and reduces demand on forests.
Meanwhile, a range of biobased papers revealed by DTM Print includes DTM EcoTec Hemp Paper, which sources all its fibres from hemp. Here it was stated that hemp can be harvested up to three times to year, as opposed to the seven-year cycle of plantation trees; the length of their fibres are also reported to improve both tear resistance and recyclability.
Avery Dennison has also unveiled its Fasson Hemp 50% FSC paper. It is htought to use 50% hemp fibres sourced from France and Germany; its white uncoated matte surface is applicable to premium organic products, while its high-grammage facestock is compatible with embossed or debossed details.
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