PulPac partners with Correns for Dry Molded Fiber expansion into Japan

03 Oct 2023 --- PulPac has signed a deal with Correns to launch Dry Molded Fiber on the Japanese market.

Correns, which is based in Japan but has roots in Germany, boasts over 75 years of experience representing European companies in Japan. It allows technology leaders to market and sell their products and services to Japanese customers. 

PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber aims to replace single-use plastic globally. The company describes it as environmentally sustainable, resource-, energy- and cost-efficient packaging.

“[Dry Molded Fiber] fits Japanese customer requirements of fast production ramp-up, short cycle time, high-quality products and small production footprint. Dry Molded Fiber products are also cost-competitive, which is important in a market with large imports from neighboring markets,” Sanna Fager, chief commercial officer at PulPac, tells Packaging Insights.

Japan focuses on fiber
Correns has installed a separate Dry Molded Fiber promotion team. The company explains that it has witnessed Dry Molded Fibers’ development since the beginning of its cultivation. Therefore, the company is impressed with what PulPac has accomplished.

“Japan is one of the world’s biggest producers of plastic packaging waste per capita. Even if recycling rates also are among the best in the world, far from all the plastic waste is recycled or reused. Japan is surrounded by water, and according to a recent study, ocean litter is top of mind among Japanese consumers as the environmental impact that they are ‘extremely’ or ‘very concerned’ about,” says Fager.

PulPac looks to expand Dry Molded Fiber in  Japan, one of the largest plastic packaging producers per capita.“There have been several government initiatives to make businesses and consumers reduce single-use plastics. Dry Molded Fiber presents a competitive and viable alternative to many plastic applications in this market, where packaging plays a very prominent role.”

“We see a great future for Dry Molded Fiber products as they fit Japanese customer requirements of fast production ramp-up, short cycle time and small production footprint,” adds Tomoaki Miyata, in charge of the Dry Molded Fiber promotion team at Correns.

The sales agent says the company takes climate change and the need for a shift toward sustainability seriously.

“We see a great future for Dry Molded Fiber products here, on the Japanese market, and we are ready to work diligently to make it successful,” continues Miyata.

Fager says: “Since [Correns] is an established name, they help us find and open doors to new, potential Dry Molded Fiber licensees. We look forward to showcasing PulPac and Dry Molded Fiber at Japan Pack, [October 3-6 in Tokyo, Japan] alongside Correns.”

PulPac expansion
Earlier this year, PulPac announced Nippon Molding as its first licensee in Japan in a move that expands Dry Molded Fiber production to Asia.

“Having Correns supporting Japanese packaging producers in the process of becoming a Dry Molded Fiber licensee and a frontrunner like packaging manufacturer Nippon Molding will advance sustainable fiber-based packaging in Japan,” explains Fager.

The fiber tech company has been expanding outside of Europe. Pulpac partnered with Curt G. Joa to meet North America’s growing demand for environmentally sustainable packaging. Joa will provide the Dry Molded Fiber production platform “PulPac Modula,” created for the US market.

“The Asian and North American markets account for a substantial two-thirds of the global packaging sales. PulPac is committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities in each market and is expanding within both regions, aiming to establish Dry Molded Fiber as the new global standard for sustainable packaging,” Fager concludes.

By Sabine Waldeck