With new European laws on single-use plastics, many companies are thinking of ways to meet such regulations and provide environment-friendly alternatives. One of which is J&J Green Paper, who has forged an agreement with Cerax, a supplier of specialty waxes. The former will invest in Cerax’ South Africa facility to roll out an all-natural moisture-proof solution for paper and paper packaging. The plant, located in Johannesburg, can currently produce 24,000 metric tons of specialty waxes.

The JANUS eco-friendly paper will feature coating that is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based moisture-proofing which releases toxic greenhouse gases when disposed. It is organic, compostable, recyclable and repulpable.

The innovation enables paper packaging to meet industrial quality standards. Additionally, companies will benefit from lower costs compared to utilising polyethylene glycol-coated papers.

Scott Segal, CEO of J&J, said, “Having greater access to this material to make and coat paper for food, beverage, and other consumer products directly helps the environment by reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gasses.”

“For almost 35 years, Cerax has been producing high-quality industrial waxes on the African continent,” said Stuart Prior, Managing Director of Cerax. “We consider ourselves a market leader and welcome the opportunity to partner with J&J Green Paper to usher in a new era of paper products to be delivered globally that will ‘do well by doing good.’”

“While this isn’t Cerax’s first foray into alternate eco-friendly waxes, it is special given timing and opportunity. We feel a license to produce J&J’s proprietary paper coating not only enhances Cerax’s product line, but as a breakthrough product it meshes perfectly with global trends demanding a new global era of products,” Prior added.