Plastics continue to dominate the packaging industry, but alternatives are catching up. In addition to paper and cardboard, fiber-based packaging is increasingly moving into the spotlight. And the number of suppliers with new materials or innovative packaging machines or technologies is also growing. 15 of them will be presenting their solutions at FACHPACK, and the “Alternative Packaging Solutions” pavilion in Hall 3 has been set up for them.
Transport Protection Made Possible With Grains
At the end of 2022, the four founders of the start-up Proservation ventured into the packaging market with a polystyrene substitute made from natural raw materials. In their search for a suitable alternative material that met the technical requirements, they came across cereal husks. The new “Recou” packaging material consists of 100 percent of these grain husks, a by-product of grain processing. This means that the packaging material is completely biodegradable and production can be decentralized. With the Proservation protective corner for transport protection, the first mass-produced product was developed; production is also possible in different sizes and wall thicknesses according to customer requirements. The product portfolio also includes champagne coolers and honey packaging. The Stuttgart-based company also produces individual packaging solutions.
Turning Agricultural Waste into Tree-Free Paper
Dutch paper and cardboard manufacturer Paper Wise has taken a similar approach to the selection of raw materials. Company founder Peter van Rosmalen opted for agricultural waste from various types of grain and other crops in order to prevent their combustion and the resulting CO₂ emissions and to enable their further use. He set out three requirements for producers: Agricultural waste as a raw material; consistently high quality; CSR focus and guidelines among chain partners. The company policy is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The product range now includes office supplies, print products, and various packaging solutions made from CO₂-neutral paper and cardboard as well as tree-free paper. Sustainable block bottom bags, cosmetics packaging, bread bags, and carrier bags made from tree-free paper will be on display at FACHPACK.
Fully Compostable Closure Tapes
With the Bioloop tape, AD Bioplastics is launching a newly developed closure wire tape on the market. The twist cap is made from PLA premium bioplastic, which the Spanish start-up based in Valencia produces from renewable raw materials such as corn, sugar cane, or beets. It does not need to be coated with PVC or PE; the increased fracture strain boosts its elasticity. The bio-based material is compostable and, according to the company, decomposes completely in industrial composting within three months. The sustainable material has OK Compost Industrial certification from TÜV Austria and is approved for use in the food and cosmetics industries.