Macpac Adds Sulapac Flow Wood-Polymer Composite for Sustainable Thermoformed Packaging

Updated on May 25, 2026 • 3 min read

Stockport-based Macpac has expanded its sustainable packaging material portfolio with Sulapac Flow 1.7, a thermoformable wood-polymer composite developed by Helsinki-based Sulapac.

The material is designed for packaging producers seeking an alternative to conventional plastics such as PS, PP and PET, while maintaining the forming performance, shape memory and precision required for premium packaging applications.

A wood-polymer composite for practical packaging

Sulapac Flow is made from:

• biodegradable biopolymers
• wood dust from North European sawmill by-products

The wood dust does not require tree cutting specifically for packaging production, supporting a lower-impact material route.

The material is:

• biobased
• industrially compostable
• recyclable by design
• free from permanent microplastics
• PFAS-free
• food-safe for EU and U.S. FDA applications

Why it matters for thermoforming

Unlike many paper or card alternatives, Sulapac Flow behaves more like conventional plastic during forming and use.

It can:

• maintain its shape
• click in and out repeatedly
• resist collapse in water
• support detailed surface textures
• be produced in custom colors
• deliver a natural premium look without post-processing

This makes it suitable for:

• luxury packaging inserts
• point-of-sale displays
• logistics trays
• single-use food packaging
• protective molded packaging

Lower processing energy

Sulapac Flow can be thermoformed at lower temperatures than conventional plastics. According to Macpac, this can deliver up to 20% energy savings through shorter heating times.

Faster heating also supports:

• shorter production cycles
• improved process efficiency
• more consistent output quality

🔒 Content Transparency & Editorial Integrity

This article is developed based on real engineering experience, machine testing data, and practical production knowledge from Jota Machinery’s work in advanced composite manufacturing.

All technical explanations—including material structure, processing methods, and performance characteristics—are reviewed and verified by our engineering team to ensure accuracy and real-world relevance.

To improve clarity and structure, AI-assisted tools may have been used during content organization and language refinement. However:

• All key technical insights originate from first-hand industrial experience
• All data and claims are manually reviewed and validated
• The content is created with the primary goal of educating engineers, manufacturers, and buyers

We do not publish content solely for search ranking purposes. Every article is designed to provide practical, experience-based value to professionals in the composite materials industry.

Editorial Perspective

This material is important because sustainable packaging cannot succeed on environmental claims alone.

Brands need materials that still work in real production lines and protect products properly. Sulapac Flow is interesting because it offers compostability and biobased content while preserving the thermoforming behavior manufacturers expect from plastic.

For packaging converters, the real value is practical: lower forming temperatures, shape memory, water resistance and premium appearance. That combination makes wood-polymer composites a serious option for brands trying to reduce plastic use without sacrificing packaging performance.