French packaging startup AVEC is expanding into the UK market with a moulded fibre packaging solution designed as an alternative to conventional plastic protective formats, including EPS, PE and PU foam.
Following growth across Europe over the past three years, the company is now making both its packaging products and production machinery available in the UK. AVEC describes its technology as a natural, low-carbon approach to protective packaging, with products manufactured from virgin or recycled cellulose.
The development reflects growing interest in fibre-based alternatives for applications where plastic foams have traditionally provided protection during handling, storage and transportation.
Moulded Fibre Designed for Product Protection
AVEC’s packaging is designed to provide a durable but non-abrasive protective format. The company says its material is 100% plant-based and recyclable, with FSC material also highlighted within its product information.
The packaging can be developed for individual applications, with AVEC stating that an alternative packaging solution can be created in less than two weeks. The company also offers production without a minimum order quantity, potentially making the technology accessible for applications where relatively small volumes or greater flexibility are required.
AVEC positions the moulded fibre format as an alternative to EPS, polyethylene and polyurethane foam packaging. Its supplied product imagery also identifies the fibre packaging as PAP 22 and displays a Class A PPWR designation.
Local Production Through Compact Machinery
A significant part of AVEC’s proposition is its manufacturing model. Rather than focusing solely on supplying finished packaging, the company also provides the machinery required to manufacture the fibre-based formats locally.
AVEC describes its machines as simple, flexible and resource-efficient, with more than nine machines already operating across Europe. The company says the low energy consumption of the production process helps it offer costs that are more competitive than plastic alternatives.
This combination of packaging and machinery could provide customers with a route to producing protective fibre components closer to where they are required, depending on the individual application and production set-up.
AVEC Expands into the UK
The move into the UK follows three years of growth for AVEC across Europe and represents the company’s next stage of market expansion.
For packaging users considering alternatives to conventional plastic foam protection, the proposition combines a cellulose-based material with flexible manufacturing and the possibility of local production. The availability of both virgin and recycled cellulose also provides different material options depending on the requirements of the application.
As AVEC establishes itself in the UK, the key opportunity will be demonstrating how its moulded fibre technology performs across the range of protective packaging applications currently served by established foam materials.
Want to discover more packaging innovations?
Explore the latest developments and over 12,000 packaging innovations in the Innovation Zone.
