Kelpi and Bower Collective launch fossil-fuel-free paper sachet for liquids

Biomaterials developer Kelpi has partnered with household products brand Bower Collective to launch what they describe as the first recyclable paper sachet for a liquid product, using a seaweed-derived coating in place of fossil fuel plastic lining. UK converter Guardpack produced and filled the sachets on standard existing lines, and Bower Collective is distributing them as hand wash samples to its customer base.

Why this mattersA drop-in biobased coating that runs on existing filling lines could open a path to recyclable paper sachets, a format long resistant to plastic replacement.

• Kelpi's seaweed-derived biomaterial coats paper to provide a water barrier without fossil fuel-based plastic lining
• Bower Collective is distributing 5ml sample sachets of its Hand Wash range in three scents to customers
• UK converter Guardpack manufactured and filled the sachets on its existing sachet-filling lines with no equipment changes
• The coated paper sachet is designed to be recyclable via household paper streams and to biodegrade if it enters the natural environment
• Kelpi has separately been selected for L'Oreal's EUR 100m L'Accelerator programme
• The coating bonds seaweed-derived sugars with plant oils into an ultra-thin liquid barrier layer.
• Independent testing found the coating's carbon content to be fully plant-derived, according to Kelpi and Bower.
• The 5ml hand-wash sachets come in orange blossom and mimosa, pistachio, and wild peach fragrances.
• Bower Collective co-founder and co-CEO Nick Torday called it the first paper sachet for the company's natural liquid range.
• Kelpi received US FDA approval last month for food contact use of its seaweed-based coating on paper and board food packaging sold in the US