Kotkamills wins in the NextGen Cup Challenge

Green Solutions Packaging Solutions

Kotkamills has been announced as one of the winners in the global innovation initiative NextGen Cup Challenge, launched by the NextGen Consortium that advances the introduction of food packaging alternatives. Kotkamills sees this recognition as a confirmation for its commitment to change paper cup production and recycling with its plastic free next generation barrier board solutions.

Worldwide people want to be less dependent of plastic and Kotkamills supports that development with alternative food service and packaging solutions to disposables that contain plastic. Its Game Changer Cup is one of the 12 awarded solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable design and material innovation. The challenge was joined by 480 teams from around the world.

The NextGen Consortium is a multi year, multi industry global consortium that aims to advance the design, commercialisation and recovery of food packaging alternatives. The NextGen Cup Challenge is its first initiative, which calls on innovators, start ups, suppliers and industry experts to join a global challenge to develop the next generation of recyclable, compostable, hot and cold, to go, fibre cups. Both the Consortium and Challenge are managed by Closed Loop Partners, with Starbucks and McDonald’s as Founding Partners, The World Wildlife Fund as an Advisory Partner, and The Coca-Cola Company, Yum! Brands, Nestlé and Wendy’s as supporting partners.

Kotkamills is excited by its success in this challenge. The recognition further fuels the company’s passion and relentless drive for developing and offering plastic free solutions for food service and packaging applications.

‘Today consumers and companies actively seek solutions that make the world less dependent on plastic. We have created a plastic free, easily recyclable and biodegradable raw material for disposable paper cups, and we are thrilled by this opportunity to work with global brands in order to make a difference one cup at a time. We are passionate about changing the game and it is inspiring to co-operate with partners who share that ambition,’ said CEO Markku Hämäläinen.

Fifty years ago, plastic was hailed as the miracle material that would change packaging forever. Today, we are more aware than ever of how plastic – for all its advantages – poses a threat to our environment and well being. Kotkamills is committed to offering materials for the next generation of packaging and a future less dependent of plastic.

Kotkamills tackles the global cup challenge head-on with its water based dispersion coating that creates an effective barrier layer for demanding food service and packaging board applications. Disposable cups made from Kotkamills’ Isla Duo cupstock are 100 % plastic free and can be easily recycled with normal paper or board waste, with no need for a separate collection system or complicated waste sorting.