How Cellulose is helping companies adapt sustainable packaging
Did you know that cellulose is the best raw material to eliminate plastic? Even better, it is the most abundant naturally occurring resource on Earth with more than 180 billion tons being produced every year.
As a lot of industries are moving towards a greener future, cellulose-based plastic is becoming popular. It not only meets the economic and functional needs but is also viable for the long term goals of businesses.
Let us clear the basics first. What is cellulose and Why cellulose-based plastic is the next big thing of sustainable packaging?
This is the last part of the 3-part market research study focused on a different aspects of sustainable packaging. Here’s what we have covered in this entire research: (You can click and jump to the parts that are most relevant to you)
- Why Sustainable Packaging Is Important?
- Benefits Of Sustainable Packaging
- The Research Landscape Of Sustainable Packaging
- Most Common Raw Materials Being Used
- Some Creative Eco-Friendly Packaging Products
- How Major Brands Are Adopting Sustainable Packaging For Their Products?
- What Is Cellulose?
- Why Cellulose-Based Plastic Is The Next Big Thing Of Sustainable Packaging?
- Which Industries Are Using Cellulose In Their Packaging Products?
- What Kind Of Strategies Are Companies Using To Shift To Maintain Their Edge In This Domain?
- What These Insights Tell You?
Just in case if you’re short on time, I have converted this entire analysis into a shareable/printable PDF that you can keep for later reading or sharing with colleagues. You can download it using this form:
What is cellulose?
Cellulose is a naturally occurring insoluble and organic compound. Most of the cellulose on Earth comes from plant life as it is an important component in stem walls. It plays a major role in their stiffness (a feature that makes it ideal to be used as a substitute to plastics in many cases).
Cotton and wood pulp are also a major source of cellulose that is widely used in many industries. The most common use of cellulose is the manufacturing of paper and paperboards.
Apart from that, cellulose has become the choice of raw material for many products, one great example is bioplastics or cellulose-based plastic.
Cellulose-based plastic is basically a type of plastic – also called as cellulose acetate – produced either by cotton linters or wood pulp. Since this plastic is manufactured from biodegradable raw material, it’s safe for the environment and can be reused, recycled, and renewed.
Even during the production of bioplastics, the residue barks of the trees can be separated which could be used to generate energy for any other usage. Now onto our next biggest question.
Why cellulose-based plastic is the next big thing of sustainable packaging?
Research in cellulose-based packaging is growing and many industries are looking into utilizing cellulose-based packaging material for their products instead of traditional plastic. Here are few reasons why:
- Plastic packaging is very harmful to the environment because it is non-biodegradable. On the other hand, cellulose-based packaging is biodegradable and renewable.
- The manufacturing cost of bioplastic is lower when compared to plastic.
- Plastic processing accounts for as much as 4% of the total oil consumption in the world, which contributes to oil scarcity and is not good for the environment either.
- Bioplastics are easier to make clear and transparent when compared to plastics.
- Bioplastics constructed from a cellulose hydrogel have high specific strength (148 MPa) and modulus (2.3 GPa) which is superior to most common plastic and can be used for thermal management.
These were few of the biggest benefit that cellulose-based packaging products have over normal plastic packaging. We also tried to analyze some of these industries and how they are using cellulose to improve their products and going greener.
Which industries are using cellulose in their packaging products?
Although our research revealed dozens of industries benefiting from cellulose we have tried to keep our list short and focused on major ones. Here are a few names that
- Cannabis packaging
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Corrugated packaging
- Electronic devices packaging
- Beverages packaging
Cannabis packaging
Now that many countries have started to legalize Cannabis (Marijuana), this industry is expected to grow exponentially as lots of product are coming to the market. Keeping the medicinal and recreational use aside, the cellulose obtained from cannabis plant (hemp cellulose) has found its application in other areas.
A lot of companies manufacturing marijuana products for recreational use are using hemp as a raw material for their products packaging. Hemp Packaging, for example, is using hemp cellulose mixed with corn to create “doob tube” which is being used as an alternative to paper and plastic boxes for marijuana products.
