A Harvest of Packaging Materials

A Harvest of Packaging Materials

When you think of Autumn does it conjure up images of a school harvest festival? Maybe, you enjoy foraging for seasonal produce including mushrooms, blackberries and apples. For every crop that is harvested, there are elements of the plant that we don’t eat. For example, the stalks of wheat or the skin of onions. However, the potential of this waste to be transformed into packaging materials is fully underway.

Sustainable Packaging Materials

We know that non-biodegradable or widely recyclable packaging materials are an environmental issue. As a result, customers are seeking out brands that opt for sustainable packaging materials. So, what are the options?

In the shift away from plastic, brands are embracing alternatives, including corrugated cardboard, aluminium, glass or paper. All of these packaging materials are manufactured from a high percentage of recycled content and are widely recycled.

However, there are a growing number of new options on the market. These are packaging materials made from extracting elements from natural materials, particularly waste from seasonal harvests. These plant-based solutions are proven to perform a functional role for specific types of packaging. Yet, they are fully biodegradable within months and release no chemical pollutants in the process.

Packaging from Land & Sea

Seaweed packaging

There is a plentiful supply of seaweed in the ocean, which provides a regenerative source for the manufacture of plastic-free packaging. NotPla is a leading brand in this field. They won the Earthshot prize in 2022 and have secured funding and partnerships to rapidly expand their packaging solutions.

Ooho was the first product they developed. It’s an edible capsule for holding liquids. When you pop it into your mouth, the outer coating dissolves and the water, energy drink or juice is released. It is ideal for distributing at sports events to save thousands of discarded plastic bottles.

NotPla extracts the agar from seaweed to create a thin alternative to plastic. This is also used to coat takeaway containers with a natural, chemical-free and food-safe moisture barrier. It means that the cardboard containers are plastic-free and will naturally decompose. These two options use flexible forms of the seaweed product. However, a rigid form is the ideal material for the ice-cream spoons that they’ve added to the collection. More packaging solutions are in development.

Packaging from Harvest waste

Agar can also be blended with cellulose extracted from stalks of wheat, corn and hemp crops. These would usually be regarded as agricultural waste, but their potential in creating packaging is now being realised. These bio-materials can be formed into paper bags, pouches, packaging films, void fillers and more.

Mushroom Packaging

Technically, it’s mycelium packaging. That is the extensive structure that grows beneath the soil, from which mushrooms grow. Mycelium plays an essential role in extracting and distributing nutrients that support rich biodiversity. It also has considerable strength, yet is lightweight and can be formed into any shape. This makes it a viable alternative to foam inserts inside cardboard boxes.

No Tears Over Onion Packaging

We’ve recently learnt about a Scottish-based company that is developing paper, card and film from onion skins. HUID (Dutch for skin) extracts cellulose from the outer, discarded layers of onions and blends it with biopolymers. So far, this has led to the creation of paper, card and flexible film. This has the added benefit of the anti-microbial properties of onions, which has the potential to extend the shelf life of consumables.

The founder, Renuka Ramanujam highlights that onions are easy to grow and a staple of many meals. Therefore, there is a plentiful supply of skins. Instead of these being composted, they can be collected and processed to make biodegradable packaging.

Cardboard Packaging

We are keen to promote any solution that offers a viable alternative to plastic packaging. For many companies, cartonboard and corrugated cardboard packaging is a practical, low-cost option. We offer 100% recyclable moisture-resistant coatings and water-based inks as sustainable solutions. In addition, we have taken steps to minimise our environmental impact as a packaging manufacturer.

To find out more, contact us on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.