Dart Container Corporation, a global leader in food and beverage packaging, has entered into a strategic equity partnership with Red Leaf Pulp Ltd. This collaboration secures Dart's exclusive rights to utilize Red Leaf's innovative alternative fiber derived from wheat straw residuals in the production of its molded fiber foodservice packaging.

Red Leaf, a Canadian-based private company, is in the process of scaling up its proprietary and cost-effective technology to convert residual wheat straw into market pulp and advanced bio-products. Their pioneering, environmentally friendly process addresses the growing demand for sustainable packaging materials, as well as tissue, towel, and specialty paper products.

As part of the agreement, Dart gains access to a substantial production capacity from Red Leaf's inaugural conversion facility, scheduled for completion in 2026 in Regina, Saskatchewan. The financial terms of Dart's investment in this partnership will not be publicly disclosed.

Keith Clark, CEO of Dart, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Dart is excited to partner with Red Leaf as part of our strategy to expand our molded fiber product line and offer additional packaging that earns our ProPlanet™ seal. Red Leaf is an innovative and environmentally focused company, and their disciplined approach to the development of this and subsequent fiber projects instills confidence in their potential as a major raw materials supplier."

Martin Pudlas, CEO of Red Leaf, emphasized the significance of their achievement in producing fiber that met Dart's rigorous quality and sustainability criteria through their dedicated team and demonstrated plant. He highlighted the rewarding collaboration with Dart's technical and leadership teams, which has deepened Red Leaf's understanding of the capabilities of their alternative fiber.

Pudlas also revealed the company's plans to extend its partnership with Dart as they progress toward the final detailed design and financing stages of the Red Leaf Regina project. He expressed excitement about future testing of their alternative fiber and bio-products with foundational customers in different market segments.

 

Source:prnewswire.com

Report Abuse