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WE ARE PULPEX
FAQ's
Who is Pulpex?
Established as an R&D collaboration between Diageo and Pilot Lite, Pulpex was launched in 2020 as a packaging technology company with a single-minded mission to deliver sustainability through renewable packaging.
What is the Pulpex technology?
Pulpex is a patented, first-of-its-kind fibre packaging solution that uses technical innovation to deliver much-needed and highly anticipated eco-packaging category change.
How are the bottles manufactured?
The bottles are produced by wet-moulding fibre into single-piece containers using highly advanced technology. The containers are then dried before being sprayed internally with a proprietary food-grade coating designed to be compatible with the products they are holding.
What kind of fibre do you use?
Pulpex bottles are made using materials from well-managed, FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources and/or sustainably sourced wood that is PEFC-accredited. Pulpex holds both FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody certifications.
How do I recycle a Pulpex bottle?
Pulpex packaging is designed to be recycled the same way you would normally recycle paper/card. In the event any Pulpex bottles are not recycled or correctly disposed of, they will degrade readily in the natural environment.
What is the bottle closure (top) made of?
Pulpex packaging is designed to work with existing closures. Brands have a choice of materials to make these closures from, depending on their needs.
Do you use PFAS's in your packaging?
No. We don't currently use Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) chemicals in our packaging.
Can you hot-fill the bottles?
We are currently exploring hot-fill options with our corporate partners as and where required.
Can you fill the bottle with carbonated liquids like soda, fizzy water or beer?
Pulpex bottles are currently designed for still liquids only. We are working on a version suitable for carbonated beverages.
Have you done a Life Cycle Analysis on Pulpex packaging?
Life Cycle Analysis has to be performed in the context of the full product being manufactured. Broadly, we know that Pulpex bottles have a lower carbon footprint (90% less than glass and 30% less than PET). Made with natural materials from renewable sources, they degrade readily in the natural environment.
Can I make Pulpex bottles?
Pulpex has begun conversations with parties exploring the idea of manufacturing Pulpex bottles using our proprietary, patented technology. If interested, please email partners@pulpex.com and we will be in touch in due course.
Can I distribute Pulpex bottles?
Pulpex will be licensing its proprietary, patented technology to bottle manufacturers in different countries. These bottle manufacturers will determine how bottles will be distributed.
Can you make a custom bottle for me?
Pulpex is currently working with its existing partners to develop bottles in shapes suitable for their brands. Ultimately, they will be able to produce different custom bottle shapes based on our proprietary, patented technology.
What colours are the bottles available in?
Pulpex uses a number of proprietary sustainable, food-safe pigments and dyes for its bottles.
Can I order some bottles?
At the moment, Pulpex is working with its corporate partners to develop bottles in shapes suitable for their brands. When bottle manufacturers begin to produce bottles, they will be able to produce certain standard bottle shapes which will be available for sale at the minimum order quantities and prices they set.
Is it possible to print on Pulpex bottles?
Yes, assuming a brand design allows for it.
Does Pulpex use renewable energy to produce its bottles?
Yes, we use 100% renewable energy for our operations.
Why don't you use recycled paper to make the bottles?
Not all consumer products permit the usage of recycled paper. Food safety regulations currently do not allow us to use recycled fibre bottles for food and beverages due to possible contaminants. We will continue to work with our partners to explore this possibility in the future. For non-food and beverage brands, recycled fibre is an option.
Why do we need a paper bottle? Glass is great, and recyclable too.
We recapture >98% of the water used in the production process and re-use it to make more bottles.
Is much water wasted making a Pulpex bottle?
At Pulpex, we believe consumers should decide what type of bottle they prefer to use. Glass bottles are created using a lot of energy (which can create CO2 emissions) and recycling glass also takes a lot of energy. Many glass bottles are not recycled, especially in geographies with poor recycling infrastructure. Glass bottles that aren't recycled can last hundreds of years in the natural environment and if broken can create a safety hazard to humans and animals.
What are the technical specifications / can I have a data sheet?
Technical specifications for three of our typical bottle shapes can be found here. When bottle manufacturers begin to roll-out the technology, information packs on how to work with Pulpex for your packaging design will be more broadly available.
Are you hiring?
We are always looking for great talent to join us on our journey to create the future of sustainable packaging. Please visit the 'careers' section of our website or email your CV or resumé to hr@pulpex.com
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