Perlen Industrieholding AG Enters Exclusive Partnership with UK Paper Bottle Manufacturer Pulpex

Perlen Industrieholding AG continues to advance its transformation into a diversified industrial company. Together with its subsidiary Perlen Papier AG, it will become the world’s first manufacturing partner of Pulpex, a UK manufacturer of sustainable packaging technology, with manufacturing exclusivity rights for fibre-based paper bottles in the markets of Switzerland, Austria, Italy and southern Germany. Perlen Industrieholding AG is now assessing the most appropriate industrial deployment of the technology in these markets and will subsequently decide whether to commence production (production may begin in 2027).

A globally unique technology with significant recycling potential

Pulpex has developed a unique, patent-protected, packaging solution based on moulded paper fibres supported by a complete enablement approach and supply chain allowing manufacturing partners to install its technology and bring production online quickly. The bottles are certified recyclable as paper in 4evergreen testing, feature a food-grade, odour-neutral barrier coating and offer a commercially attractive shelf life for a wide range of products. The paper bottles are suitable for a range of applications spanning beverages (e.g. juices, water, milk), cosmetic products and food items, through to wine and spirits, with stock and custom design sizes available.

The innovative technology behind the paper bottles has received multiple awards and addresses the growing end consumer demand for less plastic and more recyclable packaging solutions. Fibre-based paper bottles are considered a strong alternative to existing packaging solutions such as glass or plastic, combining functionality with sustainability. They can be recycled with waste paper, have a significantly lower carbon footprint than glass – up to 90 percent lower – and are characterised by low weight, high stability and water resistance. As a result, fibre moulding technology is also seeing increasing demand from global branded goods manufacturers.

Added value through an integrated circular economy

Thanks to its existing fibre infrastructure and industrial expertise, Perlen Papier AG has the prerequisites to establish a closed circular economy through the production of fibre-based paper bottles. The bottles can be disposed of with waste paper, recycled at the Perlen site and processed again for reuse. The project therefore combines industrial value creation with sustainable resource use.

Dr Florian Geiger, CEO of Perlen Industrieholding AG and Perlen Papier AG, says: “Securing exclusivity with Pulpex in our core markets of Switzerland, Italy, Austria and southern Germany enables us to bring an innovative and technologically leading solution for sustainable packaging to our markets. The paper bottle addresses key customer and consumer needs for recyclable, resource-efficient packaging. At the same time, we can leverage our existing infrastructure and extensive expertise to create additional value in the spirit of a functioning circular economy.”

Sandy Westwater, CEO of Pulpex, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Perlen Industrieholding AG. Combining Pulpex’s world-first, industrially scalable paper bottle technology with Perlen Industrieholding’s industrial expertise is an excellent example of how a commercially viable alternative to existing packaging formats can be brought to market quickly, meeting growing customer demands for more sustainable packaging choices and bringing about meaningful positive impact on the environment. Partnering with Perlen Industrieholding is a powerful first step towards Pulpex’s ambition to enable its leading partner manufacturers to replace over a billion plastic and glass bottles by 2030, driving growth and environmental benefit by offering both brand owners and consumers a truly sustainable alternative to conventional bottle solutions.”