The European Union’s Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Regulation has ignited a shift in the food packaging industry, encouraging the replacement of traditional fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives. In response, Walki Group has intensified its focus on developing biodegradable materials and has now entered into a strategic partnership with Lactips, a French startup specializing in industrial plastic-free natural polymers.
A Breakthrough in Sustainable Food Packaging
Walki and Lactips are collaborating to create a paper-based food packaging material coated with a natural polymer derived from casein, a byproduct of milk processing. The casein-based polymer, developed by Lactips, is fully biodegradable, water-soluble, and recyclable in the paper stream without leaving behind microplastics or polluting wastewater.
“Finding the right material that protects food from spoilage while meeting the stringent requirements of the SUP regulation is no small task. Casein meets all the criteria, offering a sustainable and biodegradable solution,” says Mats Käldström, Manager, Development & Innovation at Walki Group.
Combining Expertise for Innovation
Under the partnership, Lactips will supply the casein-based polymer, while Walki will utilize its state-of-the-art extrusion line at its Technical Competence Center in Pietarsaari, Finland, to conduct pilot trials. Over the two-year collaboration, Walki will also analyze critical material properties, including coating weight, adhesion, barrier performance, and heat-sealability.
Annika Sundell, Executive Vice President of Consumer Packaging and Innovation & Sustainability at Walki Group, highlights the synergy between the two companies:
“This partnership is a win-win. Lactips brings the speed and innovation of a startup, while we contribute our expertise and advanced production facilities. Together, we are paving the way for future-proof packaging solutions.”
A Shared Vision for Sustainability
The partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to sustainability and circularity. Lactips’ Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Bertrand Dupeyroux, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:
“We are proud to work with Walki in developing innovative, fully recyclable solutions for the food packaging industry. By combining our expertise in natural polymer formulation with Walki's production capabilities, we are taking a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and advancing circularity.”
Toward a Plastic-Free Future
Walki has a strong tradition of working with universities, startups, and customers to drive innovation in sustainable materials. The collaboration with Lactips aligns with its mission to create environmentally responsible solutions.
“We share the same mission in advancing the world toward circularity. This partnership brings us closer to a cleaner, plastic-free future,” concludes Sundell.
This partnership marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable food packaging, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly solutions in compliance with the SUP regulation.
