Smartsolve launches Purenil 0, the world’s first plastic-free

US-based Smartsolve Industries has launched Purenil 0, which it describes as the world’s first plastic-free, 100% bio-based and flushable packaging substrate, aimed at delivering a zero-waste alternative for flexible packaging applications.

The new material is the first product in Smartsolve’s Purenil series and is designed to help brands move beyond recyclability towards advanced sustainability goals. Purenil 0 is a printable, paper-based pouching material engineered for applications where plastic reduction and end-of-life performance are critical.

Unlike many packaging solutions marketed as eco-friendly, which still contain a proportion of synthetic polymers, Purenil 0 is entirely plastic-free and derived from renewable resources. According to the company, the substrate eliminates fossil fuel-based inputs while maintaining functional performance for flexible packaging formats.

Purenil 0 retains Smartsolve’s water-dispersible properties, allowing the material to safely disperse in water systems without releasing microplastics. The company states that the substrate meets INDA GD4 and IWSFG testing criteria, making it safe for drains and fully flushable. In addition to flushing, the material can also be recycled with paper or composted at home, offering multiple end-of-life options.

Alex Abbott, chief revenue officer at Smartsolve, said the launch gives brands “a credible, measurable way to progress sustainability goals without compromising product integrity.”

The substrate is designed to biodegrade rapidly in aqueous environments, reducing the risk of environmental pollution if it escapes conventional waste streams. Smartsolve says the material does not generate microplastics or leach harmful chemicals, addressing growing concerns around human health and environmental safety.

Purenil 0 is engineered for dry and powdered product formats and is compatible with standard form, fill and seal equipment. It is printable at small formats, including mono-dose applications, opening up branding opportunities for categories such as household cleaning products, feminine care, confectionery, personal care, agriculture and healthcare.

The material is also Smartsolve’s first direct food contact-certified solution, manufactured in facilities compliant with ISO and FSSC 22000 standards. This positions the substrate for use in low-moisture food applications, including confectionery and single-serve food products.

Jon Jakubowski, chief executive officer of Smartsolve, said the launch provides brands with a commercially available, scalable alternative that is fully bio-based, plastic-free and water-soluble.