One of the global current environmental crises has been labelled a “plastic smog” by Stockholm University.
In 2014 it was estimated that there were five trillion plastic particles in the ocean. An alarming figure. Now, in 2023, research indicates that figure is in the realm of 170 trillion.
But how does this plastic waste end up in our planet’s water ways? The bottom line: us.
Poor recycling, littering, leakage from landfills, and flushing waste down toilets and drains all ultimately result in plastic finding its way into the ocean.
Amongst the concerns with the “plastic smog” is a threat to food safety and quality, biodiversity, human health, coastal tourism, and a contributing factor to climate change.
If nothing changes, by 2050 it is believed that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish.
Whilst no one person will solve the issue, there is a pool of talented scientists and entrepreneurs across the globe battling to find solutions – including Dr Suvi Haimi and Dr Laura Tirkkonen-Rajasalo, co-founders of Sulapac.
Sulapac’s revolutionary new materials offer an alternative to traditional plastic, which is fully biodegradable.
“The materials are also recyclable and made with recycled bio-based content. Features that are central in reaching a sustainable circular bio-economy”, adds Suvi.
Combining Beauty and Function
One of the key selling points of Sulapac’s materials is that it can be processed in existing plastic product machinery.
“Our products make switching from conventional plastic to an eco-friendly alternative easier than you would expect,” explained Suvi.
Sulapac has created materials which can be used for a variety of applications at scale, from cosmetics to food packaging, cutlery and straws.
Amongst its solutions is Sulapac Universal, a 100% bio-based material which biodegrades without leaving permanent microplastics behind and can be recycled, via mechanical or chemical recycling as soon as its available, or industrial composting.
“Sulapac Universal is a fantastic, sustainable alternative to plastic for rigid products such as jars, hangers and luxury packaging,” explained Laura.
The business has also developed Universal Flex 30, a material which is suitable for single-use and reusable cutlery.
“Universal Flex 30 is a sustainable option for injection moulding which ensures easy mass-manufacturing. It’s 78% bio-based, offers excellent flexural strain and impact strength, and complies to EU and FDA food contact regulations. This makes it a brilliant alternative for knives and forks,” Laura continued.
The business also offers a range of Luxe and Luxe Flex materials, considered the ultimate answer for brands seeking a sustainable yet luxurious material for fragrance bottle caps or jar lids.
“The materials have high density, good resistance to temperature fluctuations and they act as an excellent substitute to hard plastics such as ABS. With Sulapac Luxe materials you can create either a shiny or a matt surface depending on your mould selection,” detailed Laura, “Like all Sulapac materials, they are recyclable and leave no permanent microplastics or toxic load behind”.
In an era where sustainability is high on the agenda for many brands, it is clear why Sulapac is an attractive supplier for major names such as Chanel, Marimekko, and Fazer.
Partnering with Chanel, Sulapac is supporting the $15 billion global brand in the launch of its latest step into sustainability.
N°1 de CHANEL takes an innovative and eco-responsible approach to beauty combining skincare, makeup and a fragrance mist.
Whilst its formulas include natural-origin and renewable ingredients, it has ensured the product goes full-circle by including eco-designed packaging using sustainable Sulapac material.
“It was fascinating to combine by-products like camellia seed shells and FSC certified wood chips in this unique packaging material for Chanel. It enabled Sulapac to support Chanel in reducing the environmental footprint of its N°1 de CHANEL product range even further,” said Suvi.
Whilst the sustainable credentials of Sulapac’s materials speak for themselves, customers also value the combination of functionality and beauty.
“As our materials can be used in existing plastic product processing machinery, we’re able to support brands in creating their uniquely styled products, whilst ensuring they have the high-end touch and feel too,” shared Laura, “customer experience is also very high on our agenda, and our team of 27 in Helsinki are united by that”.
Small But Mighty
Established in 2016 and with a relatively small team, Sulapac are making huge strides within the sustainable packaging industry.
Both Suvi and Laura hail from a scientific, biomaterial background and found mutual ambition to solve the “plastic waste problem”.
“To be successful you need good innovation, but you also need an enthusiastic, experienced team,” said Suvi, “our team is the cornerstone of the business and it’s essential that we as business leaders do our best to both promote a healthy work-life balance and support our employees in reaching their full potential”.
“By creating a safe environment for our colleagues, we know innovation can blossom,” she continued.
As well as its team, Suvi and Laura are under no illusion that systemic change isn’t vital to Sulapac’s future scale-up.
“Part of the challenge is ensuring that the infrastructure is there for our products to be recycled properly,” shared Laura, who is taking on a key role at Sulapac as Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs.
“Policy makers, waste managers and industry players need to work together to build the infrastructure and support the globe’s overarching sustainability goals,” she continued, “ultimately, the materials need to be recyclable at scale by 2030. What’s important to note is that if our materials were to escape the recycling facility, they would still be safe for the environment”.
Within her role, Laura has also focused research on ensuring Sulapac’s materials are food contact compliant within different geographies.
Collaborating with Fazer, the popular Finnish confectioner, since 2018, Sulapac have researched, developed and tested, compostable packaging solutions, free from permanent microplastics, suitable to contain and package food.
“There is a lot of opportunity for our solutions within the food service sector, which will form part of our growth strategy within the next 18-months,” shared Suvi.
A Plastic Waste Free Future
There is a lot of opportunity for sustainable packaging and recyclable bio-based and biodegradable materials replacing conventional plastic in a range of products within the coming years.
However, to accelerate the green transition, support by government policy makers is needed globally. Sulapac’s co-founders envision Finland leading the change. “We are contributing to making Finland the pioneer of systemic change”, Suvi shares.
From a customer perspective, Sulapac’s focus is currently in Europe, Middle East, and Japan, while expanding in the US and Canada is part of future endeavours.
“We will continue to pursue our strong growth in the cosmetics sector, as well as pay extra attention to the support we can offer to the food industry,” said Suvi, “we will continue to work with our customers on joint marketing projects to bring our bio-based, biodegradable and recyclable products to the fore and influence change”.
There is also a great opportunity for Sulapac to explore new application approaches such as 3D printing and thermoforming.
“We are committed to growing the business – alongside our colleagues, who share our core values of sustainability, creativity, and integrity – and doing our part to accelerate the plastic waste-free future,” shared Laura.