Woodly and Flexipol Partner to Redefine Performance in Sustainable Packaging

Helsinki, Finland / Haslingden, UK – October 2025

In a world where plastic is being rethought, one UK extruder is proving that sustainable doesn’t have to mean slower or weaker. Finnish-British material innovator Woodly and UK-based Flexipol Ltd are joining forces to bring a new generation of high-performance, wood-based plastics to life — and redefine what sustainable, bio-based plastics really mean for the packaging industry.

 

Sustainability Meets Performance

Flexipol, one of the UK’s leading Tier-1 extruders, has successfully produced clear Woodly® films on its existing extrusion lines with no retooling or reinvestment, demonstrating immediate compatibility. The milestone demonstrates how bio-based plastic innovation and process compatibility can finally move from lab to production floor at commercial scale.

 

“Extruders like Flexipol are where real change happens,” says Kenneth Lindfors, Managing Director of Woodly. “They’re the bridge between innovation and the brands that touch millions of consumers. What’s important here is how naturally Woodly fits into existing operations — no disruption, no downtime, no overhaul. It’s a real-world example of how sustainability can scale through what already works.”

A Partnership Built for Scale

The collaboration reinforces Woodly’s partnership-led growth strategy — expanding through established Tier-1 extruders who already serve leading food and retail brands. Flexipol’s expertise in film extrusion for high-performance packaging provides Woodly with an accelerated route to the UK market and
a strong foundation for growth.

 

“Our customers are under growing pressure to decarbonise, but they can’t afford disruption,” says Tom Mason, Technical Director at Flexipol. “Woodly allows us to offer a drop-in solution, something that runs on our lines, looks great, performs beautifully, and cuts CO₂.It has been fantastic to collaborate with such an innovative material supplier, who share our vision for packaging sustainability.”

 

Rethinking Plastics: A Smarter Approach to Impact Reduction

The plastics industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. While recycling remains part of the solution, it’s clear that tackling CO₂ emissions requires a broader strategy. Real progress means redesigning the entire value chain; from the raw materials we choose to how they’re manufactured, used, and managed at end-of-life.

 

The Flexipol x Woodly collaboration exemplifies this shift in thinking. By creating bioplastics that integrate seamlessly into existing systems and deliver lower carbon footprints from the outset, the partnership highlights how innovation in material science can drive meaningful environmental impact. This approach prioritizes emissions reduction without compromising functionality or scalability.

 

A Catalyst for the UK Market

The UK’s 2025 Plastic Packaging Tax and tightening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules are pushing brands to prove the sustainability of every pack. With Woodly’s verified carbon data and Flexipol’s production capacity, the partnership provides a ready-to-scale solution for brands seeking credible, compliant, and high-performing alternatives.

 

“The UK is one of the most competitive packaging markets in the world,” adds Lindfors. “If we can prove that bio-based materials can perform at speed and scale here, it sets the standard for Europe.”

 

Beyond Partnership — A Platform for Progress

The partnership includes joint sustainability reporting, marketing collaboration, and pilot projects with brand owners. As a carbon-negative raw material, Woodly® offers the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared with fossil-based films, while maintaining performance in strength, sealability, and clarity.

 

This is not just a material switch. It’s the beginning of a new standard: plastics that perform like fossil, without costing the Earth.

 

About Woodly
Woodly® is a Finnish material technology company behind the world’s first carbon-negative, mechanically recyclable plastic made from wood. Its patented technology replaces fossil plastics in both single-use and reusable applications. Learn more at www.woodly.com.

 

About Flexipol
Flexipol Ltd is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-performance flexible packaging for food, industrial, and technical markets. Known for its innovation and quality, Flexipol provides bespoke film, bag, and liner solutions to leading brands across the UK and beyond. Learn more at www.flexipol.co.uk.