Innovations in bio-based packaging: tree-free fibers, food waste
With the implementation of the concept of sustainable development and the improvement of public awareness of environmental protection, people's demands for environmental protection of products are greatly increasing. This also urges enterprises to gradually reduce their dependence on non-renewable resources in the production process. In an effort to reduce the overall carbon footprint, bio-based materials are being used on a year-on-year basis in packaging.
With this growth, brands can take inspiration from agricultural waste and other offshoots of the industry. As a substitute for non-renewable materials, bio-based materials can produce aesthetically pleasing products and enhance environmental protection potential, which will play a key role in future development.
Tree-free fiber
To reduce the paper industry's reliance on wood, tree-free fibers are becoming more prominent, and plant-based materials including agricultural fertilizers and industrial by-products are gradually becoming the protagonists. Last year, the total global consumption of paper and paperboard was 408 million tons, and it is imminent to obtain paper-based materials from plant waste, residues and by-products to replace traditional wood fibers.
British packaging manufacturer DS Smith is trialing a new paper packaging production process that uses agricultural waste and annuals such as straw, hemp and miscanthus to reduce forest pressure. Likewise, Austrian company Organoid uses untreated natural botanicals such as alpine hay and mint stems to create luxurious packaging.
French fashion house Chanel has released a limited edition molded blister pack made of 60% FSC certified bamboo and 40% bagasse fibre. Bagasse fiber is a by-product of the sugarcane industry, and the material is known as an eco-material that is both recyclable and biodegradable.
Food waste
From the French company Houbly, the residue [cocoa pod] in the chocolate production process and the [beer waste grain] in the beer brewing process are used to manufacture bio-based packaging. Looking domestically, start-up Mi Terro has partnered with Budweiser in China to create a biodegradable film from grains left over from beer production.
Large quantities of discarded food waste can have adverse impacts on the environment, the economy and future food security. On the contrary, we reuse it as a resource and turn it into a valuable resource with great potential. Why not do it?
Bio-Based Barrier Materials
Through innovations in material properties, bio-based barrier coatings are gradually reaching new technological performance levels comparable to traditional petrochemical alternatives.
For example, a chemical reaction process developed by Canadian materials science company CelluloTech makes paper and other bio-based materials such as starch and minerals superhydrophobic while maintaining their recyclability. This results in a bio-based single material with high-performance, long-lasting barrier properties.
