Pulpex Set to Build Its First Commercial Plant in Scotland with CMPC Ventures’ Support

The startup’s patented technology makes possible the production of biodegradable bottles using cellulose that can ultimately be recycled just like paper or cardboard. The plant was designed to produce up to 40 million bottles per year.

Pulpex is the startup that developed the production process for bottles made out of cellulose, and has recently announced a successful Series D investment round totaling approximately USD 75 million, led by the National Wealth Fund (NWF) of England and the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) of Scotland. The initiative included the participation of current partners, one of which is CMPC Ventures, a fund that has invested in the company since early 2023 as a participant in a financing round that led to the development and scaling of the technology in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom.

The capital will enable Pulpex to build its first commercial plant located in the vicinity of Glasgow, Scotland. This facility, with a production capacity of up to 40 million bottles per year, is essential for the implementation of the company’s patented cellulose fiber technology. The bottles will be recyclable and biodegradable, so they can replace various types of plastic and glass packaging and also be seamlessly inserted into current paper recycling streams.

The plant is projected to be operational in 2026 and will create the UK’s first fiber bottle supply chain, a significant step toward the global commercialization of such an innovative solution.

“CMPC Ventures has just reaffirmed its commitment to supporting companies that are leading the charge toward a more sustainable future with innovative solutions coming from the wood and paper industry. This investment strengthens the tracking and support for Pulpex during the scaling phase in order for its market position to continue growing stronger,” said CMPC Ventures Manager Bernardita Araya.

Scott Winston added, “Having a long-standing, dynamic partner with its own operations helps us grow and achieve our global goals in terms of scale and impact. CMPC Ventures has always been a perfect fit with our professional ethos and drive for success.”

Currently operating out of Sawston, UK, Pulpex maintains partnerships with some of the world’s largest consumer brands, including Diageo, PepsiCo, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz, with whom it works closely to find the best sustainable packaging solutions.