Towards a Plastic-free World
by Qian Leung
@ 31 May 2018
The world is changing at a rapid pace towards a plastic free future. Development requires new and innovative solutions that can answer to new demands. A traditional single-use coffee cup includes a barrier layer made from plastic, which prevents absorption of liquids and greases. The barrier layer in products by Kotkamills is a water-based dispersion coating instead of PE plastic. Being plastic-free enables the products to be easily recyclable in normal paper and board recycling, and the wood fibre can be reused fully. This cupstock doesn't contain any waxes harmful for the health nor do they cumulate in the nature like plastic. "World's coffee cup markets are vast," says Kotkamills CEO Markku Hämäläinen. "No sustainable and responsible actor has provided plastic-free and easy-to-recycle products. Coffee cups covered with PE plastics can be recycled but globally it has been difficult and inefficient due to the separation process of plastic. It is great that Kotkamills can lead the way and act as a Game Changer in the industry."
