Pulp-Injection: The Perfect Blend of Durability and Sustainability

Introduction

The global shift towards sustainable living has revolutionized every industry, and packaging is no exception.

With the growing awareness of environmental conservation and a pressing need to minimize waste and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, sustainable packaging solutions have become the frontline answer.

Among the most innovative advancements in this space is Pulp-Injection technology. By combining the structural strength of injection molding with the sustainable essence of pulp, Nissha delivers a material that’s both highly functional and environmentally responsible.

What Is Pulp-Injection?

At its core, Pulp-Injection is an advanced molding technology that is transforming the way we think about using pulp material.

Instead of using a commonly used thermoforming approach for pulp materials, our Pulp-Injection technology employs injection molding to form three-dimensional structural parts from injection-molded “paper (pulp).”

This advanced process unlocks a new level of performance in pulp-based packaging. Thanks to the unique material properties and precise molding technique, Pulp-Injection supports complex, detailed designs – including thin walls, ribs, undercut features, and even logo embossing or debossing.

With its unique combination of design freedom and material innovation, Pulp-Injection redefines what sustainable packaging can be

This innovation offers a pulp-based alternative to plastic trays and components, making it possible to elevate your products with both cutting-edge design and eco-conscious materials. A real win-win for brands looking for eco-friendly packaging.

Key features of Pulp-Injection include:

• Eco-Friendly Composition: Made primarily of pulp and some starch with more than 50% pulp content.
• Precision at Its Core: The resulting product is thin (0.6-1.0mm), rigid, and highly durable.
• Recyclable: Meets standards for recycling as paper (tested with PTS-RH 021 :2012 standard).
• Premium Aesthetic: Offers a clean, polished, paper-like texture that consumers love.

Pulp Series

Pulp-Injection is part of Nissha’s Pulp Series, which is a range of sustainable packaging products that offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging.

The Pulp Series uses biobased materials including pulp. This series and all the products within it reflect Nissha’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility by reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics and promoting circular design principles.

By leveraging our process know-how, the Pulp Series enables a variety of forming and molding options. Each solution is designed to bring out the natural texture of paper, creating packaging that feels both premium and planet-friendly.

The Pulp Series is suitable for a wide range of applications (from pharmaceutical packaging and cosmetics to industrial components) where sustainability and design excellence go hand in hand.

Sustainable Materials Used

The sustainability of any packaging solution starts with the materials, and Pulp-Injection is designed with that in mind.

From the start, we’ve prioritized natural, renewable ingredients that meet today’s eco-conscious demands without compromising performance.

Pulp-Injection is made from a proprietary pellet composed mainly of virgin pulp and starch. This novel material is not only biobased but also high-performing, combining strength, moldability, and sustainability in a single solution.

With a pulp content greater than 50%, Pulp-Injection products are classified as non-corrugated fiberboard and carry the PAP 21 recycling code. They are even recyclable within the board-recycling system (specifically in proportions up to 10% by weight.)

While this recycling threshold is a technical limitation of current systems, in practice, Pulp-Injection is considered recyclable as paper. This makes it a responsible choice for brands looking to reduce plastic use without sacrificing quality or recyclability.

Process

The production of Pulp-Injection combines purpose-built materials with a unique molding technology.

This process is key to achieving the product’s unique structural features, Japanese paper-like surface, and consistent quality, all while staying true to sustainable manufacturing principles:

• 1. Material preparation: The Pulp-Injection pellet, made primarily of virgin pulp and starch, is first moisturized to ensure it becomes pliable and injectable.
• 2. Injection molding: The moistened material is injected into a mold, where it takes on its designed shape. This unique technology gives fine details and unique structure and features.
• 3. Drying in mold cavities: Once shaped, the product remains in the mold while the water content is vaporized, ensuring dimensional stability and an unqiue, rigid finish.
• 4. Post trimming: After molding and drying, any excess material is trimmed, leaving a clean, finished product ready for packaging or further processing.

How Pulp-Injection Balances Durability and Sustainability

In today’s packaging landscape, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity! As consumers, regulators, and brands alike demand greener alternatives, materials that reduce plastic use and support circularity are gaining ground fast and becoming key sustainable packaging trends.

But sustainability can’t come at the cost of performance. That’s where durability steps in.

Whether you’re protecting high-end consumer electronics, personal care products, or medical devices, your packaging must hold its shape, survive transport, and present the product beautifully. It needs to be strong, precise, and consistent, not to mention eco-friendly.

The good news? The Pulp-Injection is designed to meet both challenges head-on.

Circular resources

As part of the Pulp Series, Pulp-Injection uses natural materials as its primary ingredient to minimize reliance on petroleum-based plastics. Its design supports circularity not just in production, but in what happens after use.

Once discarded, Pulp-Injection products can be recycled as paper, incinerated for energy recovery, or composted under the right conditions. This type of flexibility helps reduce waste and extends the life of the raw materials, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

Bio-based content

With a biomass content of 90%, Pulp-Injection significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with fossil-based materials.

