Alpla reinvigorates biodegradable plastic charge with Panara investment in Slovakia

26 Jul 2021 --- Alpla is reinforcing its research into fossil-based plastic alternatives by acquiring a minority stake in Slovak company Panara. Panara specializes in the development of fully bio-based and biodegradable plastics. 

Alpla says it is pursuing a holistic approach to packaging design in which all of its bottles and caps are developed for a functioning circular economy.

“Panara has a lot of experience in the area of bio-based plastics,” notes Günther Lehner, Alpla’s Chairman.

“In acquiring a stake in the company and partnering with Panara, we want to leverage this expertise and make the transfer of knowledge possible for our applications and customers.”

University-backed research
Panara has been researching biopolymers since 2006. It works in partnership with the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava and the Centre for Applied Research of Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Materials (CEPOMA) in Nitra.

The company recently introduced a bioplastic to the market branded Nonoilen, which is made entirely from renewable resources. The martial is also recyclable, industrially compostable and temperature-resistant.

“As a technology leader in the area of packaging materials, we engage in ongoing work with partners to develop new raw materials that will minimize carbon dioxide emissions as well as resource consumption,” outlines Christian Zmölnig, director of corporate research and innovation at Alpla.Alpla is reinforcing its research into fossil-based plastic alternatives by acquiring a minority stake in Slovak company Panara, a company specializing in bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

Circular economy investment
Alpla’s Panara stake acquisition supports its strategic focus of investing in the circular economy. The “four Rs” – Replace, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – are crucial to advancing the circular economy, the company indicates.

The “Replace research field” comprises research into using alternative, bio-based and recyclable materials.

Moreover, Alpla is involved in the development of paper-based bottles in partnership with Paboco. It has also released a home-compostable coffee capsule and a selection of tethered caps.

Also this year, Alpla transitioned Donat to green recycled PET (rPET) mineral water bottles in Slovenia and developed a recyclable PP condiments closure.

Last year, the company claimed to have produced the world’s first carbon-neutral rPET using green electricity and carbon offsetting.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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