Top 10 Startups Researching Sustainable Packaging Trends
A packaging startup has developed an edible material that presents nutritional values and meets zero waste objectives for instant food products that are easy to use and consume. And another startup has developed a one-of-a-kind packaging solution that involves the breakdown of packages organically in up to 180 days. With the best of research, multiple sustainable packaging solutions are now available for the industry.
The industry startups are researching current packaging trends like Bio-based packaging, edible packaging, smart packaging, and connect packaging.
But which are these startups? And how many are there? What makes them different than others? How many patents do they hold?
These are some of the important questions which we have answered in our report.
Sustainable Packaging Articles
As for the article, it will give you a gist of 10 handpicked packaging startups from the report. But, if you want the information of all 30 packaging startups shown in the above image, we suggest getting our exclusive report by filling out the form below.
Below are the top 10 sustainable packaging startups of 2022:
1. Xampla
Xampla permits a comparable transition to how a spider creates silk, but in a far more efficient way, by employing readily accessible and renewable plant proteins and avoiding the usage of hazardous solvents. Supramolecular Customized Proteins could be organized into plastic-like materials such as films, gels, and capsules.
What makes Xampla different from other Packaging Startups?
Short answer, Innovative Technology. The startup uses Supramolecular engineered protein (SEP) technology to create bio-based products from plant protein. Xampla using SEP technology untangles the plant-based proteins and reassembles them without altering the chemical structure of the molecules. The startup exploits protein’s ability to self-assemble into supramolecular structures.
What kind of innovative products are offered by Xampla?
- Xampla’s Soluble Film Wrappers replace the PVOH (soluble plastic) presently used by the top home brands for Dishwashing Tablets.
- Edible and Cookable Wrapping Films – Gousto, a recipe box provider, includes Xampla’s Edible and Cookable Wrapping Films as part of their package for creating Indian Spiced Carrot & Lentil Soup.
- High-Performance Fragrance Microcapsules – Companies in the fragrance, home, and personal care sectors get benefits from Xampla’s High-Performance Fragrance Microcapsules.
Which Industries Does Xampla Serve?
The company enables the industrial, agricultural, FMCG, and cosmetics industries to employ the bio-based plastic alternative for product packaging.
Which Awards have been received by Xampla?
Xampla was a finalist in the ‘Energy and Environment category at the Katerva awards in September 2021. The awards, dubbed “the Nobel Prize of Sustainability,” recognize concepts that advance efficiency, lifestyle, and action a generation ahead of current thinking.
How many Patents does Xampla have?
Xampla possesses two patents for the novel material, with a third in the works.
2. Lactips
Founded in 2014, Lactips is a French company that specializes in the production of a water-soluble plastic that leaves behind no traces in the environment. Ain’t that something?
What makes Lactips different from other Packaging Startups?
- New Product – Lactips developed water-soluble and biodegradable thermoplastic pellets based on casein, a milk protein, which has well-known plastic characteristics.
- Patented Technology – Lactips’ patented technology, CareTips is the first casein-based substance that’s 100% bio-sourced and biodegradable.
- Lactips provides a novel, high-quality materials to the plastics industry for demands such as water-soluble packaging, sustainable packaging, and single-use plastics.
What kind of innovative products are offered by Lactips?
- Water-soluble Packaging – Lactips is currently offering a water-soluble opening system for laundry bags that can be placed straight into the machine and the soluble opening fades entirely when exposed to cold and hot water. Lactips’ preventative solution has been validated by hospital laundries to safeguard the handling of diseased linen and decrease the risk of contamination in the linen processing industry.
- Plastic Free Paper – The firm provides Plastic Free Paper, an exclusive coating solution for dry and fatty items such as tea, chocolate, confectionery, biscuits, etc.
- Golf Tee – Lactips’ golf tees are made of 100% organic and biodegradable material which are alternative to conventional options (plastic, wood, or bamboo) for golfers.
- Food Products and Compound – Lactips has developed an edible material that presents nutritional values and meets zero waste objectives for instant food products that are easy to use and consume.
Which Industries Do Lactips Serve?
- Lactips establishes a strong network of partners to supply its material for a variety of applications on a global scale (detergent packaging, food packaging, building, cosmetics) and the Golf Industry.
Which Awards have been received by Lactips?
