French polymer supplier Lactips and US-based SmartSolve have entered a worldwide partnership focused on reducing the use of plastic in packaging.

The collaboration started in 2024, advancing the PureNil 0 substrate from development to commercial-scale production in less than two years.

PureNil 0 is cleared for direct contact with food and disperses quickly in water without leaving microplastic residue.

Being used by customers in beauty, personal care, and food and beverage sectors, SmartSolve describes it as "the world's first 100% plastic-free, dispersible, printable, flexible packaging substrate".

SmartSolve CEO and co-founder Jonathan Jakubowski said: "Lactips gave us the one thing this industry has been missing: a truly plastic-free, water-soluble material that performs at commercial scale."

The partnership's plans cover later generations of bio-based, plastic-free packaging beyond PureNil 0.

Co-founded in 2016 by Al Caperna and Jonathan Jakubowski, SmartSolve manufactures certified bio-based, water-soluble packaging, including water-soluble paper, labels and pouches.

Lactips develops and sells plastic-free, 100% bio-based plastic that is water-soluble and fully biodegradable in all environments.

Lactips CEO Alexis von Tschammer said: "Signing this exclusive agreement with SmartSolve marks a significant milestone in Lactips' global expansion.

"We are delighted to partner with SmartSolve, and I would like to deeply thank their team for their trust and for the energy they are bringing to accelerate the adoption of zero-waste natural packaging solutions. Together, we have the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on both industry practices and the environment.”