With the increasing awareness of global environmental protection and the gradual clarification of global goals of carbon neutrality and climate protection, the process of using plastic-free paper to replace plastic-coated paper is quietly accelerating in the food packaging industry. On December 19, 2023, the plastic-free paper industry chain partners composed of Sinar Mas Group APP, BASF, and DBC DBC Group successfully held a landmark "Plastic-free Paper Cup Base Paper Mass Production and Delivery Ribbon-cutting Ceremony" at Ningbo Asia Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of APP China. This is a technology implementation move since the parties signed a strategic partnership at BASF Shanghai Innovation Park more than a month ago. Sinar Mas Group APP successfully completed the commercial production of plastic-free paper at the Ningbo factory and delivered it to customers after passing inspection. This is not only a major achievement after the establishment of the industry chain cross-enterprise alliance, but also marks a more mature development trend in the technology application of plastic-free paper cups.
Picture: From left to right: Lin Fanqiu, Chairman of DBC Group, Dr. Liu Yaqian, Global Senior Vice President and Global Technical Officer of Dispersions and Resins of BASF, Wang Lexiang, CEO of Sinar Mas Group Large Paper, Dr. Lou Jianfeng, Chairman and President of BASF Greater China, Liu Wei, General Manager of Sinar Mas Group APP Asia Pulp and Paper.
Plastic-free paper is a new sustainable product specially developed to address the current situation in which polyethylene plastic-lined paper that is widely used is difficult to effectively recycle. It uses a water-based acrylic coating to replace polyethylene. While achieving various indicators such as strength, waterproofing, and hygiene, plastic-free paper products can be recycled through the existing waste paper recycling and pulping process after being discarded, thereby helping papermaking enterprises and the whole society achieve the goals of reducing resource consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, building a circular economy, and forming sustainable development.
Mr. Wang Lexiang, CEO of Sinar Mas Group APP Large Paper, delivered a speech at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. He spoke highly of the active efforts and achievements made by the technical marketing teams of Sinar Mas Group APP, BASF, and DBC DBC in the development process of plastic-free paper cup products. He believes that plastic-free paper cups will bring revolutionary changes to the food packaging industry and bring more good news to human health and the beauty of the earth. Mr. Wang issued a green initiative to industry terminals and consumers at the event: "Joinus, Making a positive change (Join us and make positive changes!)"
Dr. Lou Jianfeng, Chairman and President of BASF Greater China, focused on the importance of cross-industry cooperation and emphasized the synergy of all parties in the industry chain in promoting environmental protection. He pointed out that only by gathering the wisdom and strength of all parties can we take a further step on the road to sustainable development.
Mr. Lin Fanqiu, Chairman of DBC DBC Group, proposed that the speed of technology application will become the competitive efficiency of enterprises. Water-based barrier coatings not only open up the industry application of plastic-free paper cups, but will also bring huge value to more industry segments.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr. Liu Yaqian, Global Senior Vice President of BASF and Global Technical Officer of Dispersions and Resins, Mr. Liu Wei, General Manager of APP Ningbo Asia Pulp and Paper, and the management teams of the three parties had a fruitful exchange on driving market application and technological innovation of plastic-free paper cups. The meeting also discussed plastic-free paper cup recycling systems and social issues. It will discuss the environmental benefits, citing multiple industry cases and market analysts' opinions to support the effectiveness and market potential of water-based coating plastic-free paper technology, and making strategic plans and detailed work arrangements for how industry chain partners will strengthen the market promotion of plastic-free products in 2024, leading breakthroughs in coating technology, and cooperation between all parties in carbon neutrality and other aspects.
The successful holding of this event not only proves the development potential of water-based coating plastic-free paper cup technology, but also reflects the positive attitude of industry terminals and consumers towards environmentally friendly innovation. It also provides strong support for promoting the transformation of the paper industry and food packaging industry to the production and consumption model of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The active participation and in-depth discussions of representatives from all parties demonstrated the industry’s emphasis on environmental protection innovation and its expectations for future cooperation.
According to statistics, more than 3 million tons of paper are used for polyethylene (PE) lamination in the world every year. Because these papers cannot be recycled, they not only waste huge resources, but their waste disposal, whether landfilled or incinerated, will release a large amount of carbon dioxide. The large-scale application of plastic-free paper in paper cups, lunch boxes and other scenarios can not only recycle paper resources, but also reduce greenhouse gases emitted during waste disposal, which will make a huge contribution to carbon neutrality and climate protection in my country and even the world. This event marks a solid step in the global application and promotion of water-based coating plastic-free paper cup technology, and lays a solid foundation for further promotion of this technology in the future.
Introduction to DBC Group (DBC):
DBC Group is an innovative enterprise based on the application of new materials. It was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Shanghai, China. We innovate future applications, committed to using environmentally friendly materials to create a green life, and providing high-quality environmentally friendly solutions for the safety and convenience of human life and the environment. Through innovation and cooperation, we will continue to expand the innovative applications of high-performance environmentally friendly materials to more fields and jointly build a sustainable future.
DBC Group's main business covers the R&D, production and sales of high-performance environmentally friendly materials, battery materials, architectural coatings, sports flooring materials, recycled materials, and special adhesives. It has obtained dozens of system product invention patents and been awarded the honorary titles of Shanghai Innovative Enterprise and Specialized New Enterprise.
In order to better expand business, DBC Group has a number of subsidiaries, including DBC New Material Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., ANTUX Coating Co., Ltd., CASU Co., Ltd., Core Lithium Youguang (Shanghai) Material Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing Daoying Sports Industry Co., Ltd. and many other material application innovation enterprises. The collaborative innovation and development of these subsidiaries and the group have enabled DBC to occupy a leading position in multiple industry segments.
