Introducing Woodly®: A New Type of Wood-Based Plastic
Woodly® is a new type of plastic based on wood. The core mission in Woodly is to accelerate the change towards a sustainable future by redesigning plastics. This Finnish-based, global material development technology company is striving for a world without waste, where wood-based, carbon-neutral recyclable plastics become the standard in packaging materials. The vision is clear—a future where fully circulating bio-based plastics production is based on sustainable and responsible raw materials. Woodly is developing and commercializing a new wood-based plastic material that is fully compatible with all typical converting techniques, making it suitable not only for packaging but also for various other items. Yes, this unique material is plastic, just not the kind that has been used in the past… it mimics the best qualities of traditional fossil-based plastics while opening up new possibilities.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The main benefits of Woodly are numerous and can be appreciated when key figures and facts are examined:
- Wood-based, carbon-neutral, recyclable, clear, and transparent.
- Developed by a Finnish-based, global material development technology company.
- Aims to create a “world without waste” by redesigning plastics.
- Uses softwood cellulose to mimic the best qualities of traditional fossil-based plastics.
- Suitable for all typical converting techniques, making it versatile for packaging and other items.
- Encourages a future shift away from fossil-based feedstocks through material innovation and extensive recycling.
- Recognized by labels such as “Better for Nature – Wood-based plastic”.
This list captures the dynamic benefits of the Woodly material and offers insights into how it could shape a more sustainable industry.
Innovative Initiatives and Exciting Collaborations
The innovative spirit behind Woodly is evident in its numerous initiatives and collaborations. The Woodly impact calculator is now live, providing an in-depth look at the definitive effects of this unique material. Developed with the expertise of AskKauko, the impact calculator offers a fascinating glimpse into how material innovation can dramatically change the packaging landscape. The product’s revolutionary nature is complemented by notable partnerships. Organizations such as Aspretto Café by Sodexo have introduced Woodly Bags as part of their sustainability efforts, while R-kioski, a key arm of Reitan Convenience, has embraced the Woodly® heat-sealed bag for their takeaway products. Collaborations extend to HMSHost Norway at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo and Compass Group Finland, each highlighting different yet equally significant advancements. These initiatives show that the drive for sustainability is more than just a trend—it is a movement.
Industry Adoption and Market Trends
Across the board, industry leaders are beginning to notice the potential of Woodly in redefining modern packaging and products. Food packaging has seen a transformation with partnerships such as that between Finland’s railway company VR Group Plc. and Woodly, as well as a collaboration with Holiday Club Saimaa, introducing reusable drinking glasses made from Woodly® material. Not stopping with food packaging, industries as diverse as textiles have also joined the movement—BLACK MODA is the first textile company to pack clothing in Woodly, demonstrating the material’s versatility. Retail giants like the K-GROUP have brought Woodly packaging into their stores, signaling a significant market trend toward materials that are not only sustainable but also aesthetically appealing and practically reliable. These examples highlight how innovation paired with strategic collaborations is helping redefine consumer expectations.
Research and Sustainable Innovation
Sustainable innovation takes center stage when it comes to Woodly. Instead of depending on fossil-based feedstocks, the focus is on material innovation and extensive recycling, thereby breaking away from traditional plastic production methods. Although there will never be a world completely without plastic, the vision of a future without waste and pollution is pursued with passion. The initiative makes it possible to decouple plastics from harmful fossil-based origins, and in doing so, it pushes the boundaries of what is achievable in modern material science. With every partnership and each new collaboration, Woodly illustrates that rethinking plastics can spark change in multiple sectors—from packaging to industrial applications—ensuring that environmental stewardship and material performance go hand in hand. It is an exciting time for progress in sustainable innovation…
Global Collaborations and Diverse Applications
The global reach of Woodly is underpinned by its wide array of collaborations and applications. From the sustainable packaging partnerships with companies like St1’s HelmiSimpukka and XOKO LTD., to introducing sustainable drinking glasses in high-profile projects at Hyatt Andaz Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi, Woodly’s imprint is visible across multiple continents. Even in settings like Slush—the world’s leading startup event held in Helsinki—innovative ideas come to life, such as providing recyclable cloakroom tickets made from Woodly® material. Additional collaborations with entities like Treston, a manufacturer of ergonomic industrial workstations, and HKSCAN, a prominent food company in Northern Europe, underscore the material’s adaptability and ecological soundness. Each partnership not only aims to showcase the material’s potential but also reinforces a collective movement towards ecologically responsible, future-proof materials.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – By promoting a material that is recyclable and carbon-neutral.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Through the decoupling of plastics from fossil-based feedstocks and lowering pollution.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – By driving material innovation and expanding its use in multiple industries.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – By encouraging sustainable packaging solutions in urban retail and food services.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – As demonstrated by the numerous industry collaborations and global partnerships.
Looking Ahead: The Sustainable Future
The sustainable future being envisioned by Woodly is a blend of innovation, collaboration, and consumer-driven demand for eco-friendly alternatives. The evolution of this wood-based plastic material from research and development in Finnish labs to global implementation in diverse areas such as food packaging, textiles, and reusable items signals a monumental shift. As consumers increasingly value ecologically sustainable products and packaging, industries feel the mounting pressure to transition toward environmentally friendly materials. The natural progression of these trends is evident—when consumers demonstrate their preference for sustainable products, companies are nudged to shift their strategies and adopt groundbreaking solutions like Woodly®. This dynamic movement toward redesigning plastics is both heartening and transformative, promising a future where waste and pollution are not the norms but challenges actively being overcome…
