Sabert has launched PULPUltra™, its latest molded-fiber packaging formulation, across Europe and the UK & Ireland, positioning the range as a next-generation alternative to conventional pulp and laminated foodservice packaging. The product has already been introduced in Ireland, where it is used in bespoke children’s meal packs, and in France through the company’s Gastronorme range.
According to Sabert, PULPUltra™ has been developed to address growing regulatory pressure around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), while maintaining the functional performance required for hot and ready-to-eat food applications.
“We are pioneering PULPUltra™, a game changing next-generation, no-intentionally-added-PFAS formulation that meets both legislative standards and customers’ expectations for superior strength and heat resistance,” said Alex Noake, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Sabert Europe.
Sabert said the new formulation builds on more than a decade of experience in bagasse-based packaging. “Over a decade ago, Sabert was the first to bring quality, functional bagasse pulp packaging solutions to the European market,” Noake said. “Now, we are pioneering PULPUltra™.”
Designed For Performance And Compliance
PULPUltra™ is produced using more than 95% bagasse fibres and a barrier spray coating accounting for less than 5% of the material. Sabert said the structure delivers high oil and grease resistance in direct-contact, hot-food applications and is intended to outperform existing molded-fiber and laminated alternatives.
The company stated that the packaging is freezer-safe, suitable for microwaves, conventional ovens and MerryChef applications, and compatible with both single PET sealing and multi-welding processes. Sabert added that the material is designed to preserve the integrity of frozen, perishable and factory-conditioned food products.
From a sustainability and compliance perspective, PULPUltra™ is recyclable under the UK’s Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM), compliant with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and certified as compostable under TÜV OK Compost Industrial. Sabert said certification for home compostability will be announced at a later date.
Preparing For Upcoming PFAS Restrictions
Sabert linked the launch directly to forthcoming European restrictions on PFAS in food-contact materials.
“Every product we make is rigorously tested to comply with food safety standards,” said Isabelle Ernotte, Quality, Environment, Health & Safety Manager at Sabert.
She referenced Regulation (EU) No 40/2025 on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which introduces limits on PFAS substances. “From 12 August 2026, Regulation (EU) No 40/2025 on PPWR introduces new measures, including Article 5(5) paragraph 5, of Regulation (EU) No 40/2025 which restricts and introduces limits on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment and the human body,” Ernotte said.
“Sabert’s PULPUltra™ will help customers to stay ahead of these changes with products that already meet the next generation of sustainability standards.”
Industry Recognition At Launch
At launch, PULPUltra™ received National Silver in the Paper & Packaging category at the Green Apple Awards, organised by The Green Organisation.
“This award recognises our commitment to innovation and compliance with evolving European standards,” Noake said. He added that, in parallel with the launch, Sabert has transitioned its broader pulp portfolio into a home-compostable range.
“To align with new regulatory requirements, Sabert has evolved its entire pulp portfolio into the HC (home compostable) range, and we are proud to be launching PULPUltra across Europe,” he said. “The launch of PULPUltra™ is proof that Sabert continues to reinvent food packaging to nourish and protect our world, and always makes food look great!”
