Cullen Packaging, the UK-based globally leading eco-friendly packaging material manufacturer, is set to double down on UAE’s sustainability initiative, with the launch of its latest innovation – ‘Fibre Bottle’ – billed as the world’s first patented paper bottle that is a viable, cost-effective and a real-world alternative to single-use plastic bottles in the Gulf market.
The innovative paper bottle can be used for packing an array of dry goods – from horticultural products, vitamins, spices, pet foods and treats to household cleaning items and more.
Available in multiple sizes, shapes and colours, the bottle is ingeniously crafted from the corrugated waste generated from Cullen’s corrugated facility.
“With a production capacity exceeding 270 million bottles annually, our ‘Fibre Bottle’ is not just a revolution in packaging, it has the potential to eliminate single-use plastic bottles at scale, supporting brands in the region to achieve their sustainability goals,” David Macdonald, Founder and CEO of Cullen Packaging, told Arabian Business.
“The opportunity for us is in educating brands on how easy the transition to paper is, and what in their supply chain can be replaced with alternatives like moulded fibre.
“This will ensure we stay at the forefront of packaging innovation, and it is where we see the opportunity for growth and expansion in the region and globally,” Macdonald said.
The Cullen Packaging top executive, who describes himself as a passionate change maker, said what sets the ‘Fibre Bottle’ apart is not only its recyclability, but also its compostable nature, as it returns to the earth, becomes a nutrient, enriching the environment without inflicting harm.
Cullen sees UAE as spring board for its Middle East growth plans
Macdonald said his Fibre Solutions Group is entering the Middle East with the UAE as the first step to make a greater difference in reducing reliance on single-use plastic and the resulting waste challenges.
“My goal with Fibre Solutions Group is to support the supply chain in the region to adopt sustainable products and packaging solutions that are viable alternatives to single-use plastics.”
Macdonald said he has been championing the message that moulded fibre is the answer to the packaging waste challenge we face for over a decade, but innovation and manufacturing at scale are essential if we want to effect real change.
“I’m bringing the knowledge, experience, and capabilities I’ve cultivated in my UK-based global business Cullen Packaging to the UAE,” he said.
The company is able to manufacture at scale and have supplied over 1.5 billion plastic-free products across 35 countries in the last 18 months is the key is that moulded fabric products can be the real alternatives to single-use plastic, he said.
“From our UK site, we’ve been leading the charge globally to support businesses across diverse sectors, including produce, medical, industrial, food and drink, and retail, to reduce the use of single-use plastic throughout the supply chain.”
Overwhelming response to Cullen products in the UAE
Macdonald said the response to the ‘Fibre Bottle’ in the UAE market has been extremely positive so far.
“This is thanks to its proven viability, but also because many other plastic alternatives can lack scalability, prove to be costly, and take a long time to roll out which can impact implementation,” he said.
Major retail brands seeking sustainable packaging solutions recognise Cullen Packaging as the only genuinely available at-scale option, he added.
Macdonald also revealed that the company is already receiving a high demand for collaborations and partnerships to generate a sustainable packaging supply chain ecosystem in the region.
“The UAE’s dynamic and efficient business environment, coupled with a commitment to implementing large-scale sustainable practices, we anticipate an exciting growth trajectory in the Middle East,” he said
The Cullen founder said the company, which has over 350 sustainable products in its range, was looking forward to collaborating with local companies to further its sustainability initiatives.
He said that the success in the drive to eliminate the use of single-use plastic will depend on providing brands and consumers with options.
Solutions already exist and moulded fibre is a viable alternative, but scale is essential, he pointed out.
“In a world where 500 billion plastic bottles are consumed every year, generating 380 million tons of plastic waste, alternative solutions are needed.
“The Fibre Bottle is exactly that, patented in both its design and manufacturing process, it is completely customisable to a brand’s requirement,” Macdonald said.
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