In the face of mounting environmental crises, few companies have demonstrated as much scientific resolve and strategic direction as Sulapac. Since launching in 2016, the Helsinki-based biomaterials company has established itself as a serious contender in the global shift towards sustainable, circular production systems. Today, in 2025, Sulapac’s role has matured beyond that of a disruptive start-up—it is now a trusted partner for international brands committed to eliminating plastic waste.
The scale of the problem Sulapac is tackling cannot be overstated. A decade ago, plastic pollution in oceans was estimated at five trillion particles. That figure has now exploded to around 170 trillion. The causes—poor waste management, inadequate recycling systems, and human negligence—have created what many researchers now refer to as a “plastic smog,” impacting everything from food chains and marine biodiversity to tourism and public health. If current trends continue, plastics in the ocean could outnumber fish by 2050.
Sulapac’s mission is to provide high-performance alternatives to conventional plastic that do not compromise aesthetics, functionality, or scalability. Its proprietary materials are industrially compostable, biodegradable, and compatible with existing plastic manufacturing equipment—making them not only environmentally responsible but commercially viable at scale.
The core product range includes Sulapac® Universal, a fully bio-based and industrially compostable material suitable for rigid items such as cosmetic jars, product caps, and hangers. This solution offers high aesthetic value and strength, while degrading without leaving microplastic residues. The company has also developed Universal Flex 30, a versatile compound designed for single-use and reusable cutlery. Composed of 78% bio-based content, it delivers high durability, flexural strain, and is approved for food contact under both EU and FDA regulations.
Sulapac has also invested heavily in its Luxe and Luxe Flex material lines—engineered for premium packaging and luxury applications such as fragrance bottle caps and high-end containers. These materials offer excellent density, finish flexibility, and thermal resistance, serving as viable alternatives to hard plastics like ABS. Importantly, they are also fully recyclable and free of toxins or permanent microplastics.
Over the past five years, Sulapac has moved beyond materials development to become a strategic partner to some of the world’s most recognisable brands. A long-standing collaboration with French luxury house Chanel brought Sulapac into global focus, as the brand integrated Sulapac materials into its eco-designed No.1 de CHANEL product line. The partnership reinforced the feasibility of luxury brands transitioning towards sustainable materials without sacrificing the prestige or sensory experience expected by consumers.
Other collaborations have included Finnish design brand Marimekko and confectionery company Fazer, with whom Sulapac has developed compostable, food-safe packaging since 2018. These ongoing partnerships continue to drive material refinement and testing, expanding the range of use cases across sectors.
As of 2025, Sulapac has expanded its team in Helsinki to over 30 professionals across material science, production, quality assurance, and commercial strategy. This cross-functional capability is central to the company’s continued growth, allowing it to navigate regulatory requirements, innovate new material compounds, and support clients in market-specific rollouts.
The company’s current geographic focus includes Europe, the Middle East, and Japan, with North America forming a key target for expansion over the coming 18 to 24 months. Its growth strategy involves both direct sales and licensed production models to ensure regional accessibility and supply chain agility.
A key element of Sulapac’s outlook is the alignment of material innovation with global policy and waste infrastructure reform. Although its materials are designed to degrade safely in composting environments, the company continues to advocate for stronger waste collection systems and clearer standards for compostability, recycling, and labelling. It also plays an active role in policy advisory and industry coalitions aimed at transforming waste management at a systemic level.
Sulapac is also investing in the future of biomaterial application, with ongoing research into 3D printing, thermoforming, and coatings that utilise its biodegradable technology. The adaptability of its materials means they could soon feature across a broader range of industries—from lifestyle and interiors to event services and point-of-sale displays.
From a commercial perspective, Sulapac’s strongest growth verticals remain in cosmetics, food service, and premium retail packaging. These sectors face growing consumer and regulatory pressure to replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, creating long-term demand for Sulapac’s offerings. As global regulation around single-use plastics continues to tighten, particularly across the EU and OECD countries, Sulapac is well-positioned to offer turnkey solutions that align with environmental standards and performance expectations alike.
In its home country of Finland, Sulapac is also playing a leading role in promoting national innovation and bio-based leadership. It is part of a broader movement positioning Finland as a pioneer in circular economy practices and sustainable industrial design. The company supports Finland’s goals of becoming carbon neutral by 2035 and is seen as a flagship enterprise in the country’s sustainability portfolio.
Sulapac’s success story is defined not only by its material science but also by its values—placing environmental integrity, user experience, and industrial practicality at the centre of its product development. What began as a research-led mission to address plastic waste has evolved into a mature, commercially proven solution used by multinationals and SMEs alike.
With a robust intellectual property portfolio, a growing global client base, and a clear roadmap for scaling production and application, Sulapac is emerging as one of the most credible forces in the push towards a plastic-waste-free future. As consumer awareness grows and businesses race to align with sustainability targets, Sulapac offers an elegant, effective solution—designed for this moment and built for what comes next.