“It is a significant step in scaling up the underlying infrastructure and development for the Dry Molded Fiber network and ensures bespoke tooling with rapid deliveries.”

Part of the challenge has been to create a structure capable of withstanding the forces exerted by fizzy drinks - such as cola and beer - which are bottled under pressure.

For now, one of the benefits of using a plastic screw top is that the prototypes can be used on existing production lines.

"Paper bottles are really exciting for packaging innovation geeks like us, but pilot concepts like this have been knocking around for a few years without taking off in a big way," he explained.

This initiative supports the company’s goal of fostering a more sustainable future by facilitating a faster transition to eco-friendly packaging alternatives.

"We have a good understanding already of what the bottle will go through as we put it into the real world. But there is a certain point where you just can't design yourself out of this at a desk, right?

“Having a dedicated centre of excellence for tooling, we can proudly leverage our team’s expertise and drive knowledge sharing and capacity to deploy our sustainable solutions faster.”

Coca-Cola was ranked the world's number one plastic polluter by charity group Break Free From Plastic last year, closely followed by other drink-producers Pepsi and Nestle.

By downloading this Buyers Guide, you acknowledge that GlobalData UK Limited may share your information with our partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services.

"We have a couple of different options... we have the technology path pretty much chosen, but it is something that we definitely need to pilot and prototype."

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

But the goal is to create a 100% recyclable, plastic-free bottle capable of preventing gas escaping from carbonated drinks.

Compared to traditional wet-moulding and plastic processing methods, the technology is noted for its reduced climate impact.

Even if these tests go well, paper bottles will be "a niche product for a while yet", according to Fin Slater, digital editor at Packaging Europe magazine, external.

The dedicated centre of excellence (CoE) is set to provide serial-produced multicavity tools specifically designed for Dry Molded Fiber (DMF) production, a move that aligns with PulPac’s commitment to replace single-use plastics.

And there's a cost issue. Plastic bottles are cheap and effective - "another reason why the paper bottle is likely to be used in added-value niche applications at the start".

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

"It's going to be a bio-based barrier, that's really something minimal, that keeps that food safe, that keeps the product safe at the same time," Mr Michelsen said.

Swedish packaging company PulPac has announced the expansion of its operations with the launch of a new subsidiary, DMF Tooling.

"With a clever combination of product design and the strong fibre blend, that's what makes it really possible to not break under pressure."

PulPac CEO Linus Larsson Green said: “PulPac as a group is committed to creating a circular economy and providing sustainable solutions using Dry Molded Fiber, which benefits the planet and people.

In July last year, PulPac signed a licence agreement for its Dry Moulded Fiber technology with Matrix Pack, a paper straws and biodegradable lids manufacturer.

Michael Michelsen, the firm's commercial manager, says the bottles are formed out of a single piece of paper-fibre-based material to give them strength.

On top of that, the paper needs to be mouldable, to create distinct bottle shapes and sizes for different brands, and take ink for printing their labels.

Absolut, the vodka-maker, is due to test 2,000 paper bottles of it own in the UK and Sweden of its pre-mixed, carbonated raspberry drink.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how GlobalData may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Coca-Cola and Absolut's trials will be the first real-world test of whether the technology holds up to the rough-and-tumble logistics of food transport.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how GlobalData may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"Each sustainable innovation not only pushes the boundaries in relation to that particular packaging material, but increases the pressure on other materials to drive up recyclability, and drive down carbon footprints."

The establishment is part of PulPac’s strategy to expedite the delivery of sustainable packaging solutions to the market.

But Tetra Pak - which you may know as the paper-and-plastic carton that milk and juices often come in - managed to pull off a similar feat in the mid-20th Century.

After more than seven years of lab work, the firm is now ready to host a trial in Hungary this summer of Coca-Cola's fruit drink Adez. Initially, this will involve 2,000 bottles distributed via a local retail chain.

Because the paper cannot come into direct contact with liquids, the plan is to use a plant-based coating on the inside of the bottle.

By downloading this Buyers Guide, you acknowledge that GlobalData UK Limited may share your information with our partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services.

"That's part of the secret really," he explained, adding that moulding a single object - rather than relying on joins - ensured the bonds between the fibres stayed robust.

DMF Tooling managing director Gösta Blomqvist said: “DMF Tooling acts as a ‘centre of excellence’, open for all Pulpac’s licensees and partners to learn and benefit from.