Market pulp supplier Rottneros AB is investing in and becoming a co-owner of Blue Ocean Closures, with its sights now set on the further development of fibre-based packaging materials.
Blue Ocean Closures has developed its own technology for the large-scale production of fibre-based closures for consumer packaging. Both the technology and the material are anticipated for more high-volume use cases – and, in line with the company’s aim to phase out plastic closures worldwide, the solution is hoped to counteract both plastic pollution and its impact on global climate.
“Blue Ocean Closures is leading the way in a very exciting new field with their vacuum press forming technology,” says Rottneros AB’s CEO, Lennart Eberleh. “At Rottneros we see this field as complementary to our work in wet moulding and exploring the opportunities within dry processes fits very well with our market strategy.”
Lars Sandberg, CEO and founder of Blue Ocean Closures, adds: “With Rottneros’ deep knowledge in pulp and packaging, we further strengthen our position and ability to reach market.
“The company has during its two years of operation been focused on developing high quality, biobased and recyclable as paper screw caps. This investment and the partnership will expand the important development in more market segments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rottneros as our new co-owner.”
Industrial leaders and brand owners have partnered with Blue Ocean Closures to help develop solutions with less of an impact on the natural environment. One such partnership involves Coca-Cola’s EMEA R&D Center in Brussels and intends to drive further development of a fibre-based screw cap.
Other investments into fibre-based technologies include Metsä Spring’s €1 million seed funding round in Swedish start-up FineCell, which will contribute to a demo production facility in which dry pulp fibre will be converted into added-value biomaterial.
We also spoke with Christian Zmölnig, director of Corporate Research, Development and Innovation at ALPLA and chairman of the Board of Directors at Paboco, about ALPLA’s plans to produce a completely recyclable paper bottle by the end of 2024.