- Lactips was named the 2018 Circular Challenge champion on December 6. Lactips obtained Citeo assistance and a €40,000 grant as a result of this win in order to further develop its idea.
- Genoscience Pharma, Lactips backed by Demeter, and Phytowelt GreenTechnologies were named overall winners of EuropaBio’s Most Innovative European Biotech SME Awards 2018 in the areas of healthcare, industrial, and agricultural biotech, respectively.
How many Patents does Lactips have?
Lactips has filed 11 patent applications.
The first patent, FR3075215B1, filed in 2017, discusses a thermoplastic, biodegradable material based on casein or caseinate.
The second patent application, FR3102366A1, was jointly filed by Lactips and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 UCBL, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne.
The application discusses the use of emulsions which can be used as a technological aid, in particular in the field of plastics or as an active encapsulation system. In particular, the present invention relates to an emulsion comprising a polyol, a monounsaturated fatty acid, and a milk protein.
The third patent, FR3107529A1, filed in 2020, discusses thermoplastic material based on casein or caseinate associated with a water-soluble polymer to improve chemical resistance.
3. Craste
Craste works towards crop waste management by providing additional revenue to the farmers. The company makes use of this waste to manufacture materials for packaging and furniture applications.
What makes Craste different from other Packaging Startups?
- New Process – Craste packaging products are produced using an innovative technique resulting in reduced water usage and Zero Level Discharge (ZLD) from the pulping unit. All of their packaging is food-grade, made from agricultural waste, straw panel board, and uses a formaldehyde-free glue.
- Patented Technology – Craste manufactures packaging materials and particle boards from stubble obtained from farmers. The startup uses Fumasolv, a patent-pending technology that removes lignin to build packaging solutions from agricultural leftovers.
What kind of innovative products are offered by Craste?
- Pulp & Paper – Craste creates alternatives to timber-based paper by exploiting the considerable excess agricultural waste left behind after harvesting for burning.
- Particle Board – Craste particle boards are made from an abundance of agricultural waste and give a high-quality, long-lasting alternative to the danger presented by the wood-intensive sector. They can create particle boards without Formaldehyde due to cutting-edge technologies developed in their lab.
Which Awards have been received by Craste?
- Craste recently received a central government grant under the RAFTAAR initiative, with the Punjab Agriculture Facility in Ludhiana as a partner, to establish a pilot unit. Aside from that, the firm has won various grants, including the Biotech Ignition Grant (BIRAC), the BIRAC SOCH Award, and the AB InBev Grant.
How many Patents does Craste have?
- In 2021, Craste filed a patent for their innovative technology Fumasolv which removes lignin to generate packaging solutions from agricultural residue.
4. SwapBox
Founded in 2019 in the Netherlands, SwapBox is a zero-waste packaging firm that only develops and manufactures reusable packaging for the food and beverage industries. SwapBox’s packaging innovation strives to be environment-friendly by recycling materials. SwapBox packaging may be reused up to 500 times, saving 500 disposable packaging.
What makes SwapBox different from other Packaging Startups?
- New Process – SwapBox’ packaging concept aims to be sustainable by reusing materials in two ways. Firstly, by producing packaging that can be reused at least 300 times and up to 500 times before being recycled. And secondly, recycling in a closed loop, means that all SwapBox packaging products that are no longer usable will be returned to the manufacturers, who will use them to manufacture new SwapBox packaging products.
What kind of innovative products are offered by SwapBox?
- Microwavable Bowl – The products are designed and manufactured in Belgium and are composed of 100% recyclable polypropylene.
- Double Combo Bowl – The product is perfect for wet + dry food combinations.
- SwapBox produces reusable Coffee Cups.
Which Industries does SwapBox Serve?
- SwapBox offers services to the Food & Beverages Industry.
5. Notpla
Notpla is a sustainable packaging start-up founded in 2014 by a combination of designers, chemists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. It creates advanced packaging solutions made from seaweed and other natural materials as an alternative to single-use plastic.
What makes Notpla different from other Packaging Startups?
- New Process – Notpla is focusing on natural, biodegradable liquid packaging materials created from seaweed and other plant resources. Nature’s way of wrapping liquids utilizing membranes, from egg yolk to cells or fruits, as well as traditional food technologies like Spherification techniques for packaging is the startup’s motivation.
What kind of innovative products are offered by Notpla?
