Sustainable materials for injection molding

Sulapac materials for injection molding are sustainable alternatives for PS, ABS, PC and PP. They can be used for various applications including cosmetic packaging, kitchenware, and cutlery.

To maximise the functionality of your end product, there’s a range of material grades you can choose from with different flexural and tensile properties, heat resistance and density. In terms of look & feel, you can opt for a natural appearance with large wood chips or a smooth polished surface, or something in between!

Material portfolio for injection molding

Sulapac® materials can be used with existing injection molding machinery, enabling a resource efficient transition towards a cleaner future.

1.5%

100%

Universal

A drop-in solution for most production lines and molds.

3.1%

79%

Universal Flex 30

Beautiful and functional material, ideal for complicated designs like knives and forks.

2.6%

87%

Universal Flex 35

For thin-walled structures with good impact strength.

2.9%

70%

Universal Heat 30

High heat resistance with ideal flexural
strain and impact strength.

1.5%

85%

Universal Heat 35

Perfect for sturdy, premium cutlery providing
high heat resistance without pre or post processing.

2%

100%

Premium

The luxurious choice with unique look and feel.

2.2%

87%

Premium Flex 40

The luxurious choice with unique look and feel with advanced flexibility.

1.1%

100%

Solid

Material with ceramic feel ideal for reusable tableware and kitchen utensils.

1.1%

98%

Barrier

Barrier material for sustainable packaging of water-based cosmetics.

2.5%

74-87%

Sulapac Luxe

Luxurious material with high density and premium touch. Ideal for replacing hard plastics.

10%

73-86%

Sulapac Luxe Flex

Luxurious material with advanced flexural properties. Ideal for replacing hard plastics.

Compare the material properties

Download our comprehensive comparison chart to learn more about the technical characteristics of our materials.

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PREMIUM

Dream ingredient for exclusive products

Cosmetics, Supplements, Luxury packaging

The Sulapac Premium material makes your products look and feel luxurious. The ceramic sound and visible wood chips’ haptic touch make it stand out. It is ideal for sustainable products that aim for an exclusive feel.

The material is processable with existing injection molding machinery. Our experts assist with the tests and production settings from mold selection to nozzle size.

Sulapac Premium is made of wood chips from industrial side streams combined with biodegradable biopolymers. This 100% bio-based material biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind¹.

Purchase Datasheet

¹Biodegradation of 48%–59% in 280 days in the marine environment (30ºC/86ºF) (ASTM D6691).

PREMIUM FLEX 40

A wow factor for high-end packaging

Cosmetics, Supplements, Luxury packaging

The Sulapac Premium material makes your products look and feel luxurious. This grade of Premium is more flexible and has a better impact strength. The visible wood chips and haptic touch make it stand out. It is ideal for brands that value sustainability while aiming for that exclusive feel.

The material is processable with existing injection molding machinery. Our experts assist with the tests and production settings from mold selection to nozzle size.

This bio-based (87%) material is safe for people and the planet: it is industrially compostable and biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind¹.

Purchase Datasheet

¹ Sulapac materials within the same family of recipes show biodegradation of 26-60% at 140 days in the marine environment (30ºC / 86ºF) (ASTM D6691).

UNIVERSAL

Natural alternative for existing production lines

Cosmetics, Luxury packaging, Cutlery, Supplements

Replace your traditional plastic material and start mass-producing truly sustainable products with minimal investment. Universal material is designed to fit to existing production lines and molds. It is suitable for rigid products such as jars and hangers. Technical specification and easy processing instructions are available in the technical datasheet.

Universal material is made of wood from side streams and biodegradable biopolymers. This 100% bio-based material biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics behind¹.

Purchase Datasheet

¹Biodegradation of 48%–59% in 280 days in the marine environment (30ºC/86ºF) (ASTM D6691). Tested also according to ASTM 5511 (accelerated biodegradation in the landfill, 37ºC/99ºF): 68% relative biodegradation in 160 days. Not considered degradable in California.

.

UNIVERSAL FLEX 30

Functional & beautiful, yet sustainable

Cutlery , Hangers, Supplement packaging

The Universal Flex 30 is ideal for single-use and reusable cutlery that ensures easy mass-manufacturing and outstanding usability. Beautiful and sustainable option for injection molding. Ideal flexural strain and impact strength for complicated designs like knives and forks. Suitable for food contact according to EU and FDA.¹

This bio-based (78%) material biodegrades without leaving permanent microplastics behind².

Purchase Datasheet

¹ Sulapac Universal Flex 30 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials. Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please ask for Declaration of Compliance for further information.

