In the quiet countryside just outside Stamford, a groundbreaking innovation is taking shape one that could redefine how we package everyday liquids. Meet SUPA Innovations, a micro-enterprise on a bold mission to eliminate single-use plastics, starting with an everyday staple: handwash.
From a modest factory nestled among green fields, SUPA (an acronym for Single Use Plastic Alternative) is crafting what’s claimed to be the world’s first completely plastic-free paper bottle. And yes it really is plastic-free. Even the liner, which in most “eco” bottles is typically hidden plastic, is replaced with 100% natural pine sap that creates water resistance without compromising biodegradability.
A Bottle Made Entirely from Nature
SUPA’s eco-mate range spanning handwash, dish soap, and laundry liquids comes in recycled paper bottles bonded with natural adhesives and coated with pine resin. The bottles are formed in two halves and sealed together in-house, with bamboo caps and refillable metal dispensers completing the minimalist, eco-conscious design.
Each unit replaces roughly 40 grams of plastic, and since launching in 2020, the brand has prevented nearly 500 tonnes of plastic from entering circulation. A significant milestone for a business with fewer than 10 employees.
Game Changing in Both Product and Ethos
Their flagship product, a bio-based handwash, kills 99.9% of bacteria using plant-derived actives free from harsh alcohols and synthetic chemicals. And the unique bottle? It’s unmistakably paper, unapologetically raw in look and feel, and designed to decompose naturally if discarded.
While many companies boast sustainability, SUPA lives it. No plastic-laced “eco” claims, no greenwashing. Their electricity is solar-generated not as a PR stunt, but because they’re proudly off-grid. Every liquid and material is independently certified as 100% biobased and plastic-free, and their entire shipping supply chain is built around FSC-certified recyclable materials.
No VC Funding, No Greenwashing Just Real Impact
Unlike many startups chasing sustainability headlines, SUPA operates without venture capital or debt. “We grow organically, and our decisions are always made in-house for the good of the product and the customer,” says co-founder Rachel Owen.
When asked about certifications like B-Corp or life cycle assessments, co-founder Dave Ashton puts it plainly: “That corporate tick-box stuff isn’t our culture. We prefer to let the product speak for itself.”
Taking the Global Stage from a Local Base
From Los Angeles to Liverpool, and Poland to India, SUPA’s paper bottle has found admirers across the globe. Their next goal? Scaling their refill-based, reusable model with wholesale partners who align with their vision of authenticity, transparency, and real environmental impact.
Why It Matters
In a world awash with plastic and marketing spin, SUPA’s paper bottle is a rare example of genuine, ground-up innovation. It’s a reminder that powerful change doesn’t always come from billion-dollar labs it can come from a quiet factory down a rural track, driven by values, vision, and a whole lot of heart.