Futamura

NatureFlex cellulose film / Source: Futamura

AsiaCelluloseEuropeFood & BeverageNatureFlexNorth AmericaPackaging

WHAT WE SAY:

Anyone who loves a Christmas tin of Quality Street can sleep easy knowing that the brightly coloured wrappings of the chocolates are made from this cellulose film, not fossil-fuel plastic.

Futamura is a world-leading innovator in the use of renewable and cellulose films. It still manufactures many fossil-based plastics, but we believe they know the direction of travel is clear – the only sustainable option for our future is plastic-free. One problem we foresee is the misuse and, therefore, the shortage of films that need an industrial composting infrastructure. Designers need to know when it is the right, and wrong, time to specify a compostable material. Check out A Plastic Planet's Compostable Conundrum report for helpful insights on this.

NatureFlex compostable coffee packaging / Source: Futamura

ABOUT FUTAMURA

Futamura is the world’s largest producer of renewable and Cellulose films – producing 65% of the global total – including the internationally recognised NatureFlex.
Established in Japan in 1947, Futamura’s global annual turnover is USD 828 million. It now operates in the UK and US too, and produces cellulose film, plastic film, fibrous casings, activated carbon, phenolic sheets and non-wovens, packaging, meat processing casings and drinking water filtration systems.
The company currently employs over 1,500 people across its three manufacturing sites and 12 sales offices.
Futamura has both plastic and plastic-free products. Its plastic-free alternatives were given added credibility in 2016 following the acquisition of original NatureFlex creator Innovia Films.
NatureFlex is an industrially compostable, cellulose-based film with applications that mimic plastic-based products. A range of films is available including transparent, metallised and coloured.
Clients currently using Futamura’s products include Selfridges, TeaPigs, Percol, Kencko, De Halm, Pukka, Parkside, Brazilian ABICOM and Quality Street.