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The end of plastic packaging? Startup launches world’s first tree bark packaging to replace plastic

Published 16/12/2024 às 13:51
packaging, plastics
Photo: bpacks

An innovative startup has developed packaging made from the world's tree bark, a sustainable alternative to replace plastic and reduce environmental impact.

A startup Bpacks, based in the United Kingdom, has announced an innovation that promises to revolutionize the packaging industry and combat the environmental crisis. The company has developed packaging made up of 80% industrial by-products, based on tree bark, which is fully compostable and capable of replacing plastic in several sectors.

The proposal is to combine sustainability, efficiency and practicality, following the principles of the circular economy.

Financing to advance sustainability with new packaging

Recently, Bpacks completed a pre-seed funding round, raising €1 million. This amount will allow us to advance our research and development of its technology, in addition to accelerating large-scale production.

According to founders Mikhail Skalkin and Lev Bolshakov, the mission is to offer a viable and affordable solution to reduce global dependence on conventional, petroleum-based plastics.

The packaging developed is not only sustainable. It has significant technical advantages. For example, it can be composted at home, eliminating the need for complex infrastructure for recycling or disposal.

Additionally, its antibacterial material extends the shelf life of perishable foods by up to seven additional days, reducing food waste by up to 42%.

Versatile features

According to Lev Bolshakov, the packaging is highly adaptable and can be used in sectors such as food and beverage, cosmetics and household products.

Furthermore, its formula is compatible with existing industrial machinery, allowing a smooth transition for manufacturers who wish to adopt more sustainable solutions without major investments in new technologies.

“Our goal is to facilitate change. Companies do not need to reinvent their production chains. We offer an alternative that not only reduces environmental impacts but also brings competitive advantages,” explains Bolshakov.

Two crises, one solution

Bpacks is not just fighting plastic pollution. The proposal also aims to significantly reduce food waste. According to the startup, extending the shelf life of perishable foods is a vital contribution for supermarkets, manufacturers and consumers. In financial terms, this can represent a significant reduction in inventory losses and an improvement in the results of companies in the food sector.

This dual impact is what makes Bpacks’ technology so promising. The combination of environmental sustainability and economic benefits strengthens the solution’s appeal to investors and industrial partners.

Where did the idea come from?

The startup was founded in 2022 in Serbia after the founders identified the potential of industrial byproducts, such as tree bark, which are usually discarded. Based on this underutilized resource, Bpacks created a unique formula that combines sustainability with practicality.

“Tree bark is abundant and often discarded as worthless waste. We saw an opportunity to transform this material into something useful and environmentally responsible,” says Mikhail Skalkin, co-founder of the company.

The founders’ vision was clear: to create a solution that was not only environmentally friendly, but also economically viable for producers and consumers. This pragmatic approach attracted not only investors, but also important partners in the industry.

Partnership with Gomex

One of the main examples of the application of Bpacks technology is the collaboration with Gomex, a large retail chain in Serbia with over 300 stores. This partnership demonstrates how the adoption of sustainable practices can be integrated into the consumer goods sector.

According to Dimitrije Stojanović, CEO of Gomex, the partnership with Bpacks is aligned with the company’s ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles. “Bpacks packaging not only reduces waste, but also extends the shelf life of products. We are setting a sustainability standard that can inspire the entire industry,” says Stojanović.

Expansion and projections

The global rigid packaging market, valued at USD 218 billion in 2023, is constantly growing and is expected to reach USD 366 billion by 2034. At the same time, the emerging segment of packaging made from wood waste has the potential to generate more than EUR 100 billion in the coming years.

With this scenario in mind, Bpacks plans to build a pellet factory by 2025, which will optimize its supply chain.

The company also has plans to establish production facilities in Spain and enter the North American market, meeting the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

The founders estimate that with these initiatives the company could generate revenues of over 40 million euros and reach an EBITDA of 30% by 2028. This strategy reflects not only Bpacks' ambition, but also its confidence in the positive impact of its solutions.

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Lorran C. Albuquerque Paiva
Lorran C. Albuquerque Paiva(@122135509388530244)
16/12/2024 14:26

Elon Musk tesla smartphone? Cell phones all Brazil 2025?

Peter Joaquim
Peter Joaquim
16/12/2024 18:22

In other words: they are reinventing the cardboard box! Lol….

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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