Bpacks, a fresh UK-based venture, has unveiled what they tout as the “pioneer” packaging substance derived from tree bark, providing an ecological substitute to plastic. By harnessing remnants from the timber production sector, this groundbreaking packaging solution can be crafted using preexisting apparatus utilized in plastic packaging, streamlining the shift to eco-conscious options.
The issue of single-use plastic pollution is extensively acknowledged, with a massive 400 million tons generated annually, only nine percent of which undergoes recycling. The surplus pollutes oceans and soil, posing a substantial hazard to ecosystems and human well-being. Consequently, the European Union has mandated a transition towards biodegradable packaging over the next five years.
Diverging from other startups fixated on synthesizing biodegradable plastics from scratch, Bpacks repurposes waste from the timber industry, tapping into an annual production capacity estimated between 300 and 400 million cubic meters.
The fabrication process mirrors plastic production, involving compounding and transformation into pellets or sheets. These materials can be molded using conventional techniques like injection molding or thermoforming, sans the need for extensive capital outlay on new equipment.
The bark-based packaging material not only resembles plastic in appearance and behavior but also differs in its decomposition process. While traditional biodegradable plastics take one to two months to decompose into water and carbon dioxide, Bpack’s material decomposes into compost, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients. Studies have highlighted its antimicrobial properties, which aid in reducing carbon dioxide emissions during composting. In fact, Bpack material emits six times less CO2 compared to conventional biodegradable plastics.
Mikhail Skalkin, the co-founder and CEO of Bpacks, emphasized the cost-effectiveness and ease of integration of their bio-based plastic substitute, as it can be manufactured using existing equipment and utilizes up to 75% of materials sourced from production waste. By leveraging pre-owned equipment, they further reduce CO2 emissions, addressing market penetration challenges faced by sustainable packaging startups.
Bpacks’ bark-based packaging material presents a promising solution to the plastic pollution crisis, offering a sustainable alternative that aligns with both environmental and economic objectives.