Spicers is set to expand its sustainable packaging offer in Australia following a strategic alliance between its parent company, KPP Group Holdings, and materials innovator Papkot. The move will see Spicers play a central role in introducing Papkot’s high-performance, plastic-free coating solutions to the Australian market.
Papkot’s mineral-based technologies – which include recyclable, biodegradable coatings, adhesives and additives – are designed to replace plastic films and biopolymer barriers in fibre-based packaging. The partnership positions Spicers to support packaging converters with a broader suite of sustainable solutions that meet growing performance demands and align with national environmental goals.
“There are many solutions within the same base coating chemistry,” Spicers CEO David Martin told PKN. “One of the key advantages of Papkot's technology is the ability to design the properties of the packaging for either moisture, grease or oxygen barrier. A replacement for silicone release is also part of the chemistry – a major advantage for recyclability and biodegradability. The chemistry can be customised to the end-use needs, and we’re very excited about the possibilities.”
Papkot’s modular, production-friendly system means the coatings can be applied at the mill, by converters, or even at the packaging manufacturer stage, with flexo-compatible formats available for specific applications. Once coated, materials are designed to run on existing machinery, removing the need for costly equipment changes.
“It’s an additional product in our range that will lead to deeper conversations about how we achieve what brand owners are truly looking for,” Martin explained. “The technology will run on current equipment, with even a wet glue adhesive developed to run on current gluing lines.”
This ease of adoption is seen as a key enabler for Australian converters eager to respond to growing demand for plastic-free packaging without compromising production speed or output quality.
For Spicers, the partnership represents a major step in its sustainable packaging strategy across Oceania. “The technology means we can execute on our sustainability objectives and provide our customers with either a solution we develop together, or by taking a product already coated and converting it into a finished package – still complying with the expectations of the brand owner,” Martin said.
“The sustainability advantages are obvious: no film involved. And we’ll enable the industry to find new applications for the technology, growing the overall market for fibre packaging.”
Manuel Milliery, CEO & founder at Papkot, said, “This alliance with KPP Group Holdings is a meaningful step toward advancing plastic-free, sustainable packaging across Asia-Pacific and India. By bringing together Papkot’s materials and the networks of DaiEi, Spicers and KPP Antalis we can support brands and converters in shaping practical solutions for the industry’s transition.”
Papkot, which recently received Series A investment from global materials leader Fedrigoni, is gaining traction for its role in helping industries transition away from harmful substances while improving cost and product performance. Through KPP Group’s expansive distribution network, the partnership will offer converters and brands a new path toward circular packaging with industrial-grade performance.
