Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), based in Sweden, announced a significant breakthrough in sustainable packaging. The company’s latest fiber screw caps can now match or outperform fossil plastic in material costs. Additionally, these caps require substantially less energy during manufacturing.
This milestone results from advancements in BOC’s proprietary forming technology. It enables the shaping of renewable fibers directly from virgin or recycled carton board feedstock. This material is widely available and less expensive than traditional plastics.
The production cycle has been reduced to under two seconds, with energy use roughly one-tenth of conventional plastic molding. These innovations position fiber closures as a competitive, low-carbon alternative across many packaging applications.
Lars Sandberg, CEO of Blue Ocean Closures, stated, “For the first time, fiber-based closures are cost-competitive or cheaper than fossil plastics. They also consume significantly less energy.” He emphasized that this alignment of sustainability and profitability marks a pivotal moment for the industry.
The company’s research and development efforts, along with collaboration with global brands like Great Earth and The Absolut Group, contributed to this breakthrough. BOC’s technology allows high-speed production of recyclable fiber components compatible with existing paper recycling systems.
This supports the global shift toward circular packaging solutions, driven by brand commitments and new EU regulations.
Beyond environmental benefits, BOC’s fiber caps offer creative advantages. Their natural appearance, tactile feel, and customizable shapes enhance shelf appeal. These features help brands differentiate through both design and sustainability.
Sandberg added, “We are proud to show that sustainability no longer needs to be costly. Our fiber-forming technology combines cost efficiency with environmental performance and consumer engagement opportunities.”
