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Sdra finds partner to promote pulp-based bio-composite material

Södra is taking the first commercial step into the international market for its bio-composite material DuraPulp in collaboration with UK-based James Cropper PLC, a speciality paper and advanced materials group.

 “James Cropper’s extensive technical competence and global market reach will mean that we will be able to speed up the commercialization of DuraPulp,” said Anna Altner, Södra’s project manager for DuraPulp.

“Initially, the collaboration will involve niche and high-end packaging-related applications but we do see wide potential opportunities, including the horticulture market,” explained Jacqueline Redman, strategic marketing and innovation manager at James Cropper.

DuraPulp is a bio-composite material that consists of specially-selected pulp from Södra Cell and a renewable biopolymer. After additional processing, these two components take on special properties, such as moisture resistance, strength and rigidity. 

James Cropper plc has two business divisions: the paper division includes the speciality and luxury paper manufacturing and converting business and the non-woven division, Technical Fibre Products, holds a niche and leading position in the aerospace, energy, medical, automotive and other sectors. 

Södra is already involved in technical collaboration with Swt Paper, a privately-owned business development company in Varberg specializing in bespoke paper and cardboard products. This collaboration is making it possible to produce wet-formed DuraPulp demonstrators that showcase the material’s potential in bespoke packaging and containers.