Cullen Eco Packaging owner David MacDonald, is standing holding his latest innovation, a fibre bottle to replace plastic packaging. — Cullen Eco Packaging owner David MacDonald, is the UK's EY Entrepreneur of the Year Transformational Leaders, and is ramping up production on his sustainable packaging innovations to replace plastics.

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Cullen to ramp up production as demand soars for sustainable packs

GLASGOW-based Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging has announced plans to increase production to one BILLION plastic-free units per year as demand soars for its sustainable corrugated and moulded fibre solutions.

Cullen revealed production has hit an ‘all-time high’ this quarter, with rising demand from retailers, health services and food and drink producers.

In response, the business said it is poised to build more of its own patented machines as well as bespoke tooling to handle the ‘increasingly complex’ orders for high volumes of moulded fibre versions of plastic packaging.

Cullen explained the increased demand is partially due to the diverse range of plastic packaging the firm is asked to replace, including secondary and tertiary packaging styles such as collation trays, protective inserts and transport packs. These high volume products are described as ‘easy wins’ for retailers and producers in their battle to make supply chains greener.

The biodegradable moulded fibre material itself is made from Cullen’s manufacturing process, using recycled by-products of its corrugate packaging business.

Cullen added that its production boost is welcome news for those affected by new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which will mean businesses will be liable for further taxation on harder-to-recycle packaging.

David MacDonald, Cullen owner and CEO, said, “Many companies are daunted by the upcoming EPR legislation, but more are starting to realise there are moulded fibre-based packaging replacements for plastic in the volumes they need. It’s not only much more tax-friendly, it’s also a huge leap forward for sustainability, so it’s a win-win.

“Thanks to our advances in innovation, like our Fibre Bottle, a paper bottle replacement for plastic bottles and pouches for dry goods, we’re at a point where there are viable sustainable alternatives to most single-use plastic packaging.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rob McDonald .