FINLAND – Finnish consumer packaging company Huhtamaki has invested in Emerald Technology Ventures’ sustainable packaging fund.
As a limited partner, Huhtamaki will help to foster next-generation sustainable packaging solutions and tap into the nascent innovation of start-ups.
The company is committed to ensuring that its innovation for sustainable packaging solutions has a net positive impact by achieving carbon-neutral production and designing all its products to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030.
In line with this, Huhtamaki is continuously investing in innovation and seeking to develop next-generation, transformative innovation.
Emerald said the investment highlighted its commitment to the packaging industry, which is increasingly transitioning towards a circular, low-carbon model.
With the global packaging sector set for growth amid a major push to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, the fund aims to catalyze leaps in the advanced materials and industrial technologies that will both benefit the planet and earn significant returns.
Leveraging its long record of working with global corporate partners, Emerald will seek investments in sectors across all stages of the circular economy, ranging from smart packaging to raw materials to plastics recycling.
The venture capital firm aims to make the whole packaging value chain more sustainable through low-carbon feedstocks, new business models, digitization and other efforts.
Emerald managing partner Gina Domanig said: “We are thrilled to be working with Huhtamaki and other major players in the push to transform the packaging sector.
“Packaging is a vital part of our modern commercial landscape, and we are excited to help develop sustainable solutions which ensure that innovation in packaging has a positive impact.”
The investment is in line with Huhtamaki’s commitment to achieving carbon-neutral production and making all its products recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030.
Launched in April this year, Emerald’s fund is claimed to be one of the first venture-backed investment vehicles to target the full packaging lifecycle.
Huhtamaki President and CEO Charles Héaulmé said: “Our focus is on delivering sustainable packaging solutions, with a net positive impact, driving accessibility, affordability, hygiene and safety of food for consumers all around the world.
“We embed sustainability in everything we do and are happy to invest in Emerald’s sustainable packaging fund as it is aligned with our strategic priorities.”
Héaulmé concluded: “We look forward to working with Emerald, whose expertise and global reach will help us explore new possibilities to create value for our customers and shareholders as well as our employees and the planet.”
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