- OOHO – Notpla’s first breakthrough product, a natural, flexible container for liquids that biodegrades in 4-6 weeks or may even be eaten. It’s made from the company’s sustainable packaging material combining seaweed and plants. The water-filled spherical package is made of brown seaweed extract (alginates), and calcium chloride and can contain water, soft drinks, sauces, or even alcohol.
Which Industries does Notpla Serve?
- Notpla offers services to the Food & beverage industry.
Which Awards have been received by Notpla?
Notpla has received multiple awards including,
- The 2014 Lexus Design Award.
- The 2014 World Technology Award (environment) was held in partnership with Fortune and TIME.
- The 2015 SEA Award.
- The 2016 UK Energy Globe Award.
How many Patents does Notpla have?
Notpla has filed 2 patent applications. Its patent US20200047927A1 relates a method or process of encapsulating liquids or liquid products into a cross-linked matrix for packaging applications. The method particularly concerns the use of a water-insoluble alginate membrane in such a method to obtain an encapsulated product suitable as waterproof packaging.
6. #INVISIBLE
#Invisible develops plastic-free, compostable & biodegradable materials and plant-based resources with R&D teams and engineers to replace plastic. It has designed a bag that fully vanishes in water as part of its quest to combat plastic pollution. The company’s solution, designed to replace traditional plastic bags, is non-toxic, biodegradable, and compostable, and leaves no trace of microplastics on the earth. Way to go!
What makes #Invisible different from other Packaging Startups?
- The bag is ASTM D6400 and EN13432-certified biodegradable and compostable by the Japan BioPlastics Association. This ensures it won’t pollute the environment or affect marine and wildlife. After a few months in a landfill, the bag interacts with bacteria, biomass, and microorganisms, resulting in the breakdown of carbon dioxide and water with no hazardous residues.
Which Industries does #INVISIBLE Serve?
- Various fashion apparel, accessories, and lifestyle brands including Boyish, Blackhill, Strive, Jovian, and much more use #INVISIBLEBAG.
What kind of innovative products are offered by #INVISIBLE?
- #INVISIBLEBAG – #INVISIBLEBAG is a water-soluble and biodegradable blend of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), starch, glycerin, and water. It does not include PP, PE, PS, or PVC plastic, as shown by FTIR analysis, does not create microplastic, and dissolves quickly in hot water (80°C or higher), as well as slowly in cold water. #INVISIBLEBAG was tested in accordance with ASTM D5511 standards, and the results reveal that it biodegrades at a rate of more than 85% in 90 days under landfill circumstances. It is also compostable according to the US standard ASTM D6400 and the EU standard EN13432.
7. LOLIWARE
LOLIWARE offers a magnificent, fruity, edible cup that can carry beverages, sweets, and other items. This may be a delicious way to make sustainability elegant, as well as an ecologically responsible alternative to the huge red plastic cup.
What makes LOLIWARE different from other Packaging Startups?
- SEA TECHNOLOGY – It is a seaweed-based, zero-emissions alternative to paper and plastic. SEA is a revolutionary category of materials derived from seaweed, which is both regenerative and carbon-sequestering. It outperforms high-carbon paper products and bioplastics.
- It promotes improved health via its non-GMO and gluten-free composition. The edible cup’s major component is seaweed. Including Organic sweeteners, purified water, and plant-based color. If customers do not wish to eat it, they may compost it or dispose of it. It will decompose and return to the ground in 4 to 6 weeks.
What kind of innovative products are offered by LOLIWARE?
- LOLIWARE has different products including Blue Carbon Straw, Mother of Pearl Straw, and Carbon Delete Straw.
Which Industries does LOLIWARE Serve?
- LOLIWARE offers services to the Food & beverage industry.
Which Awards have been received by LOLIWARE?
- The LOLIWARE Straw, a product of LOLIWARE Inc, was named Top Product of the Year in the prestigious Environment + Energy Leader Awards program in July 2021.
- Lolistraw – edible and hyper-compostable straws were selected as finalists for the Bioplastics Award 2018.
How many Patents does LOLIWARE have?
Loliware has filed 4 patent applications of which 3 got abandoned. The active patent, USD782150S1, is a design patent for an Edible cup.
8. AEROPOWDER
Aeropowder’s mission is to move the world to a circular economy so it can save it from climate change disasters. The circular economy proposes a different system. Resources are kept in use for as long as possible, then recovered and used to regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
And the startup believes the feathers can help it complete the mission.
