Henkel and VTT develop new bio-based packaging material

November 11, 2025 — Global consumer goods company Henkel has partnered with Finnish research organization VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to develop a new bio-based packaging material designed to replace traditional plastics and advance the circular economy.

Innovating with renewable raw materials
The collaboration focuses on creating a biopolymer-based packaging film derived entirely from renewable resources. The material aims to deliver the same barrier performance and mechanical strength as fossil-based plastics while offering complete recyclability or compostability, depending on the end-use application.

VTT’s expertise in bio-based materials and processing technologies has been key to developing this solution, which integrates natural polymers and innovative coatings to provide moisture and oxygen resistance without relying on synthetic additives.

Toward scalable sustainable packaging
According to Henkel, the new bio-based film is part of its long-term goal to achieve 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2030. The company plans to pilot the material in select product categories in 2026 before expanding it across its packaging portfolio.

“Partnering with VTT allows us to accelerate the transition from fossil-based to renewable materials,” said a Henkel representative. “Our joint work demonstrates that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand when innovation is guided by circular design principles.”

Supporting the circular economy
This project is part of a wider European initiative to scale up bio-based alternatives and strengthen regional capabilities in sustainable material innovation. The partnership underscores how cross-sector collaboration can enable meaningful progress in reducing dependence on virgin plastics and advancing closed-loop packaging systems.

Takeaway: Henkel and VTT’s bio-based packaging material marks a key milestone in sustainable innovation, offering renewable, recyclable, and high-performance alternatives to fossil-based plastics.