Can We Make Packaging Waste Disappear?

Single-use packaging waste is polluting the planet and impacting the health of flora and fauna that depends on nature, including us. Imagine the benefits to our rivers, oceans and countryside if we could make it disappear! One company is developing true solutions that do just that with one of nature’s most renewable resources! So, let’s discover more.

Plant-based Materials Reducing Packaging Waste

When packaging is made from plant-based materials, the chances of it biodegrading greatly increase. This natural process occurs when insects, microbes and bacteria feed on the material and break it down. Eventually, it disappears into the soil. Although some plastics claim to be biodegradable, they need very specific conditions to break down and residue microplastics remain. This is not the case with plant-based alternatives.

Another way that plant-based packaging can vanish is by making it edible. The packaging material is digested with contents, breaking down in the body. This sounds like a radical concept, but it is a solution that has been made viable by packaging company Notpla.

Notpla Plastic-free Packaging

Through years of scientific research, Notpla is realising the potential of seaweed as an alternative to plastic. Seaweed is globally abundant and fast-growing. Nor does it require freshwater, land or fertiliser. This inconspicuous sea vegetable is one of our greatest weapons against climate change, fighting ocean acidification and effectively absorbing carbon.

Focused on developing truly sustainable packaging solutions, their team of designers and chemists, engineers and entrepreneurs produce revolutionary packaging that biodegrades in weeks, just like fruit skins.

For example, their ‘Ooho’ product holds sauces, drinks and oils like a bubble wrapped in a thin seaweed wrapper that is both edible and soluble. A Notpla packaged coffee sachet can be stirred straight into the mug for example; a Notpla bubble of fresh juice can be popped into the mouth in one.

Their energy drink and mineral water shots are distributed amongst athletes at sporting events such as the London Marathon and Roland Garros, avoiding thousands of single-use plastic cups and bottles from being used.  And restaurants are seeing this as one clear way to help reduce the plastic waste on British beaches, replacing single-use plastic condiment sachets with Notpla ketchup and mayo.

“Fab product and great team! Notpla supplied hydration for a 10k race and were so good to work with. The future of packaging!”

– Ed Perry, Race Director, verified Notpla customer

Seaweed-lined Takeaway Boxes that Actually Biodegrade

A Notpla seaweed-based coating can also be applied to cardboard takeaway boxes. This achieves a water and grease-resistant barrier to ensure the food is contained and the strength of the box isn’t compromised – a property usually granted by plastic.

But with this seaweed replacement, the packaging is fully home-compostable, recyclable, 100% biodegradable and microplastic-free!

Their takeaway boxes are being snapped up by events concerned about their environmental footprint. Caterers at Glastonbury Festival are one such example. Their green policies include bans on single-use plastic bottles and sachets and requirements for traders to ensure all foodware is fully compostable on site. You can see how Notpla fits the bill.  As a further advantage, the product is produced from sustainably harvested seaweed and is 100% vegan.

Shipping Packaging Samples

As a relatively new company, Notpla is keen to share its innovative packaging samples and prototypes with interested punters. The team needed quality boxes that would showcase the brand whilst aligning with their steadfast commitment to environmental care.

A Google search led them to several local packaging suppliers, including Aylesbury Box Company. They approached us with a brief, which included a stylised box template and white print design – both of which would help the brand to stand apart without compromising its natural credentials. They also had quite a tight deadline, as they wanted to immediately improve on the sample box experience.

Our quote and lead times were competitive and the Notpla team also favoured us as a smaller, personable company rather than a faceless giant. The fact that we are relatively local and an FSC© certified packaging company were bonuses.

Bespoke Boxes Manufactured

We were delighted to manufacture and deliver these bespoke boxes to Notpla and samples are now being sent out to their prospective customers.

“We’re really happy with the finish; the boxes have aesthetic appeal and communicate our ‘nature knows best’ values. Martin has been incredibly friendly, prompt and easy to get hold of. As our first order, it’s been a learning curve and we appreciate the support, as well as the packaging we’ve received from Aylesbury Box Company.”

– Hattie, Notpla

If your brand is looking to cut packaging waste and needs a sustainable packaging solution that matches your brand credentials, get in touch with Aylesbury Box Company on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.