Papair has launched production for PapairWrap, a bubble wrap said to be made from 100% paper and without synthetics and adhesives, at its production site in Rethem an der Aller.
Although production was originally scheduled to commence in March 2022, the delivery of technology and components for the plant was repeatedly delayed by global political events and the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a commissioning phase at the mechanical engineering company in Bavaria, the Rethem site is set to make progress.
The development aims to meet increasing demand for sustainable packaging alternatives, with over 150 customers from a range of industries set to receive the first line’s supply of PapairWrap. Meanwhile, pilot projects will take place with other selected customers to evaluate their implementation of PapairWrap and use the results to further develop the solution.
“We are starting with our pilot plant first,” explains CTO Steven Widdel. “The second, larger plant is planned for the end of this year to meet the increasing demand and to be able to offer two different product widths.”
For its next steps, the company plans to expand on the bubble wrap’s functionalities and create a new product portfolio for PapairWrap. This is expected to include shipping bags, both padded and unpadded, and individual custom-made products.
Additionally, the company plans to secure financing for the acquisition of additional equipment.
Papair was founded in 2020, intending to avoid plastic waste and combine safety, cost efficiency, and sustainability in a single packaging solution. It received the Durchstarterpreis from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs and Culture and the Lower Saxony Investment and Development Bank in December 2022; this year, it has been part of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator and reached the finals of the Lower Saxony Innovation Award.
It is also a Sustainability Awards finalist in the Recyclable Packaging (Pre-Commercialised) category.
In a similar development, Flöter Verpackungs-Service GmbH’s FSC-certified biodegradable, 100% paper air cushions have been awarded the WorldStar Packaging Award under the e-commerce category.
Alternatively, Dow and Procter & Gamble China have unveiled a mono-PE air capsule for e-commerce packaging. It aspires to cut down on materials used and offer a weight reduction of over 40% in comparison to traditional corrugated parcel boxes.
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:
McKinsey on whether or not on-pack sustainability claims affect consumer spending
A deep dive into the most important packaging sustainability trends and solutions
No comments yet