Based in London, England, Bpacks, a startup, has devised a compostable material derived from bark that seamlessly integrates into existing plastic packaging manufacturing processes. This innovation allows for the creation of bark-based pellets and sheets, serving as a viable alternative to plastic. Operating from its 300-square-meter R&D center in Belgrade, Serbia, Bpacks can both produce the bark-based material and manufacture finished rigid packaging. The production process closely resembles conventional polymer methods, enabling packaging manufacturing without the need for new tooling, thereby saving time and resources. Moreover, Bpacks boasts a significantly reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics, with emissions up to six times lower during production.
The composition of Bpacks' composite packaging material utilizes ingredients that undergo minimal synthetic processing. While specifics remain undisclosed, Nikolay Semenov, Bpacks' CSO and co-founder, reveals that bark constitutes 50% to 70% of the material, with the remainder comprising processing aids and biopolymer binders sourced from agricultural and timber waste. This fully bio-based material aligns with both home and industrial composting methods, with testing demonstrating rapid decomposition and nutrient release, unlike biodegradable polymers.
Initially targeting rigid food packaging, such as fruit packs and fast-food containers, Bpacks aims to expand its applications to include cosmetics and detergent packaging. Currently, the company is in discussions with two partners for a pilot production run, while also pursuing international patent protection to safeguard its innovations. Looking ahead, Bpacks plans to enhance its production capabilities, explore packaging innovations, and expand globally through strategic partnerships and franchising opportunities.
