James Cropper 3D Products, a UK-based unit of paper manufacturer James Cropper, has introduced a new, renewable and recyclable moulded paper packaging product.
Made from renewable fibre, the new material is said be a ‘sustainable alternative to plastic’ in many packaging applications.
The material can be used to pack personal care and e-retail items, giftware, consumer electronics and homeware products.
Available in a variety of colours, the packaging product is expected to provide value for brand owners, designers and other customers, the company said.
James Cropper 3D Products chief technology officer Patrick Willink said: “We know that if brands are to move beyond the need for plastic in packaging, sustainable alternatives have to add value and can’t compromise on colour, quality or performance.
"We have to open up new opportunities for design innovation so that the many challenges of replacing plastic can be overcome. Our moulded paper packaging is the first step in this next generation.
“The switch from using plastic to our moulded paper packaging can also be made with relative ease, which means it is really challenging plastic as the go-to product for packaging.”
The company said that the packaging's cure-in-the-mould production process enables high-quality embossing.
The process creates moulded packaging with even wall thickness, and allows holes to be created.
James Cropper 3D Products plans to showcase the product at Packaging Innovations 2016 scheduled to be held at Olympia London on 14 and 15 September.
Image: James Cropper 3D Products’ new moulded packaging material. Photo: courtesy of James Cropper.