Blue Ocean Closures unveils new paper-plug fibre screw system for board-based packaging

SWEDEN – Blue Ocean Closures has launched Paper-Plug, a new fibre-based opening and dispensing system that integrates a screw closure directly into carton and corrugated board packaging, eliminating the need for separate plastic parts or complex assemblies while enabling product architectures previously dependent on glass, metal or plastic components.

The system uses an internal fibre screw closure linked directly to board structures, differing from traditional formats that rely on tear openings, added plastic fitments or more complex assemblies. 

Blue Ocean Closures’ proprietary forming technology operates with low energy consumption and at industrial production speed, enabling cost-efficient manufacturing of advanced fibre components. 

The Paper-Plug concept is designed as a modular solution for dry and frozen foods, ingredients, health products, home care and cleaning products, refill and reuse systems, as well as premium cartons and hybrid board formats. 

How Paper-Plug’s Fibre Screw Closure Expands Paper Packaging Functionality

Historically, fibre-based packaging has excelled in structural performance and surface quality but remained limited in advanced opening, dispensing and reclosure features. 

The Paper-Plug range addresses this gap by introducing an integrated screw-based closure made from fibre materials that interacts directly with the packaging board. 

Staffan Andersson, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Ocean Closures, stated that paper packaging has historically been strong in surfaces and structure but limited wherever advanced opening, dispensing and reclosure features were needed. 

He noted that with Paper-Plug, the company aims to expand what paper packaging can become, opening a new design space where sustainability, convenience and economics increasingly reinforce each other rather than compete.

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Blue Ocean Closures plans to make the Paper-Plug system available through both standardised solutions and collaborative development models, enabling converters, brands and technology partners to develop differentiated packaging systems together. 

This dual approach is intended to encourage broader industry adoption while allowing for brand-specific differentiation and proprietary applications. 

The launch follows a series of fibre-based closure innovations, including the company’s NutraCap for nutraceutical applications earlier this year, and the PulPac dry-moulded fibre caps developed with PA Consulting and Optima. 

Last year, technology company Nissha invested in Blue Ocean Closures, becoming a co-owner of the Swedish sustainability startup to enable a substantial scale-up of volumes to meet market demand. 

Nissha aims to adopt Blue Ocean Closures’ proprietary water-free vacuum press forming technology to produce fibre-based moulded products in Asia, Europe and North America.

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