Neopac Unveils World’s First Paper Tube designed for Full Recyclability in the Paper Stream at IFP Congress 2025

Oberdiessbach, Switzerland – In a leap toward decarbonizing packaging, Neopac Group, a global leader in high-quality tube packaging, with its collaboration partners AISA – the Swiss pioneer of tube-making technology – and Swedish innovation partner Blue Ocean Closures, will present the world’s first radical tube design for full recyclability in the paper stream: the PaperX™ FiberTop.

Set to launch at the IFPC Congress (International Fiber and Paper Congress) on September 17, 2025, this revolutionary tube – comprising a fiber-based body, shoulder, and closure – offers a breakthrough for visionary brands seeking the ultimate in sustainability-driven packaging.

Paper-Based. Fully Scalable. Fully Revolutionary.

The PaperX™ FiberTop combines precision engineering with circular design, drastically reducing the use of plastics not only in tube body but also shoulder and closure – up to 87% less compared to conventional tube formats. Made from FSC-certified paper materials, the tube incorporates a thin EVOH barrier in both body and shoulder for enhanced product compatibility and protection. It is the first paper-based tube to feature a barrier in the shoulder while still being fully food-grade. While minimizing the remaining plastic content to the absolute minimum as required for recyclability in the paper stream, this tube was developed with Neopac’s full awareness as a tube specialist regarding uncompromising required technical performance aspects such as end-sealing properties during filling process.

The partners are now actively seeking consumer brand collaborators to help bring this disruptive technology to market. A 24-month partnership window is planned, including customer-specific design finalization in fully functional test samples.

A Glimpse of the Future – at K 2025 in Düsseldorf

Functional pilot samples of the PaperX™ FiberTop will also be on display at the AISA booth at K 2025 (Hall 4, BOOTH A35) from October 8–15, 2025. Visitors can experience the tactile qualities, shelf impact, and design customization potential of this industry-first packaging innovation.

“With PaperX™ FiberTop, we’re proving that a paper-based tube solution is not only technically possible - it’s scalable, performant, premium, and recycling-ready,” says Philippe Kern, CTO Neopac. “The moment you hold it, you know, this isn’t just another tube. It’s something entirely new - and it makes an impression.”

“Our mission is to engineer next-gen tube forming technology that enables sustainable packaging at scale. Together with Neopac and Blue Ocean Closures, we’re proud to bring the full-fiber vision to life,” adds Yan Gex-Collet, R&D Business Developer, AISA.

“With our groundbreaking technology to shape and form high density 3D objects out of fibers and in collaboration with innovation drivers like Neopac and AISA, we show that fiber-based packaging is the way forward. On a mission to reduce plastics and carbon footprint, the development of the cap for PaperX™ FiberTop is a milestone and an achievement that Blue Ocean Closures is proud of and look forward to exploring further.” says Staffan Andersson, CTO, Blue Ocean Closures.

Technical Highlights

• Tube Body: PaperX™ – ~80% paper with EVOH barrier
• Shoulder: ~85% fiber-content with EVOH barrier
• Cap: ~95% fiber-content, custom shapes possible
• Decoration: Flexo & Digital Printing, Embossing (cap & body)
• Formats possible: Ø35 - Ø50 mm / up to 200 ml fill volume

Sustainable Impact

• Plastic reduction: Up to 87% less plastic
• CO₂ savings: Ca. 13g CO2 for D50 tube for 200 ml; u to 65% lower emissions vs. standard Polyfoil® or COEX tube with plastic cap
• Designed for recycling: Engineered for compatibility with paper recycling stream

# # #

About Neopac Group

Neopac Group is a privately held company headquartered in Switzerland, specializing in the development and production of Polyfoil®, Laminate and Plastic tube packaging. Operating across four locations in Europe, North America, and Asia, the company serves pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and consumer goods manufacturers worldwide. With production capacities of 1.3 billion tubes annually, Neopac Group is committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability – including the use of renewable electricity and the development of recycling-ready packaging solutions. For more information, visit www.neopac.com.

About AISA
AISA Automation Industrielle SA is a world leader in tube packaging production machinery. Headquartered in Switzerland, AISA develops high-performance machinery and forming technologies for laminated, extruded, and fiber-based tube formats. www.aisa.com

About Blue Ocean Closures
Blue Ocean Closures is a Swedish innovator in fiber-based closures, developing bio-based alternatives to plastic caps using proprietary molding and forming technologies. Their solutions support brand owners in achieving their sustainability goals through scalable fiber packaging. www.blueoceanclosures.com

Media Contacts
Neopac Group – Cornelia Schmid, cornelia.schmid@neopac.com, +41 31 770 12 40
AISA – Yan Gex-Collet, Business Developer R&D, yan.gex-collet@aisa.com, +41 24 482 02 53
Blue Ocean Closures – Ulrika Ganterud Evermark, CCRO, ulrika.evermark@blueoceanclosures.com, +46 70 2180788