PulPac and PA Consulting launch Bottle Collective to reduce single-use plastic waste

PA Consulting and PulPac banded together to launch the Bottle Collective. This project aims to develop a fiber-based alternative to reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles in various industries.

The Bottle Collective is working to produce recyclable Dry Molded Fiber (DMF) bottles that can replace single-use and commodity plastic bottles for different products. 

PulPac and PA Consulting have made prototypes, and top brands have joined the Collective to keep developing and scaling fiber bottles by 2025.

Tony Perrotta, PulPac Partnership Lead at PA Consulting, said: “We are thrilled to announce the Bottle Collective. Together with leading global consumer brand partners, we can fast-track the development of the world’s first DMF bottle.”

“This will make the most of our renewable resources while delivering a significant positive impact to reduce today’s single-use plastic pollution. We have the technology. We have a functioning prototype and process.

“We are now ready to enter the next stage—demonstrating that our DMF bottles can be produced at the speed, volume, and cost necessary to match the massive scale of this global industry challenge.”

DMF is an eco-friendly packaging solution with renewable pulp and cellulose resources. The patented process used to manufacture it produces less CO2 than plastic and wet molding options, and almost no water is used. 

It can be used to make containers for various products such as water, dairy, soft drinks, beverages, detergents, skincare, and hair care. The fiber bottles' unique shape, size, and decoration options allow brands to showcase their identity.

Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac, said: “Plastic bottles are the holy grail of plastic replacement. They have an estimated annual production volume of up to 500 billion pieces and are a significant source of plastic pollution worldwide.

“We proudly share some of our patent-protected advances with PA Consulting, combining Dry Molded Fibers’ forming versatility, broad barrier applicability, and high production efficiency. 

“Backed by strong partnerships across the value chain, we can bring competitive unit cost into the fiber-bottle space, enabling the shift away from today’s single-use plastic. We encourage all brands and relevant industry actors to join this force for sustainable change.”