Aquapak Polymers, an innovative developer of biodegradable polymers and DS Smith, a leading sustainable packaging company have teamed up to develop the next generation of packaging solutions. The scientific collaboration will support DS Smith to accelerate the company’s long-term sustainability targets which include manufacturing 100 per cent reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025.
The technology transfer will focus on tackling hard-to-recycle items, and thanks to the water-soluble properties of Aquapak’s polymer, HydropolTM will result in less contamination in the paper making process as its grades are designed to dissolve completely in warm or hot water.
A period of successful pilot trials with the combined materials, focused on both performance capabilities and recyclability. The partnership will now begin to develop practical applications. This includes a range of fibre-based packaging which replaces the traditional plastic film with HydropolTM, a biodegradable and water-soluble polymer that will help to improve recycling practices.
Mark Lapping, CEO, Aquapak Polymers said: “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 source and by working together, we can help speed up the roll out of packaging that is recyclable, biodegradable packaging that is designed for the circular economy, as well as being safe if it escapes on land and sea.”
Nick Thompson, Materials Development Director for DS Smith added: “We are proud to be partnering with Aquapak in developing a fully recyclable packaging alternatives to non-recyclable plastics. With Aquapak’s technological advances in this novel barrier chemistry 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.”
The partnership promises to transform the sustainable packaging market with potential scope across a wide variety of industries. Working closely with DS Smith and their customers, this brings an opportunity to reduce the single-use plastic pollution crisis and support successful recycling for both consumers and recyclers.
