DS Smith Partners to Launch New Alternative to Single Use Plastic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new study commissioned by DS Smith in partnership with Aquapak targets to produce a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic. This will as a solution for the difficulties faced by paper mills in processing paper and plastic combinations, which ultimately lead to rejection, thus making them end up at incinerators of landfills. The study aims to find solution to the issue of non-recyclable paper packaging.

As a solution to the problem, the partnership will explore the use of Hydropol- a com­mercially available fully soluble, bio-digestible barrier polymer developed by Aquapak, which could be adhesive- or extrusion coated onto paper. It ensures functionality required for packaging and is also non-toxic, marine safe, soluble in water and biodegradable. The new research will result in creation of new generation of packaging, which meets the needs of the circular economy.

Nick Thompson, Materials Development Director, DS Smith Group R&D noted that the circular design principles were developed so as to develop innovative packaging solutions with recycling in mind from the beginning. The Hydropol product helps fibre separation and can itself be eliminated from the process with no negative impact at all, he added.

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