A Smarter Future for Packaging Closures

A Smarter Alternative: Bio-Based Sulapac Solid Closures

This is where our collaboration with Nissha begins. As a part of their  product range under Nissha ecosense brand, Nissha’s closures made of Sulapac Solid offer a direct, sustainable replacement for traditional Bakelite closures. The innovation lies in their ability to replicate the premium appearance and durability of Bakelite - but with 100% bio-based, and compostable materials which leaves no microplastic behind.

While Nissha offers the closures, glass containers are not in their product portofolio — that’s where Stoelzle’s Pharmacos high-quality, recyclable glass jars complete the picture.

Who is Nissha?

With its global headquarters located in Kyoto, Japan, Nissha Co., Ltd. is a pioneer in applying advanced materials and processes to manufacturing sensors, decorative films, molded parts and healthcare products. Nissha Europe GmbH, with its office in Germany, deal in sustainable material products for European market. Their ecosense Biocomposite Series is leading the way in the transition from fossil-based plastics.  It offers compostable alternatives with a low carbon footprint, without compromising on performance or design.

More Information About Nissha

The Journey: How it Started

As with many innovations, the idea sparked during product development — in this case, a new 50ml jar for water-based formulations. Until then, Nissha had primarily focused on packaging solutions for dry or oil-based products. But market trends and customer expectations were shifting.

"While exploring new shapes and market needs, I realized a bigger opportunity: what if we could offer brands a complete, sustainable packaging system by opening our Nissha ecosenseline-up to a broader audience?"
-  Nils Wenzel, Nissha EUrope GmbH

A recurring issue quickly became clear: many recyclable glass containers were still being sealed with bakelite or ABS closures — a major contradiction for brands aiming to reduce their environmental impact.

To change this, the Nissha team developed a new jar design based on a standard 51mm glass neck finish — ensuring their closures could be used not only on their own containers but also on widely available glass packaging, including the Stoelzle Pharmacos series.

After nearly 1.5 years of development, Nissha successfully created a versatile mold capable of handling various materials — including Sulapac Solid material, biocomposite of bio-based mineral clay and plant-based binders. The result is a solution that delivers a perfect fit and outstanding performance, seamlessly combining form, function, performance, and sustainability.

Closing the Loop: Sustainable Closures for Glass Jars

“We’re not glass manufacturers — but we specialize in high-performance sustainable materials. That’s why we’re proud of offering our closures as solutions for glass jars from trusted partners like Stoelzle.”, says Nils Wenzel. By combining recyclable glass with bio-based closures, we're helping brands eliminate outdated materials and adopt solutions designed for a circular economy.

Why Sulapac Solid Is the Better Choice

The Sulapac Solid material stands out not only for its sustainability but also for its technical performance:

• Certified for Food Contact Safeunder EU 10/2011 and EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004.
• 100% biobased and certified industrially compostable (EN 13432).
• 50% reduction in carbon footprint compared to recycled PET, helping brands meet climate goals.
• Highly resistant to heat, humidity, and moisture — offering advantages over both plastic and metal in demanding conditions.
• Recyclable at scale, with a dedicated recycling stream for biopolymers already being planned under the upcoming European PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation).
• Even if incinerated, carbon footprint in total product life cycle is much lower than the one from fossil-based materials.