Stora Enso and Finnish packaging manufacturer Sulapac have continued their collaboration to create biodegradable straws.
The straws are based on Sulapac’s biocomposite material – made of wood and natural binders – which is designed to be recycled via industrial composting and is biodegrade in marine environments.
Earlier this year, Stora Enso signed a joint development deal with Sulapac to license its materials and technology. The development of the straw is a joint collaboration between Stora Enso and Sulapac – a cooperation which complements Stora Enso’s biocomposite portfolio.
Annica Bresky, EVP of Stora Enso’s consumer board division, said: “This is an important step for Stora Enso and showcases our long-term commitment to gradually replacing fossil-based materials with renewable solutions. Our collaboration with Sulapac is a great example of what we can achieve through partnership in terms of driving innovation to create sustainable solutions within the bioeconomy.”
Hannu Kasurinen, Stora Enso head of liquid packaging and carton board, said: “Eco-awareness is a strong driver for consumer demand, and our customers want help in replacing non-renewable materials. Different biocomposite solutions, such as renewable caps and closures and straws will be add-ons and a complement to our own consumer board portfolio, bringing additional value to our customers.”
Sulapac founder and CEO Suvi Haimi added: “Today, we proudly announce that we are launching a demo for a recyclable, microplastic-free and marine biodegradable straw. This is the world’s most sustainable straw that can be produced on an industrial scale and we have jointly developed it with Stora Enso. Billions of plastic straws are produced and used every week. This straw has the potential to be a true game changer.”
Sulapac’s material works in existing extrusion lines and the target is to have the straws commercially available in the second quarter of 2019.
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