Bpacks, a London-based sustainable packaging startup, has revealed its new bark-based packaging technology, offering a biodegradable alternative that integrates effortlessly with existing plastic production infrastructure. Bpacks' innovation arrives at a critical juncture as the European Union intensifies its drive towards biodegradable packaging solutions, mandating a transition within the next five years.
Operating from a 300-square-meter research and development center in Belgrade, Serbia, Bpacks has engineered finished packaging products and granules that can directly replace traditional plastic pellets. The company’s bark-based material mirrors the production process of polymers, eliminating the need for capital investments in new manufacturing equipment. This compatibility with existing production lines is a strategic advantage, potentially easing the market entry challenges many sustainable packaging innovations face.
Bpacks’ material promises full decomposition in moist soil within one to two months. It contributes valuable nutrients to compost, distinguishing it from common biodegradable polymers like PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), which break down into water and carbon dioxide without enhancing the soil.
Mikhail Skalkin, Co-founder and CEO of Bpacks, highlights the dual benefits of their technology: economic viability and seamless integration into existing production workflows. By leveraging bark, a byproduct of wood production, the startup capitalizes on an abundantly available resource, reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing the packaging’s antimicrobial properties. This approach mitigates the environmental impact and taps into the substantial economic opportunity within the $348.1 billion global market for plastic packaging.
Bpacks leadership, comprising seasoned entrepreneurs and scientists, alongside a supportive advisory board, positions Bpacks as an authority seeking to redefine industry standards, paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in packaging.
