12.3.2025 Press release
Paulig’s venture arm, PINC, is investing in Glenntex, a Sweden-based startup that has developed a method to functionalize graphene - an ultra-strong carbon material. This innovation reduces the need for virgin plastic in packaging by up to 30%, which enables the use of significantly higher amounts of recycled plastics without compromising performance and makes recycled packaging easier to reuse.
Glenntex team members

 

The European Union is driving circularity efforts, with the implementation of ‘The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’ (PPWR)1, aiming to ensure that all packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030. Innovation and packaging design is key for the industry’s ability to meet the sustainability targets for 2030 and beyond.  

Materials innovation for recyclability and material reduction 

Glenntex, a spinout of Chalmers University of Technology, is based on co-founder Govin Induchoodan’s cutting-edge research on the functionalization of graphene, using nanotechnology that enables graphene to bind with degraded plastics and harnessing the material’s exceptional properties to enhance the life of recycled materials.  

Govin Induchoodan COO at Glenntex

 

By enhancing material efficiency and circularity, Glenntex contributes to lowering CO₂ emissions and advancing sustainable solutions. 

The company already has several international industry collaborations ongoing, spanning across industries. Proof of concept collaborations show up to 30% material and CO2 reduction as well as enhanced recyclability of post-consumer plastics, through enhanced material properties. This focus on circularity is well aligned with Paulig’s ambition for all its packaging to be recyclable by the end of 2027. 

New Investment to Commercialize and Develop Industry Collaborations 

 
“We have been on the lookout for packaging companies that could support us in solving some of the issues with petroleum-based packaging materials, while also aligning with EU regulation and Paulig’s sustainability targets in this area. Glenntex stands out among startups in this field, with their unique technology and the ability to leverage existing machinery for production and recycling,” says Erika Hombert, Senior Investment Manager at PINC. 

Anders Sonesson CEO at Glenntex

 

"We’re thrilled to have PINC on board. We have already received significant interest from global multinationals, along with impressive results from our pilots in the Food and Beverage industry. PINC is the ideal partner for this journey, bringing invaluable industry expertise and a vast international network,” says Anders Sonesson, CEO at Glenntex. 

The successful pre-seed round of 0,7 MEUR was led by ALMI Invest, with PINC and Chalmers Ventures as co-investors. 

About PINC   

PINC is Paulig’s venture arm for investments in early-stage startups in and around the future of food. PINC aims to help Paulig renew itself and prosper, as well as contribute to a tastier and more sustainable planet. 

About Paulig 

Paulig is an international food and beverage company, growing a new, sustainable food culture – one that is good for both people and the planet. Paulig provides all things tasty: Tex Mex, Snacks, coffees, World Foods and spices. The company's brands are Paulig, Santa Maria, Risenta, Poco Loco and Zanuy. Paulig also has a successful Customer Brands business containing value brands, private labels and industrial products.  In 2024, the company’s sales amounted to approximately EUR 1.2 billion. Paulig was founded in 1876 and is 100% owned by the Paulig family. The company has 2,500 passionate employees in 13 different countries working on our purpose - For a life full of flavour.  

About Glenntex  

Glenntex, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, is at the forefront of climate technology, using graphene-enhanced composites to drive sustainable innovation. By leveraging advanced nanotechnology, Glenntex develops smarter, more durable, and recyclable plastic materials that reduce CO₂ emissions and promote a circular economy. With a mission to minimize environmental impact, Glenntex is redefining material design to create a more sustainable future.  
 
Media contact

Margit Ülem  

Communications Manager, Paulig  

+372 5904 8554 

 

 

 

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