At Interpack 2026, stand 8a E16, Futamura will highlight its latest cellulose film developments, demonstrating how renewable and compostable materials can support brands seeking practical alternatives to conventional plastics. Visitors to the Futamura stand will be able to explore several innovative applications based on the company’s well-known NatureFlex™ compostable film technology, which provides excellent functionality with a viable end-of-life, without compromising on technical performance.
Futamura is a leading global manufacturer of cellulosic materials, including renewable and compostable NatureFlex™ and Cellophane™ films, casings, non-wovens and microspheres. NatureFlex™ films are produced from renewable wood pulp (>90% based on ASTM D6866), harvested from responsibly managed plantations and meet all the relevant standards for industrial composting, including EN13432, ASTM D6400 and AS4736. They are also certified for home composting according to the OK Compost Home protocol, to the French standard by Din Certo and to the Australian home composting standard AS5810. NatureFlex™ films are also EU and FDA direct food contact approved.
Find out more about the compostable liquid sachet solution!
Single-serve liquid sachets are widely used across food, beverage and personal care sectors, but they are often difficult to recycle due to their small size, product contamination and multilayer construction. Futamura have partnered with Repaq to produce a certified compostable liquid sachet solution based on renewable cellulose film.
Designed to deliver the necessary barrier performance for liquids while maintaining certified compostability, the sachets can help brands reduce reliance on conventional fossil-based plastics in single-portion packaging. The material has a proven 12-month shelf life for products such as ketchup, and it provides excellent gas and moisture barrier with good chemical resistance which is essential for packing products with aggressive ingredients. Commercial samples will be displayed at the show.
Cellulosic compostable fruit and vegetable labels
The stand will also feature compostable labels based on Futamura’s NatureFlex™ films, from large formats to small fruit and vegetable labels. Small fruit and vegetable stickers are commonly applied directly to fresh produce and are known to create persistent contamination issues in organic waste streams when they are made from conventional plastics. The EU has recognised the issues fruit and vegetable labels create and the strain they add to the already struggling waste streams across Europe. The announcement of the PPWR (EU) 2025/40 has applied pressure to the fruit and vegetable label industry to move towards a more sustainable alternative with a viable
end of life scenario. Article 9(1) of the PPWR mandates the use of compostable materials for fruit and vegetable labels by 12th February 2028, to tackle the significant problem created by the tiny stickers which growers, supermarkets and consumers rely on.
Futamura’s material, derived from renewable wood pulp, is designed to break down in composting environments and anaerobic digestion along with the food waste. The films are available in clear, white or metallised to fit all client requirements. They have proven excellence when die-cutting and dispensing as NatureFlex™ films are stiffer than other bio-based and compostable alternatives. Additionally, the films have a high oil barrier to protect the label from oil and grease transfer from the product. The solution aims to support retailers and produce brands seeking to align packaging components with compostable food waste systems and reduce plastic contamination in compost.
Cellulosic window films for carton packaging
Futamura will also present cellulosic film suitable for carton boxes with transparent windows. Window films are commonly used for fresh produce and bakery to allow consumers to view the product inside. However, these plastic windows can complicate the recyclability of paperboard packs. Using cellulose-based film as the window material enables brands to maintain product visibility while supporting formats which could be suitable for composting or recycling in the paper stream. The film offers excellent transparency and gloss, grease resistance (kit value of 12) and improved dimensional stability to maintain flatness. The films are suitable for many food
applications, helping converters create packaging structures which perform technically and have a viable end of life.
Last, but not least, Futamura will be introducing their latest cellulosic innovations during the show. NatureSphere™, cellulose microspheres and NatureLace™, a cellulose non-woven material will be displayed on the Futamura stand. To discover more about Futamura, NatureFlex™ films, or any of their other solutions, find them on stand 8a E16 during Interpack (7th-13th May 2026 | Messe, Dusseldorf), or email info@futamuragroup.com today.
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