In France, everyone has their own little club, according to their school, friends or network. It can be tough to find your place when you're not part of these groups. But several great people at Paris-Saclay helped open a few doors for us.
Papkot, a Paris-based startup determined to make paper the new packaging of tomorrow, was the first participant in “J’irai start-uper chez vous”, a program with the Deep Tech Factory Network led by La French Tech Paris-Saclay. After winning Danone’s Startup Hosting Challenge, the company will benefit from 6 months of hosting, technical support and networking with Danone Nutricia Research experts to accelerate the development of their breakthrough technical innovation. We spoke with Papkot’s Founder and CEO, Manuel Milliery, to learn more about the startup and its collaboration with Danone.
Together from the beginning
Before joining Paris-Saclay, Papkot was already in touch with Danone. In fact, the startup developed its solution in response to the needs and specifications expressed by Danone’s teams. Founder Manuel Milliery was then invited to present his company’s work at a monthly Paris-Saclay innovation meetup, a networking opportunity that led to the startup’s participation in the “J’irai start-upper chez vous” incubation program and its present collaboration with Danone.
An energizing collaboration
Through this program, Danone will play two roles: not only will the company host Papkot in their spaces, but it will also become one of the startup’s customers. Working together on an exciting packaging project delivers a significant energy boost to the young startup and a refreshingly simple and streamlined way of working together.
Recognition from the ecosystem
At the latest edition of Paris-Saclay SPRING, Papkot won the coveted Greentech Prize. Milliery notably appreciated the quality of the Jury’s questions, because it takes good questions to get good answers. Not only is it a source of pride for the company, but it has also generated a tremendous visibility within the ecosystem. In Milliery’s view, the award recognizes the entire Paris-Saclay ecosystem, where all the winds are blowing in the right direction. “Now it’s up to us to raise our sails,” he observes.
Grabbing the spotlight at industry events
Papkot plans to release its first 100% paper packaging, which offers the same capabilities as plastic, by December. Events like Bits and Pretzels and SIAL Paris will help the company raise funds and recruit. “Recruiting is the key to our success right now,” Milliery says. Paper industries have remained the same for decades, but by 2030, all packaging will be paper based. That means there is a lot of work to be done between then and now, opening up many opportunities for sustainability brokers. “Entrepreneurs of Paris-Saclay, take note!” concludes Milliery.
Papkot™ is a startup that makes paper the new packaging of tomorrow. They deliver fully biodegradable and fully recyclable paper coating while providing the same packaging performance as plastic, without plastic.
