Sulapac materials can replace conventional plastics in endless applications. They have a low carbon footprint and they are circular by design. Unlike conventional plastics, the bio-based and biodegradable Sulapac materials are safe for people and the planet: they leave no microplastic or toxic load behind, yet they meet the quality standards of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.
Sulapac materials enable significant reductions in CO2 emissions helping companies to reach their climate targets while elevating the customer experience.
The bio-based and biodegradable Sulapac materials leave no persistent microplastics or toxic substances behind. They are certified industrially or home compostable.
Sulapac materials are made with recycled content and side stream raw materials. They can be both mechanically and chemically recycled.
Sulapac materials are converted into products with existing plastic processing machinery, enabling a practical and resource efficient transition towards a cleaner future.
Our aim is that 50 % of our main raw materials are recycled or side streams by 2025. This will lower the carbon footprint of Sulapac materials even further. We are also constantly working towards our long-term goal to reach 100% recycled or side stream content in the future. Read more about our ambitious sustainability agenda here.
Plastics account for 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The production of oil-based plastic is estimated to double in the next 25 years further increasing the atmospheric CO2 burden and accelerating climate change. Industries relying on oil-based plastic need sustainable low carbon alternatives like Sulapac.
Sulapac materials are composed of 78% to 100% certified bio-based ingredients. Hence, they allow for the substitution of fossil-based carbon with biogenic carbon, a crucial step to keep the natural carbon cycle in balance.
Our current CFP calculations are based on the assumption that the biopolymers used are first-generation feedstock. However, majority of the Sulapac material grades can already be manufactured using recycled biopolymers. This results in even lower carbon footprint. The life cycle assessment for Sulapac materials with different percentages of recycled content is on going, and we can’t wait to share the results!
About the comparison
Functional unit: 1 kg of granules
Please note that the comparison presented in the image only gives an indicative understanding of the differences in carbon footprint, and it is not based on a critically reviewed comparative LCA as described in the standard (SFS EN 14044, chapter 6).
The carbon footprint of Sulapac materials
The results of the Sulapac materials are based on critically reviewed cradle-to-gate LCA performed by an independent third-party consultancy. Biogenic carbon (carbon sequestration) included.
Reference materials
Values for the conventional (and recycled) plastics are from publicly available literature sources providing an indicative comparison point for Sulapac materials. Before they can be used in consumer communications, a critically reviewed comparative LCA study must be conducted.
For certain materials an average has been calculated: original values 3,1–4,5 for ABS, 2,1–3,3 for PS and 1.6-1.9 for PP.
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Nature knows best. That’s why we design Sulapac materials to mimic the beauty, functionality, and circularity of nature.
1) USDA Bio-based certification for most recipes. Certification info available in the technical data sheet of each material.
2)Depending on the material grade, Sulapac materials show 49,7–100% relative biodegradation into CO2 in 420 days or less in simulated marine environment (30C)(ASTM D6691). Sulapac Universal also tested according to ASTM 5511 (accelerated biodegradation in the landfill, 37C): reached 68% relative biodegradation in 160 days.
3) For example, 0,09 kg CO2eq/kg for Sulapac Universal (Cradle-to-gate LCA screening performed by an independent third-party consultancy). The corresponding value for polypropylene is 1,7 kg CO2eq/kg. The value for each material can be found within the individual material descriptions.
4) Can be recycled through hydrolysis back to monomers, suitable as feedstock for recycled biopolymers. Chemical recyclability of Sulapac (excluding Barrier and Heat recipes) has been tested and proven technically feasible by a third-party industrial company. Field tests have also verified that Sulapac materials can be collected and sorted out of a mixed waste stream. When collected together, Sulapac materials do not interfere with the current mechanical recycling of conventional fossil-based or bio-based non-biodegradable plastics. The technology for chemical recycling of bio-based and biodegradable materials exists, but the infrastructure is still under development.
5) Our wood originates from certified forests. We always follow our strict Policy for Sustainable Sourcing.
6) Ecotoxicity and threshold values for heavy metals tested according to EN 13432. All raw materials comply with the food contact requirements of the EU legislation.
7) Sulapac Solid and straw made of Sulapac Flow 1.7 have been tested for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by an independent laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 certified) based on CEN/TS 15968 test method; No PFAS were detected.
8) BPI and/or Seedling certificate for most recipes. Certification info available in the technical data sheet of each material.
Deep dive into our material features and learn about the scientific criteria and validation behind our statements.
The Sulapac material portfolio includes a range of sustainable materials for injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and 3D printing.
Replace conventional plastic with the beautiful, functional and sustainable Sulapac material. We will help you to make the switch smoothly.