How circular economy startup Bpacks is utilising bark to reduce plastic waste
How circular economy startup Bpacks is utilising bark to reduce plastic waste Tech.eu
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We’re literally drowning in a sea of plastic
While efforts are made to reduce the reliance on single use plastic, it relies on scalable solutions at a comparable price point. But now UK company Bpacks has found a way forward with sustainable packaging made from bark.
Bpacks: Revolutionizing Packaging with Sustainable Bark-based Materials
Bpacks is a circular economy startup that has developed the world’s first bark packaging technology, which integrates easily into existing production streams. Bark-based materials are fully compatible with current equipment for plastic packaging production, facilitating the shift to eco-packaging.
100% Bio-based Packaging with Minimal Waste
The startup is crafting packaging that is 100 per cent bio-based, with up to 75 per cent of materials sourced from production waste.
Interview with Bpacks’ Co-founder and Head of Innovations
I spoke to Lev Bolshakov, co-founder and COO of Bpacks and Aleksandra Nešić, Head of Innovations, to find out more.
Production Process and Environmental Benefits
Nešić explained that Bpacks’ 300 square metres R&D centre in Belgrade, Serbia enables the production of both finished packaging and granules as substitutes for plastic pellets. The bark-based pellets’ production process closely resembles that of polymers and doesn’t require capital investments to begin molding, since the manufacturing process mirrors that of plastic production.
From Compounding to Decomposition: The Journey of Bpacks’ Sustainable Packaging
The Bpacks’ production process starts with compounding, followed by the creation of pellets or sheets, and concludes with the casting of solid packaging, which takes place either by injection molding or thermoforming techniques. The material should fully decompose in moist soil within one to two months.
Bark-based Materials vs. Traditional Biodegradable Polymers
Nowadays, the most common biodegradable polymers, such as PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), are made from carbohydrate-rich plants like corn and sugarcane. By comparison, bark-based material turns into compost within a week in an active environment and enriches the compost with valuable nutrients. Furthermore, by utilizing bark, a sidestream of wood production, as its primary raw material, Bpacks ensures that forest resources are not further strained.
Utilizing Bark Extracts and Forest Waste for Sustainable Solutions
Studies have highlighted the antimicrobial potential of bark extracts from various tree species. These extracts enhance the functionality of Bpacks’ technology, which emits up to six times fewer CO2 emissions than traditional plastic production methods. Additionally, forest waste is being used by startups to make natural biochemicals, pulp-based cellulose, and edible fats and oils. Its status as a living ingredient means it also has the potential to extend the life of the products which it packages according to Nešić.
Bpacks’ Contribution to EU Packaging and Waste Directive
The company has captured the interest of plastic polymer packaging manufacturers as the EU’s packaging and packing waste directive aims to make packaging used in the EU safer and more sustainable. The directive sets packaging reduction targets and requires EU countries to reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste.
Future Plans and Commercial Expansion
“Once we finalize our patent, we plan to bolster our commercial efforts by expanding our production line.” This creates the potential to white label the tech to plastic manufacturers or expand Bpack’s own facilities.”
Lead image: Bpacks. Photo: uncredited.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the issue of plastic waste and the need for sustainable packaging solutions. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Additionally, the article mentions that the bark-based packaging emits up to six times fewer CO2 emissions than traditional plastic production methods, connecting it to SDG 13 on climate action. The use of bark as a raw material also relates to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting and restoring ecosystems on land.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
The targets identified are relevant to the issues discussed in the article. SDG 12.5 focuses on reducing waste generation, which aligns with the goal of finding sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste. SDG 13.3 emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and capacity on climate change mitigation, which is relevant to the article’s discussion on the lower CO2 emissions of bark-based packaging. SDG 15.2 highlights the need for sustainable forest management, which is connected to the use of bark as a sidestream of wood production.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Amount of plastic waste reduced through the use of sustainable bark-based packaging.
- Reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastic production methods.
- Extent of sustainable forest management practices implemented, including the utilization of bark as a sidestream.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but these indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The amount of plastic waste reduced through the adoption of sustainable bark-based packaging can be measured quantitatively. The reduction in CO2 emissions can be measured through carbon footprint assessments comparing bark-based packaging to traditional plastic production methods. The extent of sustainable forest management practices can be measured by evaluating the utilization of bark as a sidestream and assessing the overall impact on forest resources.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. | Amount of plastic waste reduced through the use of sustainable bark-based packaging. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning. | Reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastic production methods. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and increase afforestation and reforestation globally. | Extent of sustainable forest management practices implemented, including the utilization of bark as a sidestream. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: tech.eu
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