Voith and Yangi® partner for innovation and development in cellulose-based packaging

Compared to the water- and energy-intensive wet pulp molding process, the dry forming process from Yangi® requires no process water and 75 percent less energy.

(IN BRIEF) Voith, a global technology company, has acquired a stake in the Swedish start-up Yangi® AB, a company that has developed a dry forming process to produce 3D-formed, cellulose-based packaging in one machine line without process water. This process has the potential to replace rigid plastic at scale and saves 75 percent energy compared to traditional wet pulp molding process. The move is a part of Voith’s commitment to drive decarbonization in the paper industry. Luxury brand CHANEL also has acquired shares in Yangi® and is actively supporting its business development.

(PRESS RELEASE) VARBERG/ HEIDENHEIM, 24-Jan-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Voith Group, a German global technology company founded in 1867, announced today that it has acquired a stake in the sustainability start-up Yangi® AB, headquartered in Varberg, Sweden. The investment in Yangi’s® ground-breaking technology is a part of Voith’s commitment to drive decarbonization in the paper industry.

“Voith’s expertise as the leading full-line supplier in the paper industry and Yangi’s expertise in dry processing of fibers open new doors for innovative solutions. Fiber-based packaging is a sustainable alternative to plastic and will continue to gain relevance,” said Dr. Michael Weiss, CTO at Voith Paper.

Compared to petroleum-based packaging, the newly produced fiber packaging saves 75 percent CO₂ emissions. In addition, the innovative process is characterized by short cycle times.

Yangi® has developed a manufacturing process that produces 3D-formed, cellulose-based packaging using dry forming principles in one machine line. This process enables a cost- and resource-efficient solution that has the potential to replace rigid plastic at scale. The applications for packaging solutions are diverse and range from cosmetics and beauty products to fresh food, take-away, and consumer goods.

“We are excited about the partnership between Voith and Yangi. With Voith, we have found the right partner to further develop our innovative solutions and also grow in new business areas,” said Johann Kaiser, CEO of Yangi®.

“From the beginning, we have been united by our common interest and motivation in sustainable technologies,” commented Anna Altner, founder of Yangi® and The Loop Factory®.

“The investment in Yangi is therefore an important strategic step for us to advance our decarbonization strategy as part of our Papermaking for Life sustainability program,” added Dr. Michael Weiss, CTO at Voith Paper.

The Voith Group is a global technology company with a portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications. Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 21,000 employees, sales of € 4.9 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide.

About Yangi®

AB Yangi® is reshaping the world of packaging through its revolutionary manufacturing technology and next-generation fiber-based solutions. Emerging from 10 years of R&D within its sister company, The Loop Factory®, Yangi® offers an open-source, turn-key machine platform and customized packages of value-added services such as material on subscription and ready-made design concepts, meeting the needs of manufacturers and brands for more sustainable packaging alternatives. Yangi® is a pioneering, innovative and established partner within the dry-formed fiber industry. To learn more, visit http://www.yangi.se.

Media contact:

Naomi Keitel
Global Communication Manager
t +49 7321 37-2209

SOURCE: Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA