Paper bottle technologies are seeing increasing interest from major players. HP’s acquisition of Edinburgh-based Choose Packaging, creator of what is dubbed “the world’s only commercially available zero-plastic paper bottle” is the latest initiative in this burgeoning sector.
Scottish paper bottle manufacturer Choose Packaging joined the Personalization & 3D Printing division of California-based HP Inc earlier this month, a move in line with the US group’s strategy of “disrupting the $10bn fiber-based sustainable packaging market.” HP aims to scale the patented technology and expand its reach to new customer sectors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, Choose Packaging offers a 100% plastic-free patented paper bottle technology whose outer casing is made of recycled newspaper. The waterproof inner liner is composed of plant-based materials; a formula that is modified depending on the liquid the bottle will hold. Cellulose cap seals, metal caps and paper labels are also part of the supplier’s offer, as is debossing for the outer casing. Bottle formats can range from 30ml to 500ml. The supplier either produces on site or can lease or sell the machinery allowing clients to manufacture at their own production facilities. Choose’s client roster currently includes Malibu Rum (Pernod-Ricard), consumer-goods group Henkel and Accolade Wines.
With this acquisition, HP is joining what is fast becoming a highly competitive industrial sector, with major players Pulpex, a consortium headed up by Diageo and venture capitalist Pilot Lite, and Danish company Paboco, the Paper Bottle Company.
