PAPACKS

PAPACKS is a German startup that produces alternatives to plastic packaging made from molded fiber material. The company’s packaging products are made from FSC-certified virgin fiber and industrial hemp. The company also uses a plant-based coating that functions as oxygen and moisture barriers. PAPACKS offers packaging solutions for various industries, focusing on customizations for its clients. These include barrier-specific food (i.e., safe for direct food contact) and non-food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics sectors. Its product range includes fruit trays, advent calendars, nacho bowls, and fruit bowls.

The company claims that its packaging is biodegradable and holds nearly 75 patent families worldwide. The company also offers license models for large-scale production at customer locations worldwide, providing expertise, machines, raw materials, and tools for on-site packaging production.

As of August 2024, the company operated production facilities in Germany (Arnstadt, Thuringia) and the Netherlands (Appingedam, Groningen).

Key customers and partnerships

In March 2022, PAPACKS launched a partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper to develop a recyclable and compostable paper bottle made from natural raw materials.

In April 2024, the company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with European Material Bank (EMBA) to advance the exploration, development, processing, and production of renewable raw materials worldwide, including sugar cane, eucalyptus, and bamboo. This collaboration focuses on producing virgin pulp materials for the paper-making and molded fiber packaging industries.

In May 2024, PAPACKS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with element6 Dynamics to expand its molded and thermal-formed packaging in the US, planning to build 10 fully integrated production plants across the country.

In June 2024, the company collaborated with Bayer to create fiber-based consumer health packaging for brands such as Aspirin, Bepanthen, and Claritin. The partnership aims to develop biodegradable packaging made from responsible virgin fibers using PAPACKS' molded pulp technology.

In July 2024, the company partnered with Wandarra to develop sustainable hemp-based packaging alternatives to single-use plastics in the Asia-Pacific region.