According to a recent study, around 11,100 tons of PVA is generated from laundry and detergent pods in the US every year, with approximately 6,750 tons of that figure reaching wastewater treatment plants; the developed model also estimates that 76.7% of PVA ends up in the environment.
Such pollution is feared to contribute to the bioaccumulation of PVA and PVOH in both nature and the human body. Therefore, MACK seeks to help consumers make a positive environmental impact by offering an alternative to traditional packaging materials without sacrificing the quality of its products.
Claiming to dissolve naturally in water without releasing microplastics, Notpla Film is derived from plants and seaweed and is designed as a replacement for conventional fossil- and bioplastic-based flexible materials.
It previously won the Grand Prize of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, and has undergone a nine-month assessment process to evaluate its biological degradability.
Notpla’s collaboration with MACK is bringing Notpla Film to the cleaning industry. On a wider scale, the material aims to negate the use of single-use plastics in flexible packaging applications across various sectors.
“Our partnership with Notpla aligns perfectly with our mission to provide customers with a truly sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning solution that leaves zero legacy on the planet for future generations,” said Anthony McCourt, co-founder of MACK. “We believe that sustainable packaging is not just an option, but a responsibility that we owe to our planet and communities.
“Together with Notpla, we are determined to make a significant difference in reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.”
Pierre Paslier, co-founder and co-CEO at NOTPLA, added: “We are thrilled to collaborate with MACK, a company that shares our passion for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our mission is to create innovative, plant-based solutions that challenge the status quo and redefine the future of packaging.
“Together, we are accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and regenerative packaging ecosystem within the cleaning industry.”
SK Capital Partners recently made a strategic investment in Ecopol, developer and producer of water-soluble and biodegradable films for household detergent products, in a bid to expand its production footprint in the US.
Packaging Europe also spoke to Sway – a start-up that produces seaweed-based, home-compostable film materials made from seaweed and fellow winner of the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize – about its vision for the future of the seaweed packaging industry.
Meanwhile, Notpla has also worked with Just Eat, PepsiCo, Heineken, and Vytal to provide reusable and bio-based packaging solutions at the Champions League finals.
