Singapore deep-tech startup N&E Innovations has signed its first UK distributor agreement with Purple Planet Packaging to bring its innovative home compostable materials to the market at scale.
N&E Innovations has developed a patented materials solution called ViKANG99, which is made by upcycling tropical fruit waste from farms in Malaysia and Vietnam, extracting powerful natural functional compounds. This material is edible, food-grade, and suitable for food contact applications. Its unique properties as a binder have allowed N&E to create a range of home compostable, high performing food packaging and cling wrap products under the brand name OKIO.
OKIO materials are all certified home compostable and are targeted at replacing some of the most challenging plastics in the food service space: starting with cling films. OKIO products have been a hit with UK customers and this agreement marks the beginning of a partnership between Purple Planet Packaging and N&E that is designed to unlock significant growth.
N&E’s OKIO products offer a combination of sustainability, functionality, and price point that is truly unique and has driven significant interest in the products. Purple Planet Packaging’s established distribution network, customer base, and logistical expertise is the key to bringing these exciting OKIO products to food service businesses across the UK.
“Cling film is an everyday essential in busy kitchens, so any move to a compostable alternative needs to be practical. At Purple Planet Packaging, we want to make that change easier for businesses, with products that meet their needs and clear guidance on how to dispose of them correctly. Helping customers take that next step is what matters to us.”
UK leads N&E’s expansion into Europe
N&E’s growth in Europe follows global success, on the back of a US$1.7m funding round closed this summer in a round led by Australian VC Tundra Capital.
OKIO products are being sold directly to customers in the UK, France, and Germany. The UK is home to N&E’s first international office, established in the West Midlands with the support of UK DBT and West Midlands Accelerator.
Internationally, N&E’s products are distributed in Australia by Kinoya Pty Ltd, and by Freshning Pte Ltd in Singapore. A number of local distributors have brought these cling films to customers across Thailand, Malaysia, and further.
“The UK has been a market of firsts for us: our first international office, our first European customers, and now our first distribution partnership. Purple Planet Packaging shares our belief that sustainable packaging shouldn’t mean compromising on performance or price. Together, we’re building the platform for OKIO’s expansion across Europe.”
N&E will be exhibiting their OKIO products at this week’s Responsible Packaging Expo in London’s Excel from the 29th to the 30th of September.