²Sulapac materials within the same family of recipes show biodegradation of 57,6% at 462 days in the marine environment (30ºC / 86ºF) (ASTM D6691), 28% at 153 days when tested according to ASTM 5511 (99 ºF) accelerated biodegradation in the landfill.

UNIVERSAL FLEX 35

Ideal solution for thin-walled structures

Cosmetics, Supplements, Luxury packaging

Sulapac Universal Flex 35 is a sustainable, beautiful, and functional injection molding material which contains 87% USDA certified bio-based content. The material is designed for thin-walled structures with good impact strength and is easy to process with minimal, if any adjustments needed for the existing machinery.

Sulapac Universal Flex 35 is safe for both people and the planet: the material is certified as industrially compostable by BPI¹ and leaves no persistent microplastics² or toxic load behind. Universal Flex 35 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials for dry food³ .

Purchase Datasheet

¹The compostability has been tested up to the thickness of 1,48 mm. As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

²Biodegradation of 79% in 308 days in the marine environment (30 °C / 86 °F) (ASTM D6691). Tested according to ASTM 5511 (accelerated biodegradation in the landfill 37°C / 99 °F): 52% relative biodegradation in 210 d. Not considered biodegradable in California.

³Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

SULAPAC UNIVERSAL HEAT 30

Highly functional material for heat resistant cutlery

Cutlery

Sulapac Universal Heat 30 is a sustainable, beautiful, and functional material for injection molding containing 70% USDA certified biobased content. The material is optimized for high heat resistance without additional or post-treatment, with ideal flexural strain and impact strength, making it a great option for single-use and reusable cutlery¹ with outstanding usability.

Sulapac Universal Heat 30 is safe for people and the planet: It is made of industrially compostable raw-materials and leaves no permanent microplastic² or toxic load behind.

Sulapac Universal Heat 30 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials³.

Purchase Datasheet

¹ Suitable for reusable applications as per European Commission regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Dishwashability tested according to EN 12875 standard with 20 washing cycles.

² Biodegradation of 56,7% in 280 days in the marine environment ASTM D6691(86°F / 30°C). Not considered biodegradable in California.

³ Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

SULAPAC UNIVERSAL HEAT 35

Sustainability and heat resistance for premium cutlery

Cutlery

Sulapac Universal Heat 35 is a sustainable, beautiful, and functional material for injection molding containing 85% USDA certified biobased content. The material is ideal for single-use and reusable¹ premium cutlery with sturdy design providing excellent usability and high heat resistance.

Sulapac Universal Heat 35 is safe for people and the planet: It is made of industrially compostable raw-materials and leaves no permanent microplastic² or toxic load behind.

Sulapac Universal Heat 35 meets the EU and US FDA requirements for food contact materials³.

Purchase Datasheet

¹ Materials are suitable for reusable applications as per European Commission regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Dishwashability tested according to EN 12875 standard with 20 washing cycles.

² Biodegradation of 52,2% in 140 days in the marine environment ASTM D6691(86°F / 30°C). Not considered biodegradable in California.

³ Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

SOLID

Beautiful and ecological material for everyday use

Kitchenware, Tableware, Luxury packaging, Cosmetics

Sulapac Solid is a sustainable injection molding material ideal for kitchenware used on a daily basis, such as plates, mugs, bowls and containers. It has high impact strength and it is dishwasher¹ and microwave safe. The material is available in natural, white and black color.

The material contains 100% USDA certified biobased content. Sulapac Solid has low carbon footprint², and it is certified as industrially compostable by BPI³. It doesn’t leave persistent microplastics or toxic load behind⁴. Furthermore, the material is certified chemically recyclable by LOOPLA technology.

The unique combination of raw materials: responsibly sourced biodegradable biopolymers and naturally occurring clay minerals, gives Sulapac Solid its beautiful ceramic look and feel, even sound, that makes it stand out. Sulapac Solid meets the EU and FDA requirements for food contact materials⁵and it contains zero PFAS⁶.

Please note that if the end product needs to be resistant to high temperatures (HDT-B 130 °C)⁶, the minimum mold temperature is 100°C⁷.

Purchase Datasheet

¹Material is suitable for repeated use as per European Commission regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Dishwashability tested according to EN 12875 standard with 125 washing cycles.

²0,57 kg CO2 eq/kg based on cradle-to-gate LCA performed by an independent third-party consultancy (biogenic carbon included).

³The compostability has been tested up to the thickness of 150μm according to BPI (ASTM D6400). As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

⁴Relative biodegradation of 77,3% in 420 days in simulated marine environment test (ASTM D6691 86 °F/30 °C) using natural sea water. Not considered biodegradable in California

⁵Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to the relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

⁶Sulapac Solid has 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 compounds were detected.

