CHARLOTTE - Glatfelter has announced further progress in its partnership with Blue Ocean Closures (BOC) and ALPLA Group after securing a deal with The Absolut Company to develop an a natural fibre-based screw cap for Absolut Vodka’s iconic bottle.
Glatfelter and ALPLA will support BOC and their partnership with The Absolut Company by developing a cellulose-based cap that will be used on Absolut Vodka’s existing glass bottles. These uniquely designed caps will be made from airlaid material, resulting in a product that is recyclable and ocean biodegradable. Prototyping and final design of the caps will be completed in 022, with plans to launch commercially in 2023.
The caps are designed to optimize the use of renewable and recyclable wood fibers, and airlaid materials and have allowed this partnership to successfully generate plant-based caps that are durable, water-resistant, and completely biodegradable. The method of proprietary vacuum press forming allows for low production cost and high scalability to support the growing global need for sustainable packaging.
“This partnership brings together like-minded companies that share similar sustainability goals focused on protecting our environment through the use of natural fiber-based materials,” said Chris Astley, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Glatfelter. “We are excited to expand our partnership with ALPLA and BOC, now working with Absolut Vodka, to make more innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions that will benefit generations to come.”
“We know that collaboration across the whole value chain sits at the heart of long-term progress and true environmental, economic, and social impact,” added Eric Näf, Director of Packaging Development at The Absolut Company. “As part of our circular way of thinking, we are delighted to be working with BOC to continue designing our single-use materials and using packaging innovation for the benefit of the planet.”
In addition, Glatfelter has been nominated as a finalist for the 2022 Packaging Europe Sustainability Award in the Recyclable Packaging (Pre-Commercialized) category for its partnership with BOC and ALPLA for their sustainable, fibre-based screw caps. This prestigious sustainability award is given to companies that demonstrate excellence in sustainability, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the packaging industry. Winners of this award will be revealed at the Innovation Horizon event held on November 14-15, 2022, in Amsterdam.
