Futamura teams up with Repaq, GK Sondermaschinenbau to launch compostable sachet innovation

UK – Futamura has partnered with flexible packaging innovator Repaq and machinery specialist GK Sondermaschinenbau to develop a sustainable sachet solution for liquids.

The new packaging is designed for single-use applications, including sauces, condiments, and personal care products like skincare.

At the core of the innovation is Futamura’s NatureFlex, a cellulose-based film that combines with a second biodegradable layer to ensure secure sealing.

The resulting sachets are certified compostable in both household and industrial composting environments, offering a promising end-of-life solution to one of the packaging industry’s most pressing sustainability challenges.

The sachets are manufactured using specialized machinery engineered by GK Sondermaschinenbau, allowing for seamless integration into existing production lines.

According to the companies, performance trials have demonstrated that the packaging maintains storage and preservation standards for a range of liquid contents without compromising operational efficiency.

“We achieve an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 0.5 under standard conditions, offering shelf lives of up to 12 months,” said Sven Seevers, Technology Manager at Repaq.

“Our packaging delivers strong product protection, significant ecological benefits, and maintains high-speed packing capabilities.”

Initial commercial trials have already confirmed the packaging’s reliability in real-world manufacturing settings. The first market-ready release of these compostable sachets is expected to launch soon.

Nico Merkel, Sales Director at GK Sondermaschinenbau, praised the collaboration, stating, “We are very pleased our machinery has contributed to producing these progressive packaging solutions.”

The innovation comes at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the environmental toll of single-use sachets.

An estimated 855 billion sachets are used annually, according to advocacy group A Plastic Planet, most of which are non-recyclable and end up in landfill or polluting natural ecosystems.

Joachim Janz, Regional Sales Manager at Futamura, added, “Small-portion sachets have always been a challenge for recycling. This success in compostability is an important milestone.”

The initiative aligns with A Plastic Planet’s ‘Sack the Sachet’ campaign, which calls on the UK Government to ban plastic sachets and prioritize sustainable alternatives.

By offering a compostable solution, the partnership between Futamura, Repaq, and GK Sondermaschinenbau could represent a meaningful step forward in tackling sachet waste.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE