Partners see big market for DuraPulp

A paper product that can carry the weight of an adult and be composted within 100 days has emerged from Sweden to compete as a lightweight, sustainable alternative to plastics and composites.  

DuraPulp has been developed by Swedish forestry and paper association Södra in partnership with the paper and technical nonwovens manufacturer James Cropper, headquartered in Cumbria, UK. 

The potential of DuraPulp has brought the two leaders in pulp and technical fibre innovation together to develop applications for the bio-composite material and stimulate interest amongst other pioneering, environmentally-minded manufacturers to integrate it into packaging and product design.

The blend of carefully selected wood fibres and renewable, non-fossil based biopolymer can be heat pressed to take on any rigid form, or used as a sheet where there is a requirement for high tearing and bend tolerance or air permeability. Unlike other composite products, DuraPulp is believed to be the only one available where the primary content is pulp fibre and draws on 100% renewable resources, while remaining completely biodegradable.

“Sustainability has to be at the heart of manufacturing for the future, both for cost-effective production and the responsible protection of the environment for future generations,” said Patrick Willink, CTO for James Cropper. “This is an ethos we know we share with Södra as both companies work hard to provide products that have a low carbon impact, going so far as to each generate our own electricity.

“This partnership is driven not only by the desire to help DuraPulp take on the global burden of non-degradable plastics, which are still widely used, but also to apply our key strengths of an unrivalled colour palette and international marketing expertise to a game-changing product.”

Initially borne from research by Swedish scientific research institute, Innventia, Södra has explored the adaptability of DuraPulp in a series of design-led commissions, including a paper-thin, waterproof chair, moulded packaging to cradle delicate objects in transit and an electric desk lamp. Its biodegradability has been embraced as a feature, being made into a seed pod from which plants will grow after the fibre has perished, proving that DuraPulp exists not only as the fibre of product packaging, but of the product itself.

James Cropper PLC includes not only a specialist paper and converting company, a bespoke paper and packaging supplier to the biggest names in the luxury goods market, but also sister company Technical Fibre Products (TFP). TFP provides customised nonwoven solutions for use in areas such as fire protection and aviation and it is this breadth of experience and capability that is expected to push DuraPulp into exciting, unchartered territories.

“James Cropper and TFP’s extensive technical abilities, clearly demonstrated by our track record in product development, and global market reach, will mean that we will be able to speed up the commercialisation of DuraPulp,” said Willink. “Together we will be exploring new markets across the world to further establish how this unique product can provide a credible alternative to fossil-based materials.”

The agreement between the two companies is exclusive to premium markets, aiming to establish DuraPulp in sectors such as luxury fashion, cosmetics, automotive and interior design sectors in a broad, international campaign.

DuraPulp is a Sodra registered product.