Building a viable circular economy is only possible when innovative leaders have the confidence to cooperate. Extensive resources and investments are required to create progressive solutions that can truly support the efficiency and scalability demanded by the global packaging industry. Working together is key.

Progressive solutions are what will future-proof the packaging industry, yet the ever-stricter legislation regarding packaging materials means innovation is needed now more than ever. According to a recent EU report, bio-based materials have been acknowledged as having ‘high potential’, the EU is increasing mandatory percentages of recycled content in packaging, and many studies show that better cost competitiveness is required for bio-based solutions.

But how do you find the type of pioneering partners that bring undeniable value? And how do you make that cooperation mutually beneficial? It's easier said than done. Finding the right people with the right ideas is tricky, especially when companies are understandably protective of their developments. For Pont, meeting Blue Ocean Closures at a respected packaging industry trade exhibition proved to be a true meeting of minds—and resources!

With Pont an established European glass and plastic packaging supplier and Blue Ocean Closures a Sweden-based technology start-up with a clear sustainability purpose, the potential combination of Pont’s strong reputation for delivering sustainable solutions across Europe and Blue Ocean Closures’ biobased fibre closures was quickly evident.

Jacquelien Spenkelink, Purchase Director at Pont, shares how their ‘enthusiastic partnership’ has progressed. “Promoting this amazing new closure is easy; it recently won the Sustainability Award at the Packaging Innovation Show in Birmingham, UK, where it was presented on a 100% rPET PETPacker jar from Pont! Brands that value sustainability want a solution like this, and Pont is here to help.”

Ulrika Evermark, Chief Communications & Relations Officer at Blue Ocean Closures, agrees, saying, “There’s never been this type of product on the market before! It’s a biobased closure that is made from cellulose and is easily recyclable in the standard paper recycling stream. It’s got the look and feel of paper, so consumers are quickly comfortable with it, but it’s also strong and food safe. It’s a ‘drop in’ solution too, as it’s just an exchange. There are no technical modifications needed or equipment changes, you just need to switch out the box of closures. We currently offer a 38ml closure and we’re about to introduce a 45ml option.”

Proud to pioneer

Pont is proud to be bringing this progressive, pioneering closure to its customers across Europe, with the ability to quickly deliver this sustainable solution from its wide network of warehouses and distribution centres. Jacquelien continues, “This is what I’m really excited about; getting Blue Ocean’s strong, biobased closure to the wider market, exactly where it belongs! We work with many of Europe’s leading nutraceutical and VMS [Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements] brands, who truly value the synergy of sustainable packaging with their high-quality products.”

This synergy is a driving force in the collaboration between Pont and Blue Ocean Closures, whose biobased closures are already being used by forward-thinking brands, including Absolut Vodka, L’Oreal and Pernod Ricard. Ulrika adds, “We’re certainly developing into different markets, with the common denominator being brands – and their customers - that value provable sustainability. Our closures are 95% natural, with hydrophobicity additives that are already found in other food and personal care packaging but no fillers. They help protect the food from interaction with water or moisture through coating, dispersion, and lamination. They’re beautiful and strong, produced in an efficient process; simple and scalable.”

By ensuring this sustainable cellulose closure is ‘simple and scalable,’ Blue Ocean Closures is meeting Pont where it is already well known. Working together to bring biobased packaging jars and closures to food, beverage, and personal care markets across Europe, utilising a solid reputation for efficiently delivering complete sustainable packaging, is the very definition of a win-win situation.