Is wood the future of plastic?

Thanks to their structure, very similar to a polymer, for several years, tree fibres have been the subject of several researches aiming at using them as a substitute to many oiled-sourced plastic polymers. Contrary to other bioplastics, polymers derived from wood fibres have the advantage of not competing - or hardly - with food productions. These researches are now finding their earliest applications.

Neopac’s recyclable tube

Neopac’s PICEA Wood Tube, partially made from forest-derived materials was already known. At Luxe Pack Monaco 2017, the Switzerlan-based flexible tube specialist showcased an enhanced version where the quantity of renewable material content was increased both on the body and shoulders, without altering the packaging radiance. This new recyclable model is Ecocert-certified.

A plastic-looking fitment

Finland’s Metsä Board showcased a new version of their Skincare Box with a plastic-looking fitment made with a polymer derived from wood and sugar cane fibres for a 100% recyclable packaging.

A new packaging range fully derived from wood

Eventually, Stora Enso displayed on their stand the Sulapac plastic-like jars. Sulapac is a Finnish start-up they selected as part of their Accelerator Programme.

Entirely made of wood and natural binders, wholly derived from Finnish forests’ renewable resources, the packaging can be made using standard injection moulding, extrusion, and blow moulding techniques, with the same design possibilities as what plastic offers. If the barrier properties are different, they can be enhanced with adapted coating. The material is water and oil-resistant. Thanks to its small carbon footprint, it is an environmentally-friendly product that also offers reduced costs when compared to bioplastics.