This high level of bio-based content has been recognized with the Biomass Mark (90%) certification, No. 230137, issued by the Japan Organics Recycling Association.

This certification is a clear indicator of Pulp-Injection’s commitment to sustainable material sourcing and responsible manufacturing.

Recyclability

Pulp-Injection is classified as 'Non-corrugated fiberboard (paperboard)' and carries the PAP 21 recycling code in Europe. This makes it compatible with standard paper recycling systems.

During the repulping process, the products disintegrate efficiently, ensuring smooth integration into existing recycling streams.

Testing confirms that Pulp-Injection is fully recyclable when it makes up to 10% of the total weight in industrial paper waste collections. This allows it to contribute to circular resource flows without disrupting established recycling processes.

Biodegradable

When disposed of through industrial composting, Pulp-Injection products break down efficiently, helping reduce long-term waste and preventing environmental pollution, even if they accidentally end up in natural ecosystems.

In our own composting test, we observed that over 90% of the molded material decomposed within six months, returning safely to the soil.

This makes Pulp-Injection not only a sustainable choice, but one that truly supports the planet’s natural cycles.

Comparison to industrial-grade plastic

When compared to traditional industrial-grade plastics, Pulp-Injection offers a compelling sustainable alternative without sacrificing performance.

Pulp-Injection matches the functional demands of plastic packaging while offering a significantly greener footprint, making it an ideal choice for brands committed to innovation and environmental responsibility.

^{*JIS: Japanese Industrial Standards}

Industries Benefiting from Pulp-Injection

Pulp-Injection offers a versatile packaging solution that excels across pharmaceutical packaging , medical devices, cosmetics, and stationery – industries where precision, protection, and sustainability are critical.

Its thin-wall design can reduce total packaging volume by up to 45% compared to conventional materials, improving shipping and storage efficiency without sacrificing strength. Meanwhile, the material's inherent rigidity protects sensitive and delicate products throughout transport and handling.

A major advantage is the significant reduction of paper dust, which supports cleaner packaging processes and minimizes contamination risks – an essential feature for sterile pharmaceutical environments and quality-sensitive sectors like cosmetics and stationery.

A prime example of Pulp-Injection’s impact in such sectors is the Pharmaceutical Self-Injection Pen Cap which won the Packaging Innovation Award at Pharmapack in 2024!

A global pharmaceutical company also chose Pulp-Injection for their autoinjector trays, valuing its sustainable, paper-based composition and minimal fiber release.

In medical device packaging, Pulp-Injection balances durability and sustainability, ensuring products arrive intact and ready for use. Cosmetic brands benefit from packaging that combines aesthetics with hygiene and eco-conscious design, while stationery manufacturers appreciate the material’s flexibility, recyclability, and protection of premium goods.

Across all these industries, Pulp-Injection combines design freedom, environmental responsibility, and robust product protection in one innovative packaging solution.

Advantages of Pulp-Injection Technology

From exceptional design freedom to improved recyclability, Pulp-Injection meets the evolving demands of modern industries. Let’s explore the key advantages that make Pulp-Injection a game-changer in sustainable packaging:

• Environmental Benefits: Made mainly from pulp and starch, Pulp-Injection is recyclable, biodegradable, and reduces plastic use.
• Design Freedom: Injection molding enables intricate, custom shapes that standard pulp can’t achieve.
• Durability: Thin yet strong, Pulp-Injection offers superior protection compared to many plastics.
• Premium Texture: Natural paper texture delivers a tactile, premium feel that boosts brand image.
• Lightweight: Pulp-Injection’s thin yet rigid structure helps reduce overall package weight, cutting shipping emissions and costs.

The Future of Pulp-Injection in Packaging

As the world embraces a more eco-conscious mindset, sustainable packaging solutions like Pulp-Injection are becoming essential.

With its combination of durability, design flexibility, and environmental benefits, Pulp-Injection is well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of industries committed to reducing their ecological footprint.

From pharmaceuticals and medical devices to cosmetics, stationery, and beyond, the applications of Pulp-Injection are vast and growing. Its ability to replace plastic while maintaining high performance opens new doors for innovative, responsible packaging.

Looking ahead, widespread adoption of Pulp-Injection could significantly reduce plastic waste, lower carbon emissions, and support circular economies, all helping protect the planet for generations to come.

Final words

Pulp-Injection is more than just a packaging innovation, it’s a perfect blend of sustainability, durability, and design excellence.

By leveraging natural materials and advanced injection molding technology, it offers industries a smart alternative to conventional plastics without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

As businesses worldwide strive to reduce their environmental impact, Pulp-Injection stands out as a reliable, eco-friendly choice that meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Ready to elevate your packaging with Pulp-Injection? Contact us today to explore how our cutting-edge solutions can help your brand lead the way in sustainable innovation. Let’s shape a greener future together.