Guardpack, a leading UK manufacturer of wet wipes and liquid-filled sachets, is accelerating the development of sustainable sachet packaging after successful early-stage trials with material innovators Kelpi and Mondi. Known for supplying biodegradable wipes ahead of incoming regulations, the company continues to exceed legislative requirements and drive the future of sustainable packaging. Its latest advancements focus on innovative seaweed and paper-based alternatives, marking a key step in the evolution of eco-friendly packaging solutions.
‘Guardpack has always aimed to stay ahead of the curve,’ Managing Director, Jeremy Freedman, says. ‘We were early adopters of plastic-free wipe materials, and these trials represent the next phase of our journey - ensuring sachet packaging can be both high-performing and genuinely sustainable.’
This work aligns with Guardpack’s wider sustainability strategy. As part of its CSR commitments, the business is currently calculating its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions to establish measurable reduction targets. This data-driven approach supports a broader shift toward non-fossil-fuel-based materials and more environmentally responsible packaging formats. Rather than waiting for regulatory changes in wipes and flexible packaging, Guardpack is proactively investing in research and development to test alternatives that reduce plastic use, improve recyclability, and support the industry’s transition toward sustainable sachets.
One of the most promising developments is the ongoing trial of Kelpi’s innovative seaweed-based coating.
The material, a seaweed-derived coating on paper, provides the barrier properties required for liquid products while maintaining shelf stability. During recent production-line trials, the material demonstrated reliable sealing, excellent machinability, and strong printability. Following these results, the material will undergo further laboratory testing, with a second trial scheduled for February. The material offers a compelling sustainability profile, reducing plastic content and microplastics while being both recyclable and biodegradable whilst derived from a renewable, low-impact resource. As Kelpi explains, seaweed grows prolifically without fertilisers, land, or fresh water, giving it the potential to become a scalable solution for more sustainable sachets.
Guardpack is also collaborating with Mondi on recyclable paper-based alternatives, with early wipe-sachet samples showing encouraging potential to replace traditional materials. Although still in the early stages of evaluation, this work highlights Guardpack’s commitment to exploring multiple material pathways to ensure clients have viable, high-performing sustainable options.
These partnerships are the beginning of a long-term development pathway involving ongoing testing, iteration, and customer engagement. Both Kelpi and Mondi have end users already expressing interest in sustainable packaging solutions, and this demand is shaping the direction of future trials. By integrating sustainability into both R&D and production planning, Guardpack aims to support brands seeking more environmentally responsible packaging that delivers performance without compromise.
These collaborations provide clients with early access to emerging packaging technologies that reduce environmental impact, enhance sustainability credentials, and offer future-ready solutions. With more than 25 years of manufacturing experience, Guardpack remains committed to driving meaningful progress in the industry and helping lead the transition toward the next generation of sustainable sachet packaging.