How Startups Aim To Replace Plastic Packaging With Plant Materials

A European startup which aims to replace plastic packaging with tree bark-based technology has successfully raised €1 million at the pre-seed stage with investors.

ByJamie Hailstone, Contributor.

Jamie Hailstone is a U.K-based reporter, who covers sustainability.

Bpacks has developed a composite material based on its own innovative formula, which can be made with standard plastic manufacturing equipment and pulp moulding technology.

In addition, it has also partnered with the retailer Gomex to roll out its products in more than 300 stores across Southern Europe.

Bpacks co-founder Lev Bolshakov for Forbes said bark is already “natural packaging for trees”, which led the company to look at it as an alternative to plastic in an interview.

He said the money raised at the pre-seed stage will help buy equipment for its Belgrade production site and hire more scientists to develop new products.

Bolshakov added the bark-based packaging it has developed is biodegradable and compostable.

He told me they are working on using the material to create pellets, which can be used to make food trays, coffee cups and containers for beauty products.

“We are looking at the beauty industry, because it is focussing on finding solutions to replace plastic and glass containers,” he said.

“We also see the application of this packaging in other domestic products and in some other industries, as well.”

Bolshakov added the material is 80% wood waste byproducts and has a high antibacterial index, which increases the shelf life of the products.