Similarly, Sun Grown Packaging, a company that manufactures hemp cellulose-based packaging boxes for cannabis companies. Boxes produced by the (SGP) doesn’t contain plastic as approved by Oregon Liquor Control Commission (which regulates the cannabis industry in Oregon).
During our research, we also noticed a rapidly increasing patent activity in the entire cannabis industry. Since countries are slowly opening the legal barriers for cannabis, this sudden rise is not that surprising. The interesting part, however, is, which companies are fueling this research and what kind of things they are working on.
We have covered everything about that in our separate technology analysis on the cannabis industry. You can read the report from here: Cannabis research.
Pharmaceutical Packaging
Until the concerns about its impact on the environment, Plastic packaging was being widely used in medical and healthcare. However, to become more eco-friendly, pharmaceutical companies have started the shift towards biodegradable plastics. Cellulose derivatives such as Bioadhesive polymers which are made up of cellulose ether are becoming the choice of material here.
These polymers are used for drug coating purposes as they have the ability to adhere to biological membranes after combining with moisture or mucus compounds. Solid dosage forms such as tablets, pellets, and pills, are coated for protection of sensitive drugs, oxygen etc. These polymers can increase the viscosity of a non-aqueous pharmaceutical solution likes organic-based coating solutions. Hundreds of patents are filed for bioadhesive polymers with different forms.
Corrugated packaging
Corrugated packaging is used in almost every industry, mainly for storing and transportation. Its popularity is increasing globally because of its less cost as well as eco-friendly nature. In 2016, as per the International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA), over 240 billion square meters of corrugated boards were produced.
For instance, International Paper Co. uses cellulose fibers in their corrugated packaging which is further used for packaging textiles, construction material, paints and coatings, and other non-durable goods.
Electronic packaging
Printed electronics used widely in industries. We can replace the plastic in printed electronics with Cellulose fibrils and make them more sustainable. Cellulose fibrils can give desired mechanical properties, are renewable and recyclable. It can bring rheological property and stability.
Even for the inks used in printed electronics, cellulose is a good candidate. Metal-based ink (silver and copper) is being used for printed electronics. Silver nanoparticle ink is rather expensive, has a problem in the sintering process and maintaining films fragility, and is not transparent. So, cellulose nanocrystals can improve INK stability and make transparent films. CNC material can be used to improve the Ink as explained by Ph.D. student Fanny Hoeng at Grenoble INP-Pagora.
Food and beverages packaging
All the companies are taking huge steps to make their packaging 100% sustainable. Companies like PepsiCo, Nestle doing partnerships with other companies to make their packaging eco-friendly. Even coca cola manufactured more than 40 billion plant bottle packages which have reached 40 countries.
Same is the case for food packaging all big food outlets such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC who are shifting towards green packaging. So, you can just imagine how much competition is there and they all are using patented technologies. All these packagings are more or less produced from natural plastic and one of the major sources is cellulose acetate.
Cellulose film packaging also maintains the aroma of the food product
Major challenge in this industry and how companies are solving it
One of the major challenge faced by cellulose-based products is Cellulose Nanofibers are very sensitive to moisture and tend to lose the gas barrier properties. Cellulose insulation absorbs moisture easily, which not only reduces long-term efficiency but can cause insulation to mold and rot. Both dry and wet cellulose need a vapor barrier. Because of these issues, many companies have restricted themselves from using cellulose.
However, the good news is multiple startups and researchers are working to find a solution to this problem, and a couple of companies have even come up with solutions. Let’s have a look at some of the most common solutions that we found during our research:
- Tetra Level
Tetra Laval is researching on a Cellulose Nanofiber packaging film with a gas barrier layer coated on at least one side to improve the gas barrier properties
Patent No.: US20180319143A1
- Toppan
Toppan is developing a freshness retaining cellulose-based packaging sheet having fine silver particles immobilized on the surface of Nano-fiber which improves moisture responsiveness.
