Revolutionary innovation: Teknos cooperates with major brands in developing a recyclable paper bottle

Packaging and food serving industry is going through a profound change. Consumers and packaging industry are constantly looking for more sustainable, recyclable solutions and alternatives to replace or reduce traditional plastic packaging. Teknos, a Finnish family-owned coatings company, is answering to this need by developing barrier coatings for the food packaging industry.

As a part of a paper bottle community that unites a group of world’s leading brands and experts in material, design and technology, Teknos is contributing to the development of a first of its kind bio-based and recyclable paper bottle. The paper bottle technology is intended for both still and carbonated food liquids as well as cosmetics other liquids.

– We have a long history of developing functional coatings for various surfaces and materials. It is only natural to apply this know-how in other applications besides traditional painting. Paper and paperboard used in food packaging is traditionally coated by a thin film of plastic, but there is an option: water-based dispersions prevent water or grease penetrating the paper and is ideal for food content, says Tuomas Aspiala, Group Commercial Manager, Teknos.

Today, the first-generation paper bottle is produced from sustainable sourced paper material, combined with existing barrier technology. The next step is the transition to a fully circular bottle solution, including a bio-based barrier. In the long term, the paper bottle will become completely bio-based.

Paboco®, the paper bottle company, is a joint venture between paper packaging material developer BillerudKorsnäs and bottle manufacturing specialist ALPLA. The aim is to provide consumers with a fully bio-based and recyclable paper bottle, that ultimately could change the industry and impact the environment for good. The development started in 2015 by innovation start-up ecoXpac in collaboration with Carlsberg Group and BillerudKorsnäs.

Innovations are at the centre of Teknos’ operations. Best innovations are usually a result of cooperation with other innovative technology companies. In the paper bottle project Teknos is working closely with Swedish surface treatment company Crescocito.

– We are continuously thriving to find new and innovative solutions for the everchanging needs of customers, partners and the environment. Partnerships and cooperation is crucial for new and innovative ideas. This is how we can come up something truly unique and meaningful to make the world last longer, says Aspiala.

Teknos is a paint manufacturer with a long history. The Finnish family-owned business started manufacturing paints as far back as 1948. Today, Teknos has operations in over 20 countries and its retail network extends all around the world. Teknos invests heavily in product development. More than ten percent out of its 1,700 employees work in product development.