By Fredric Petit, Partner Packaging, Emerald
If there was ever a moment to be energized about the future of fiber-based packaging, this is it. We just wrapped up Emerald’s latest Sprint on Formed Fiber Packaging, and I want to share a glimpse of what we uncovered—and why anyone excited by sustainable materials, breakthrough production technologies, and investable innovation should be paying attention.
The Challenge—and the Opportunity
Emerald’s Packaging Sprints are always grounded in real-world business needs. In this case, our investors as well as 9 corporate guests (raw material producers, packaging convertors, brand owners, hardware manufacturers and waste management companies) came to us with an increasingly urgent challenge: how to unlock more scalable, sustainable alternatives to plastic in the world of molded fiber.
Our discovery phase surfaced three core innovation priorities:
- Material Innovation – Finding high-performance alternatives to traditional virgin wood fiber, with a focus on coatings that unlock water, oil, heat, and oxygen resistance without compromising recyclability.
- Next-Gen Manufacturing – Driving down costs with faster, smarter production tech, including AI-driven automation and dry molding innovations.
- Application Expansion – Pushing the boundaries into reusable, durable fiber packaging, from fluid-holding bottles to hybrid formats for circular systems.
The future of formed fiber will be defined not only by greener materials but by higher performance, scalability, and consumer acceptance.
A Curated Line-Up of Breakthrough Startups
Adding to the more than 1,500 packaging start-ups in our database, our team shortlisted 19 startups that stood out as potential game-changers. These represent some of the most promising technologies across coatings, forming methods, fibers, additives, and downstream applications.
Here are just a few that caught the collective attention:
- PulPac , pioneers in dry molded fiber tech, with unique IP enabling scalability and high performance.
- Xampla pushing the boundaries of plastic-free biodegradable, PFAS-free coatings.
- Cajo, redefining fiber marking with laser precision—imagine branding without labels.
Several of these startups are actively raising funds or exploring strategic partnerships.
Why This Sprint Matters
The message from our corporate participants was clear: innovation in molded fiber is no longer a niche play—it’s a strategic imperative. Whether you’re a CPG brand looking to de-risk plastic bans, or a materials innovator targeting packaging as a next growth vertical, the formed fiber landscape is now fertile ground for commercial collaboration and venture returns.
This Sprint created a launchpad for deeper engagement. Ten startups were prioritized for deep dives by our corporate partners, and we are working closely with them to align on pilot projects, partnerships, and/or investment.
What’s Next?
We published a sector study exclusively for our investors on 3D Packaging and Paperization by Franko Vrhovac, investment manager and (fiber-based) packaging expert. If you are interested in finding out more on this topic, or investing in the next generation of packaging tech, or exploring how Emerald can accelerate your sustainable packaging roadmap, this is your invitation to reach out.
Let’s build the packaging future together. Bold Ideas. Bright Future
Fredric
More on packaging & materials at Emerald:
Emerald leads €6.2M investment in Vytal to fuel the reusable packaging revolution
How Innovation in the Field of Plastic Additives is Key for a Circular Economy