Walther Tests Ocean-Plastic Recyclate for Folding Boxes

Ocean Plastic in Reusable Packaging Walther Tests Coastal Recycled Material for Folding Boxes

2026-10-01 Source: Press Release Melanie Ehrhardt 3 min Reading Time

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Walther and MBRC the Ocean have tested a material variant for reusable folding boxes made from recycled ocean plastic. This collaboration is an example of how beach conservation and cost savings can be combined with a concrete industrial application.

Prototype of a Walther folding box made from MBRC Ocean Plastic(Bild: Walther) — Prototype of a Walther folding box made from MBRC Ocean Plastic
(Bild: Walther)

The Walther Faltbox Group and MBRC the Ocean are collaborating to incorporate recycled “ocean plastic” into durable, reusable products. To this end, the material has been tested in various molds and products, with material variants containing up to 100 percent recycled ocean plastic.

The Ideal Mix of Materials

A blend of 60 percent ocean plastic and 40 percent virgin material proved to be particularly suitable for the folding boxes. In the tests conducted, the folding boxes achieved the required stability and matched the quality and functionality of comparable folding boxes made from virgin material. The material blend also made for an economically attractive material option.

“Sustainability has been an integral part of our daily work ever since our company was founded over 45 years ago. We have been using recycled materials for many years and are constantly exploring ways to incorporate additional recycled materials into reusable solutions without compromising the durability of our products,” explains Dominik Lemken, Managing Director of the Walther Faltbox Group.

Reusable Logistics Meets Environmental Protection

MBRC the Ocean works together with local communities, volunteers, cleanup teams, and partners to clean up beaches and coastal areas. The organization combines cleanup projects with the processing of suitable plastic waste streams, the development of recycled materials and products, and educational programs.

“MBRC Oceanplastic” is made from plastic collected from nearshore and “ocean-bound” waste streams and is being further developed for various product and industrial applications. The material variant used in the folding boxes is recycled polypropylene (PP).

The project is also providing both companies with insights into how recycled plastic streams can be used for industrial applications in reusable logistics. “I find it particularly exciting to use our material in an industrial reusable application. The requirements for folding boxes are high, and the joint tests are showing us how our material can be used for this application,” explains Jasper Nikulka, CEO Germany at MBRC the Ocean.

Material options for all folding boxes

MBRC Ocean Plastic is slightly darker than virgin plastic. For this reason, tests were also conducted to determine how the material can be dyed: In a direct comparison, there was hardly any difference between the folding boxes made from “ocean plastic” and the corresponding boxes made from virgin plastic. This material variant is generally available for all Walther folding boxes and is used upon customer request.

FAQ

What is the difference between “ocean plastic” and “ocean-bound plastic”?

In the strictest sense, “ocean plastic” refers to plastic recovered from the ocean. “Ocean-bound plastic,” on the other hand, refers to waste collected near the coast before it even enters the ocean. MBRC the Ocean classifies its product as belonging to this second category.

What is the percentage of recycled material in the Walther folding boxes that were tested?

According to a press release, a blend of 60 percent MBRC recycled material and 40 percent virgin material proved to be suitable for the folding box application.

Is the Ocean Plastic folding box already available in the standard product line?

No. According to the company, this material variant will be available upon customer request in the future. It is not clear from the available documentation whether this will be a permanent production offering or a project-specific option.

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