Mondi, Kelpi and Guardpack trial seaweed and paper-based materials for wipe sachets

UK – Mondi and biomaterials developer Kelpi have partnered with UK-based wet wipes and liquid-filled sachet manufacturer Guardpack to conduct early-stage trials of seaweed- and paper-based materials for wipe packaging, as the sector responds to tightening regulations and growing sustainability pressures.

The collaboration focuses on identifying alternatives to conventional plastic sachets, which remain a key environmental challenge for the wipes category.

While non-plastic wipes are becoming more common, packaging formats often still rely on fossil-based materials and face limited recycling outcomes in the UK.

Guardpack is currently calculating its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions as part of a wider effort to establish measurable reduction targets.

The company says this data-driven approach is helping guide a transition towards non-fossil-fuel-based materials and more environmentally responsible packaging formats.

“Regulations restricting plastic content in wipes, such as the upcoming Wet Wipes Containing Plastic legislation in the UK, are an important step forward, but they also highlight a wider challenge,” says Jeremy Freedman, managing director at Guardpack.

“While the wipe itself may change, the packaging can still present an environmental issue.”

Freedman adds that extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements are increasing pressure to address the full product lifecycle.

“Although many wipe packs are technically recyclable, limited curbside infrastructure in the UK means they often end up in general waste, driving interest in materials that deliver environmental benefits without relying on consumer behaviour.”

As part of the initiative, Guardpack is working with Mondi on a recyclable, paper-based wipe sachet, which is currently in the early stages of evaluation.

The companies say the project aims to balance barrier performance, machinability and shelf stability while improving end-of-life outcomes.

In parallel, Kelpi’s seaweed-based coating technology is being trialled on paper substrates. The coating, derived from seaweed, is designed to deliver the barrier properties required for liquid-filled products without the use of conventional plastic layers.

According to the partners, recent production-line trials have demonstrated reliable sealing, strong machinability and good printability.

Further laboratory testing is planned, with a second production trial scheduled for February. Mondi and Kelpi report growing interest from end users seeking sustainable packaging solutions that align with both regulatory change and consumer expectations.

“Three key trends are converging to accelerate the shift toward biodegradable packaging,” Freedman notes.

“Growing consumer awareness is reshaping expectations, greater scrutiny of corporate social responsibility is driving demand for innovation, and regulation is pushing the industry to rethink established formats.”

The trials reflect a broader movement within flexible and sachet packaging to explore fibre-based and bio-derived materials for traditionally hard-to-recycle applications.

For Guardpack, Mondi and Kelpi, the collaboration represents a step toward proving that sachet packaging can deliver performance, scalability and sustainability in equal measure.

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