Nissha and Stoelzle Join Forces to Advance Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Introduction

Healthcare, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical brands are under growing pressure to go green, especially when it comes to packaging. And while many have switched to recyclable glass jars, there's still a problem hiding in plain sight: the closures.

Most brands still use fossil fuel-based caps like ABS or Bakelite: a contradiction that undermines sustainability claims and brand positioning.

The good news? That gap is finally being closed! Nissha has found a way to maintain the beauty and functionality of Bakelite-style closures while adopting modern environmental standards.

The Problem with Traditional Closures

Many traditional closure materials like ABS, and Bakelite offer durability and a nice finish. PP and PE, on the other hand, have great resilience. However, when it comes to sustainability, they fall short. While PE, PP, and ABS are recyclable to some extent, Bakelite is not.

• Fossil-based and higher carbon footprint: PP, PE, and other fossil-based plastics contribute to a higher carbon footprint.
• Non-Food Contact Safety certified: ABS and Bakelite are not Food Contact Safety certified materials, posing risks in food packaging.
• Limited recyclability: Bakelite, in particular, is not recyclable, complicating end-of-life disposal and recycling efforts.

So, even when brands invest in recyclable glass jars, non-sustainable closures tarnish their eco-friendly efforts.
For green beauty and green healthcare brands, this inconsistency can undermine their image, leave consumers skeptical, and fail to align with growing sustainability values.

Sustainability should be a full-package solution, and that includes closures.

The Perfect Sustainable Match: Nissha and Stoelzle

This is where the collaboration between Nissha and Stoelzle comes into play. Together, we’re addressing this packaging contradiction with a seamless, fully sustainable solution.

Who is Stoelze?

Stoelzle Glass Group is a leading manufacturer with over 200 years of experience in premium glass packaging.

Known for producing high-quality, recyclable glass containers, Stoelzle serves a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, perfumery, spirits, and cosmetics. With seven manufacturing plants and three decoration sites worldwide, they are a global leader in glass packaging solutions. In addition to their rich history and global reach, Stoelzle shares Nissha's commitment to sustainability. The company has set a bold goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for environmentally conscious packaging.

Visit Stoelzle's website → https://www.stoelzle.com/pharma/

Combining Strengths – Stoelzle Glass Meets Nissha Closures

This partnership between Stoelzle and Nissha fills a critical gap in the market for fully sustainable packaging solutions:

• Stoelzle provides PharmaCos glass jars, known for their superior recyclability and premium quality.
• Nissha contributes bio-based Sulapac Solid closures (now available in the standard 51mm thread), offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic caps.

Nissha's Sulapac Solid closures offer two key advantages to traditional caps:

• 1. 100% Bio-based MaterialWith a low carbon footprint, Sulapac is a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics.
• 2. FSC ApprovedSulapac is Food Contact Safety (FSC) certified, ensuring safe and reliable use in food packaging.

Together, we now offer an off-the-shelf sustainable packaging system that meets the needs of premium, eco-conscious brands.

The Development Journey From Concept to Compatibility

Like most great ideas, this one began during product development: our new 50ml jar for water-based content. Until then, our solutions had primarily focused on dry and oil-based contents. However, market trends and customer expectations were shifting.

The initial goal was to add a commonly used jar size to the existing product line. However, during early development, Mr. Nils Wenzel proposed a more ambitious idea:

”What if we could offer brands a complete, sustainable packaging system by expanding our ecosense line-up?“

This vision was quickly reinforced by a common issue: brands are using recyclable glass jars but sealing them with closures made out of outdated materials like Bakelite or ABS, leaving their packaging only partially sustainable.

To address this, our team designed a new jar featuring a standard 51mm glass neck finish. This innovation ensured that our closures are compatible not only with our own containers but also with widely available glass packaging, such as the Stoelzle PharmaCos series.

The development took around 1.5 years, resulting in a highly versatile mold compatible with a range of materials – including Sulapac Solid, a biocomposite made from bio-based mineral clay and plant-based binders.

But one key issue remained. We're not glass manufacturers, we specialize in high-performance, sustainable materials. So, to bring the full concept to life, we needed a partner who shared our vision.

That's where Stoelzle came in.

We're proud to offer our closures as sustainable solutions for glass jars from trusted partners like Stoelzle. By combining recyclable glass with bio-based closures, together, we're helping brands replace outdated components with next-generation materials – a step forward in making circularity the new standard.

Why Sulapac Solid is the Future of Closures

The Sulapac Solid closures offer multiple benefits that make them a superior alternative to traditional options:

• Premium look and feel with no fossil-based content;
• Seamless compatibility (standard thread = no tooling change);
• Unified aesthetic for premium shelf appeal;
• Made of industrially compostable material;
• No microplastics left behind;
• Proven safety: food-contact certified (EU 10/2011 & 1935/2004);
• Durable under heat, humidity, and moisture;
• CO₂ footprint reduced by up to 65% (vs. virgin PP);
• Ideal for high-end cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharma brands.

All these features help brands eliminate inconsistencies in their sustainable packaging, while maintaining high standards in product presentation.

The Future of Nissha's Innovation

Rest assured, the innovation doesn't stop here.

Nissha remains committed to co-developing standard and customized solutions with customers, offering not only standard jars with closures but also custom-made products that meet specific market and product needs.

Based on customer demand, we plan on actively expanding the ecosense line-up. Upcoming additions under consideration include diameter sizes of 38mm, 45mm, and 58mm.

We’re also exploring the development of a child-resistant closure – a crucial feature for pharma and wellness brands. While current bio-based materials present some limitations, further testing is underway to meet regulatory requirements.

Sustainable innovation is at the heart of the Nissha ecosense brand. Every year, we introduce new materials and designs to help customers meet their environmental goals without compromising performance.

Ready To Take Your Packaging To The next level?

Nissha and Stoelzle's collaboration proves that premium aesthetics, sustainability, and safety can go hand in hand – without compromise. This partnership sets a new benchmark for packaging that supports both brand values and consumer expectations.

With a fully recyclable, high-quality solution, you no longer have to choose between looks and environmental responsibility.

Let's redefine what sustainable packaging can be. Connect with our experts to explore how our closures and Stoelzle's glass jars can bring lasting value to your next product line.