The founders of a company which makes paper bottles hope their new biodegradable containers will soon be an everyday item in every home.
Rutland-based SUPA Products has come up with what it says are the world’s first plastic-free paper bottles for use with their ‘eco-mate’ brand of sustainable laundry and washing up liquids.
The business, in Carlby, Stamford, was started in 2019 after the owners noticed that no-one else had come up with a biodegradable bottle that was sturdy enough to hold cleaning liquids for a long enough time.
Co-founder Scott Nicholas said: “We just couldn't believe that there wasn't a paper bottle on the market, everything was either an attempt at greenwashing by covering a plastic bottle with an outer paper one or they used plastic bags inside which is even worse for ocean eco systems.
“Even big companies were touting paper bottle development but when we looked closer they still had plastic inside and used plastic neck and caps….we couldn't believe it, so we made our own paper bottle without any plastic at all.”
The company’s eco-mate laundry and washing up liquids are also made in the UK from ethically sourced, plant based ingredients.
The paper bottle design has an internal coating of seaweed and natural plant latex to stop it leaking – and rots away after use much like a tree leaf.
Biodegradable accelerators within the paper speed up and ensure natural composting and the bottles can be cut up and composted at home, thrown in the recycling or put in a garden waste bin.
SUPA is now planning to expand the range of products it offers to pet shampoo, toilet cleaner, hand wash and a multi surface cleaner.
The bottles are also sold direct to consumers via its website and through its growing eco store distributor base, and on Amazon.
Mr Nicholas – who set up the business with Rachel Owen – said although there are other brands that are plant-based and available in recycled plastic bottles, it goes a step further as it eliminates the plastic element altogether.
He said: “The environment doesn't care if a product uses recycled plastic or not, it behaves exactly the same when it finds its way into our oceans and with 33 per cent of all single use plastic waste finding its way into our ecosystems every year, paper and bio materials that compost naturally are a no brainer choice.”
He said SUPA has committed 20 per cent of its profits to ocean and beach clean-up charities, and every 500ml bottle eliminates around 40g of single use plastic from circulation.
