UK biomaterials startup Kelpi has partnered with sustainable household and personal care brand Bower Collective to launch a recyclable paper sachet for liquid products. The new packaging uses Kelpi’s seaweed-derived coating technology to provide the barrier properties needed to contain liquids without a conventional fossil fuel-based plastic lining.
The sachets are being introduced as part of a sampling initiative for Bower Collective’s hand wash range. Each sample box contains three 5ml sachets featuring different fragrances, allowing customers to try the products before purchasing a full-size version.
Kelpi develops bio-based barrier coatings made from renewably sourced seaweed, designed to replace conventional plastic coatings in paper and fibre-based packaging. Its technology aims to combine the functional performance required for packaging applications with compatibility with existing paper recycling systems.
The new sachets were manufactured and filled by Guardpack, a UK specialist in sachet production. Importantly, the coated paper was processed using the company’s existing filling equipment, without requiring modifications to the production lines. This demonstrates the potential for the material to be integrated into established packaging manufacturing processes.
Conventional liquid sachets typically rely on multilayer plastic structures that can be difficult to recycle. According to Kelpi, its alternative can be disposed of through household paper recycling streams while providing the moisture barrier needed for liquid formulations.
The launch represents a commercial application of Kelpi’s coating technology and an important development in the search for recyclable alternatives to conventional flexible packaging.
At Radar, we continue to follow startups like Kelpi, a member of our community, that are developing alternative materials and bringing new packaging solutions closer to wider market adoption.