October 30, 2024 15:06

The Italian pharmaceutical packaging manufacturer Bormioli Pharma will begin producing partially biobased PET bottles next year. This initiative results from a supply chain collaboration involving polyester resin supplier Selenis and Finnish company UPM Biochemicals.

The Selcare-brand PET will be produced by Selenis using biobased monoethylene glycol (UPM’s BioPura bioMEG) derived from wood processing residues from certified forests. This approach reduces the carbon footprint of packaging in sectors—such as medical and pharmaceutical—where high-performance and purity requirements do not allow recycled materials and limit the adoption of new polymers. BioMEG-derived PET has the same characteristics, properties, and recyclability at the end of its life as conventional fossil-derived PET.

To ensure a stable supply amid growing demand, UPM is constructing an industrial-scale biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, to convert biomass into high-value-added biochemicals, using sustainably managed beechwood.

Bormioli Pharma has long been committed to finding low-impact packaging solutions. Recently, it announced the development of pharmaceutical bottles made partly from carbon capture-based PET through collaboration with LanzaTech and Plastipak.
Last year, the Italian company increased the share of sustainable materials (biobased or recycled) in its products to 45%, a 15% increase from 2022, moving closer to its 50% target by 2025.
In May, German company Gerresheimer signed an agreement with Triton to acquire Bormioli Pharma's holding company, Blitz LuxCo, for an enterprise value of 800 million euros.

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