⁷ The heat resistance of the end product is dependent on the geometry and the manufacturing process of the product. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to test and validate the maximum usage temperature and optimize the manufacturing process.

BARRIER

The groundbreaking barrier innovation

Cosmetics (inner layer of a jar)

Sulapac’s patent pending innovation is a perfect fit for cosmetic brands seeking for a sustainable packaging for water-based formulas. Used as the inner layer of a jar, it provides an excellent barrier against water evaporation and enables you to pack your emulsions in beautiful, bio-based and biodegradable Sulapac packaging. The weight loss of Sulapac Barrier in one year (demonstrated shelf life) is well below 3%¹, which is the typically accepted maximum weight loss for cosmetic packaging.

Sulapac Barrier contains 98% USDA certified biobased content² and biodegrades without leaving persistent microplastics³ or toxic load behind. The material is food contact compliant⁴ and certified industrially compostable by BPI⁵.

Purchase Read more

¹Result of 1.3% with Sulapac 4-part jar with emulsion in 40’C for 12 weeks which equals 1-year shelf-life.

²The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is a certification mark of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

³Fully biodegradable in simulated marine environment tests according to ISO 22403 and ASTM D6691. Relative biodegradation of 100% (ISO 22403, 27°C / 80°F) and 92% (ASTM D6691, 30°C / 86°F) in 56 days using natural sea water. Not considered biodegradable in California.

Relative biodegradation of 100% in 75 days under home compost conditions (ISO 14855, 28°C / 82 ºF).

Relative biodegradation of 70% in 58 days when tested in simulated solid-state anaerobic condition (ASTM D5511, 37°C / 99 ºF) representing an accelerated biodegradation in a landfill.

⁴Restrictions and specifications of use apply, please refer to the relevant Declaration of Compliance for further information.

⁵As the compostability of an end product is also dependent on the geometry of product, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer of the end product to ensure compliance with the regulations.

SULAPAC LUXE

The perfect solution for luxury fragrance bottle caps

Cosmetics, Luxury packaging

Sulapac Luxe is the ultimate answer for brands looking for a sustainable yet luxurious replacement for hard plastics like ABS. Sulapac Luxe is ideal for fragrance bottle caps, jars, and lids.

The material has high density, good resistance to temperature fluctuations and a unique, ceramic look and feel, even sound. With Luxe both shiny or a matt surface can be achieved depending on your mold selection. Like all Sulapac materials, Luxe is bio-based and available with recycled content, and it doesn’t leave persistent microplastics¹behind. Sulapac Luxe contains bio-based and biodegradable biopolymers and non-visible wood flour from industrial side streams.

Purchase Datasheet

¹Made of industrially compostable raw materials. Further biodegradation testing ongoing.

SULAPAC LUXE FLEX

The material cosmetic world has been waiting for

Cosmetics, Luxury packaging

Sulapac Luxe Flex is a sustainable material for injection molding ideal for replacing hard plastics like ABS. Luxe Flex can be used to manufacture fragrance caps, cosmetic jars, lids, compact powder boxes, and pencils, for example. The material is resistant to temperature fluctuations, has a high density and a premium look and feel, even sound. With Sulapac Luxe both shiny and matt surface can be achieved depending on your mold selection. The material has excellent processability and it is easy to color with Sulapac masterbatches. Luxe Flex is now also available as black granules!

Sulapac Luxe Flex contains 73%-86 % USDA certified biobased content¹, sustainably sourced biodegradable biopolymers being the main raw material. Sulapac Luxe Flex is safe for people and planet². The material is recyclable by design³ and can also be made with recycled content. Available as non-GMO; ask more from your account executive!

Purchase Datasheet

1 Material version with USDA Certified Biobased Product label (certification mark of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) available.

2 Ecotoxicity and threshold values for heavy metals tested according to EN 13432. The material complies with the EU and US FDA food contact requirements (restrictions and specifications of use apply, further information in Declaration of Compliance).

3 Can be recycled through hydrolysis back to monomers, suitable as feedstock for recycled biopolymers. Mechanical and chemical recyclability tested and proven technically feasible by third parties. 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.

How to purchase?

Our experts are happy to support you in choosing the right material. Contact our sales to discuss more or ask for a quote.

If you are interested in manufacturing cutlery with Sulapac, feel free to order product samples here.

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Replace conventional plastic with the beautiful, functional and sustainable Sulapac material. We will help you to make the switch smoothly.

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