News Packaging
Kruger secures paper bottle technology for Canadian market

With an investment in Ecologic Brands, makers of the eco.bottle recycled paper bottle, Kruger has become the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of Ecologic’s paper bottle technology in Canada.

With an investment in Ecologic Brands, makers of the eco.bottle recycled paper bottle, Kruger has become the exclusive licensee and manufacturer of Ecologic’s paper bottle technology in Canada.

 “We are especially excited to bring the Ecologic paper bottle technology to our customers in the Canadian market as an additional offering to complement our corrugated packaging solutions,” said Michael Lafave, senior vice-president, Containerboard/Packaging & Recycling at Kruger Inc.

Kruger’s Consumer Products Division currently serves the U.S. and Canadian markets with numerous well-known tissue product brands, and the eco.bottle® opens doors to other types of consumer-facing goods.

Ecologic Brands recently completed the first close of a US$7-million round of financing. Investors include a strategic investment from Kruger Inc. and current Angel investors, DBL Investors, Catamount Ventures, and Black Bear Partners.

Kruger’s strategic investment in Ecologic unlocks synergies between two complementary partners, the most obvious being Kruger’s manufacturing, supply chain and paper technology with Ecologic’s patented molded fiber technology. This will help scale Ecologic’s current manufacturing capabilities rapidly. 

Julie Corbett, founder of Ecologic, commented on the significance of this relationship. “By bringing the paper eco.bottle® into markets that have been traditionally dominated by plastics, our partnership with Kruger will help us revolutionize the bottling business with one of the most renewable and recyclable resources—paper.”

Ira Maroofian, CEO of Ecologic added, “We want to build this company with great products, people, and partners. The Kruger team brings all of that to the table and truly legitimizes Ecologic as a packaging company with staying power.”

Since commercializing its first paper bottle in 2011 with green cleaning powerhouse, Seventh Generation Inc., Ecologic has manufactured and shipped millions of bottles to 15 brand partners around the world.

Kruger Inc. is a major producer of publication papers, tissue, lumber and other wood products, corrugated cartons from recycled fibres, green and renewable energy and wines and spirits. The Company is also a leader in paper and paperboard recycling in North America.