Packaging materials have a relatively short lifespan. They are generally disposed of immediately after use, and hence a source of wste. Recycling of plastics, and especially paper, is resource-intensive, which is why innovative manufacturers look for more sustainable alternatives.
The most eco-friendly packaging materials are those that are fully plant-based and compostable. In other words, those that do not require any industrial recycling. Materials that fully degrade in soil and/or aqueous environments. Such compounds can consist of a binder (e.g., a bio-resin) and a solid fibre or reinforcing filler.
BioPowder is an innovative manufacturer of powders made exclusively from upcycled by-products such as olive stones. The company makes functional fillers, texturizers and reinforcing particles that have proven effective in biodegradable packaging compounds. Bio-sourced resins as well as protein films are examples of possible applications. The powder particles, marketed under the name Olea FP (Functional Powder) is suited for a wide range of packaging products: transparent films, solid containers, barrier coatings, and biobased adhesives.
“Bio-based innovation includes anything from conventional, fossil-based polymers reinforced or filled with a natural particle up to 100% compostable films that leave no trace. Our goal is to assist material scientists in their developments, wherever they are standing in their journey towards a reduced environmental impact”, says Kathrin Schilling, founder and director of BioPowder.
“Sustainability sure is high up in the agenda of most packaging manufacturers. The route to implementation, however, can look very different across companies. Our goal is to encourage material scientists to think outside of the box and experiment with innovative raw material options”, Schilling adds.
Olive stone powders are made from olive stones, a side-stream of the olive oil production, whose processing is purely mechanical and resource-efficient. Upcycling of olive stones reduces waste, promotes rural development in the Mediterranean region and is the backbone of other circular business ventures. The low emissions associated with powder manufacturing are offset through carbon capture by the olive tree.
Given the above, Olea FP can reduce the overall carbon footprint of packaging materials. It is a truly circular solution, which works both as a substitute for conventional raw materials (e.g., of fossil or mineral origin) and a catalyst of disruptive innovation.
Looking at the functional properties, olive stone powders add value in the following ways:
- Proven aptitude for packaging compounds undergoing different processing steps such as injection moulding, extrusion, film blowing and filament creation.
- Variable water and oil absorption capabilities: surface-treated (e.g., hydrophobic) product grades are available.
- Customized micron ranges for texture effects, viscosity control and easy dispersion in different polymer chemistries.
- Particle stability and hardness ensure reinforcement and durability of packaging materials such as reusable cosmetic containers.
- Low density: ideal for lightweight applications such as compostable food packaging films.
In a world where the sustainability narrative can no longer be ignored, the use of olive stone powders in packaging is a promising option for eco-conscious manufacturers. Olive stone powders prove their worth through diverse functional properties, making them a valuable addition to the arsenal of sustainable packaging materials, promising a greener and more eco-conscious future for the industry.
For more information, please visit bio-powder.com.