Patent No.: JP2018024471A
In our analysis, we found that a lot of companies are actively participating in the research to make Cellulose more mainstream raw material for the sustainable packaging industry. Solving the problem of moisture,
So, above are the patented solutions for this problem and we have several other patented solution which was encountered during our research.
What kind of strategies are companies using to shift to maintain their edge in this domain?
As the cellulose industry is expanding, it was obvious to see companies merging or collaborating with each other to maintain their edge in the market. The interesting part of the insights was analyzing what kind of collaboration is actually taking place.
Which companies are collaborating with whom? Which companies are getting acquired and who are acquiring them? What kind of products they are working on together?
We have tried to answer these questions too. For the surface insights, here are few from the names that popped up during our research:
Klabin acquires Melodea
Klabin, a Brazilian pulp packaging paper producer, acquired Melodea, a pioneer in the technology for extracting cellulose nanocrystalline, to use cellulose nanocrystalline applications in stronger packaging. This material ensures greater resistance to air, water, vapors, and oil, etc. The investment of $2.5 million will strengthen Klabin’s efforts in the areas of Research, Development & Innovation, and has a goal to use cellulose nanocrystalline applications to make stronger paper and packaging, 100% recyclable and that can leverage new business opportunities for forestry products.
International Paper acquires Weyerhaeuser
In 2016, International paper had acquired Weyerhaeuser’s Cellulose Fiber Division to build up its position in the global pulp market. The $2.2 billion deal is said to strengthen the position of International Paper in the global fluff pulp market.
Futamura’s Partnership and Acquisition
In 2018, Futamura has partnered with Bio4Pack to create a compostable pack using NatureFlex and Tipa Film. Nature Flex is made up of Cellulose and also provides a barrier to moisture. They are made from renewable and responsibly sourced wood pulp and are independently certified industrial compostable.
Also, in 2016, it had acquired Innovia’s Cellophane group. Cellophane is made up of cellulose and offers low permeability to moisture.
BillerudKorsnas Units with Borregaard
In 2016, BillerudKorsnäs aimed to replace plastics or aluminum with renewable fiber-based packaging. For this, it united with Borregaard to get a supply of microfibrillated Cellulose. Borregaard has used more than 10 years to develop the Exilva MFC technology and is the first company in the world to commercialize MFC through its new 1000-ton plant which started in Q3 this year.
BASF Collaborates with Zelfo
In 2013, BASF had signed an agreement for the transfer of IP rights of the Zelfo processing technology for the production of microfibrillated cellulose. The technology is based on the engineering of microfibrillated cellulose which is used to produce a wide variety of paper, board and tissue products. This technology allows improvement in strength and weight reduction to address the need for lighter, stronger paper-based packaging.
Roquette acquires a majority stake in Crest Cellulose
In December 2018, Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients for Food, Nutrition and Health markets completed the acquisition of Crest Cellulose, from Pravesha Industries, a major Pharma packaging company in India. This acquisition will help Roquette in strengthening the presence of their Food and Nutrient products in India and entire Asia.
Installed Building Products Announces the Acquisition of Advanced Fiber Technology
In October 2018, Installed Building Products, an industry leading installer of insulation and building products announced the acquisition of (AFT) Advanced Fiber Technology, an Ohio based cellulose fiber manufacturing company. AFT specializes in industrial fibers and asphalt materials.
IBP’s this acquisition was a part of their 10 acquisitions 2018, that accounted for a total of $76 million in revenues.
What these insights tell you?
Shifting to sustainable future has never been more important for companies as much as it is now. Consumers are in love with eco-friendly products and will start avoiding plastic products as soon as they have the alternative.
To ride this tide of change major companies already have their projects in works. Companies which are yet to adopt sustainable packaging are also exploring the ways they can make their products and their packaging sustainable.
The important question is – are you among these companies? Or are you still lost about how to adapt this green shift for your products and organization?
We conducted this research to help organizations see the bird eye view of sustainable packaging industry. Are you interested in an in-depth (focused on your specific challenges) analysis that can help you make this shift easy? We’re just a message away, click here to reach out to us.