DENMARK – Plastic packaging manufacturer ALPLA has announced that it has acquired majority ownership of Paboco, a joint venture (JV) between ALPLA and Billerud.
The entities have not disclosed the financial details and other terms of this transaction.
Established in 2019, Paboco is a company based in Slangerup, Denmark, specializing in the manufacturing of biobased packaging solutions using pulp-forming technology.
Under the latest move, ALPLA has acquired the shares of Billerud, a Swedish pulp and paper manufacturing company, in Paboco.
ALPLA, as the majority owner, will now invest in enhancing the existing manufacturing capabilities of the JV company.
This investment will support Paboco’s plans to manufacture fully recyclable paper bottles using Forest Stewardship Council-certified fibers, starting from the end of next year.
To initiate the market launch of these paper bottles, Paboco is setting up a new manufacturing facility and development center in Denmark.
This move is expected to significantly increase the number of employees at Paboco, as production activities begin and gradually increase. The company currently has 18 employees.
ALPLA CEO Philipp Lehner said, “After several years of intensive development and groundbreaking innovations, the Paboco team is now ready to bring its pioneering product to the market and establish paper bottles as a sustainable alternative for a wide range of customers.”
Since 2021, Paboco has been performing a series of tests for its recyclable paper bottles in the market, in collaboration with various industry partners, including Carlsberg Group, The Coca-Cola Company, and L’Oréa.
In 2021, Paboco also partnered with Procter & Gamble to develop the inaugural paper bottle for its Lenor fabric softener brand.
Paboco CEO Tim Silbermann added, “The vision of a fully biobased and recyclable paper bottle has driven the team to achieve remarkable results in a short development period.
“With the bottle configuration now, we are targeting the beauty and fabric and home-care segment, but continuous development will also enable us to bring our next-generation bottle into further applications.”
In other news, Alpla recently partnered with Privatbrunnen TÖNISSTEINER Sprudel, a mineral water company, to create a groundbreaking reusable PET bottle made entirely from recycled materials.
This innovative 1-liter bottle, designed for mineral water, not only reduces carbon emissions but also provides logistical benefits thanks to its lightweight design. It is now readily available at retail locations.
Following nearly one year of development, Alpla announces the launch of its reusable rPET bottle. This innovative bottle is made entirely out of post-consumer recycled material, with the exception of the label and closure.
It can be fully recycled at the end of its lifecycle. The rPET is produced and provided by Alpla Recycling.