What makes Aeropowder different from other Packaging Startups?
Keratin, a chemically resistant and physically robust protein, makes up feathers. They are one of the lightest natural fibers in nature and excellent heat insulators. This is because of their tiny, hollow structure. AEROPOWDER has harnessed the capabilities of feathers to develop a one-of-a-kind patent-pending insulating material that is intended to replace expanded polystyrene as thermal packing material for food or pharmaceutical delivery.
What kind of innovative products are offered by Aeropowder?
- Pluumo – The first product from AEROPOWDER is pluumo, the world’s first feather-based insulating material for chilled and frozen food delivery. It is intended to replace expanded polystyrene, providing best-in-class insulating performance while also being ecologically beneficial in its manufacture and disposal.
The majority of pluumo is created from excess feathers generated by the poultry industry. These feathers are blended with a tiny quantity of binder fiber (corn-derived PLA) to form the body of the insulation. It is then sealed inside a biodegradable liner similar to that used in the kitchen food waste bin.
Which Industries does Aeropowder Serve?
- AEROPOWDER offers packaging solutions to the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Which Awards have been received by Aeropowder?
- Aeropowder has won Green Alley Award 2018.
- In 2018, AEROPOWDER was awarded the $5,000 Kirchner Food Prize by the Kirchner Food Fellowship for the initiative with the greatest impact investment potential.
How many Patents does Aeropowder have?
Aeropowder has one patent, GB201610852D0, which has now ceased. The patent was related to the process of processing feathers.
9. LivingPackets
LivingPackets is a company that provides smart packaging solutions. Its smart packaging comprises unique holding systems, an integrated package weighing system, integrated locks to prevent unauthorized opening, an E-ink display for address reading and updating, enlarged polypropylene material, and integrated sensors. Its app offers smartphone communication, shipping monitoring, and tracking.
What makes LivingPackets different from other Packaging Startups?
THE BOX – THE BOX is the next generation of smart packaging for the worldwide e-commerce business. It is intended to reduce the environmental effect while also providing a new and enhanced delivery experience for e-commerce enterprises and customers. Because of its automated holding mechanism, self-locking mechanisms, and digital address display, THE BOX eliminates all packaging waste. It increases security by allowing complete remote control of each delivery. THE BOX is endlessly recyclable and can be used for up to 1000 voyages before needing to be reconditioned.
Which Industries does LivingPackets Serve?
- Various e-commerce and delivery companies including Orange, Cdiscount, and Chronopost use LivingPackets’s THE BOX.
Which Awards have been received by LivingPackets?
- LivingPackets received a new innovation award in the field of “sustainability, eco-design, and smart energy” at the prestigious CES 2021.
- The World Packaging Organization has awarded THE BOX the WorldStar Awards 2021 in the category Electronics.
- THE BOX was named a CES Innovation Awards Honoree for 2020.
How many Patents does Livingpackets have?
Livingpackets has 3 design patents in its portfolio. These design patents are of its Box and satchels.
10. ColorSensing
ColorSensing uses QR technology to automatically and statistically detect food freshness. The company uses Colorimetry-based sensors to quantify the state of the food within the packaging. Additionally, a color-corrected output reveals the freshness of the food.
What makes ColorSensing different from other Packaging Startups?
Patented Technology – ColorSensing’s patented algorithm creates ad-hoc color patterns based on QR technology for each application. Any camera can detect this pattern, and the algorithm analyses the photos containing the pattern, gaining accurate information about the ‘real’ colors and delivering, depending on the application, either the color-corrected picture or quantitative information about the target color to measure.
What kind of innovative technology is ColorSensing working on?
- Color-based sensing – FoodSensing, an autonomous, quantitative, and cost-effective food freshness indicator, assists food producers and merchants in reducing food waste and improving product quality.
Which Industries does ColorSensing Serve?
- ColorSensing provides color correction and quantification applications ranging from digital color-analysis sensors to picture standards solutions for telemedicine.
Conclusion
In a competitive environment where a number of startups have started innovating in the packaging industry. The above startups are worth mentioning for their innovative packaging solutions. But the market is huge and many more startups have joined the league. And each of them is curating unique solutions for the consumers. In order to hop on the bandwagon, a detailed study of these startups is a must.
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