PulPac secures Japanese patent as Asia transitions to fiber-based single-use packaging
25 Aug 2021 --- Sweden-based PulPac has secured a patent from the Japan Patent Office for its Dry Molded Fiber technology for replacing single-use plastic packaging with price-competitive, renewable pulp alternatives.
Japan has a strong position in packaging and industrial development globally and is the world’s third-largest economy. PulPac says it has “noticed a big interest for its innovative technology in Japan.”
“As PackagingInsights has reported, there is a global ‘fiber frenzy’ within packaging. Innovation in plastic replacement is booming, and all of the big global FMCG brands are looking for sustainable packaging,” Sanna Fager, PulPac’s CCO, tells PackagingInsights.
“According to the UN, Japan is the world’s second-highest user of plastic packaging per capita. So far, Japan has banned plastic bags and a bill that could ban single-use plastic cutlery and straws from 2022.”
“Asia is a big producer of wet molded fiber packaging. Dry Molded Fiber – being a very competitive fiber-based alternative – has received a lot of attention in Japan and Asia in general.”
PulPac recently revealed the world’s first standardized Dry Molded Fiber production unit. The company’s latest patent further advances its licensees and grows the PulPac Technology Pool by widening the protection and applicability of the Dry Molded Fiber production process.
A circular economy solution
Dry Molded Fiber is designed for the circular economy, using renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low cost, high performance, fiber-based packaging, and single-use products.
According to PulPac, Dry Molded Fiber gives up to 80-90 percent lower CO2 footprint at a similar cost as plastic and is up to ten times as efficient as conventional fiber molding, which was invented over 100 years ago.
The PulPac patent portfolio now holds 18 patent families, including the Japan grant.
Moreover, as a dry process, it does not waste valuable water resources during the defibration process.
“We have pioneered the technology of cellulose molding and made it possible to replace single-use plastics with a patented and market-ready fiber-based alternative that is good for business, consumers and the world we share,” explains Peter Ekwall, PulPac’s IP manager.
PulPac’s IP foundation
PulPac’s solid IP foundation for the Dry Molded Fiber technology is growing continuously. The PulPac patent portfolio now holds 18 patent families, including the Japan grant, with over 300 claims and pending applications in 58 countries, with 42 nationally granted patents so far.
“I firmly believe in sharing sustainable innovations such as Dry Molded Fiber – in an adequately controlled environment that maintains an innovative ecosystem,” continues Ekwall.
“Through the PulPac Technology Pool, we offer our extensive IP in a commercial licensing model and welcome any converter, brand or supplier in plastics or fiber that want to support the advancement of Dry Molded Fiber and grow together with us.”
“Members of the Pool gain access not only to the Dry Molded Fiber patent portfolio and PulPac’s extensive know-how within dry molding, giving a unique opportunity to secure high margins and increase market share with packaging and single-use products that just make good sense,” he adds.
PulPac indicates the interest for its technology from Japanese and other Asian converters is “very big,” following its launch of the first standardized Dry Molded Fiber production unit.
“We are looking forward to sharing our technology and know-how with licensees in Asia,” concludes Fager.
By Joshua Poole
