2023 ThePackHub Startup Award Winners
Alternative Materials - Releaf Paper
A Ukrainian start-up, called Releaf Paper, has launched a range of paper bags online that are made from fallen leaves. In a patented process, cellulose is extracted from the leaves, which is then processed into paper, and ultimately paper bags. The bags are available on their newly launched website, which is aimed at small-to-medium sized businesses, and a range of nine different sizes is available to buyers both in the EU and the UK. Releaf says that their bags are very natural, biosafe, stylish and strong – the largest one supports up to 8 kgs of weight. The technology employed allowed them to reduce CO2 emissions by 78% during the production of the material. The bags are said to decompose within 60 days. Expected customers include offline and online stores that sell cosmetics, clothes, handmade goods, organic food, and other consumer goods.
Releaf Paper – manufacturer of paper made from fallen leaves
Connected Packaging - Konvoy
Konvoy was launched in 2019 across Australia and New Zealand. Through its subsidiary, Katch, it has developed a passive tracking beacon and software system to track the location of beer kegs at all times across the globe. For breweries, this means scan free tracking of all kegs, and information about how long kegs stay at various locations. The company’s kegs are also product and batch capable, allowing customers to drill into their data and learn more about which products and batches perform best. The Katch device was built based on a deep understanding of kegs and the supply chain. The Katch team has +20 years of experience in keg management through founding Konvoy and previous pooling businesses. As well as its tracking technology, Konvoy also offers short or long-term keg leasing and keg repair and maintenance.
Increased Functionality - Choose Planet A
Hong Kong-based Choose Planet A has announced the launch of The Good Cup, a patented paper coffee cup that features an integrated lid. The Good Cup was developed to meet consumer requirements for more sustainable options while also cutting costs for producers. The Good Cup is designed to be manufactured on the same machines that produce traditional paper cups. It is made from 100% certified home compostable paper and it is free from the commonly used PE (polyethylene) coating. The company says that usually more sustainable options can be two to three times more expensive than traditional options. In contrast, The Good Cup can offer savings, thanks to its integral lid. This enables a 40% reduction in storage space, transportation volume and carbon footprint as compared to the classic coffee cup, which in turn, saves companies money.
Online - Moree
London-based Moree helps food brands ditch single-use packaging. The business has developed a sustainable packaging solution, focusing on reusable pouches suitable for direct food contact, aimed primarily at dry goods. Brands can access Moree’s reusable packaging on a pay-per-use model. Returning these pouches is simplified through Moree’s RetEarn app, where customers can send back used packaging and accumulate points. These points not only foster brand loyalty but also enhance customer engagement. The operation is said to be reminiscent of a boomerang effect. Customers return their empty pouches via pre-paid envelopes, Moree then cleans these pouches and returns them to the brand owners in pristine condition. This system allows brands to focus on their products without worrying about logistical details, as Moree manages the return, cleaning, and delivery of the packaging.
Refill & Reuse – Dizzie
London-based design studio Blond has collaborated with online refillable grocery store Dizzie (formerly Good Club) to develop a range of reusable and recyclable pots. The pots come in three sizes, each size differing by a third, meaning that three small pots is equivalent to one large one. The lids are embellished with a groove detail to assist in nesting, both during delivery and in storage. Designed to be used as part of a closed loop system, the pots are intended to be collected from customers, washed and returned for reuse, and it is estimated that they can be reused 200 times before going back to the manufacturer to be broken down into their raw materials and made into new pots. The pots are made of a biocomposite containing wood fibres and bio-PP, are said to be 98% renewable, and are designed to utilise warehouse space more effectively than standard packaging.
Waste Reduction - ecomlr
Leeds-based ecoMLR are the developers of ecoINS, a product designed to thermally insulate and protect both warm and cool products in markets such as food and pharmaceuticals. It is a sustainable and recyclable packaging solution, designed as an alternative to plastic-based products. It can maintain a temperature of below 8 degrees for a period of up to 48 hours and keep a temperature of above 40 degrees for a period of up to 2 hours. Various stock sizes are available, and after use, they can be disposed of in household paper recycling. The company says that ecoINS is already being used by one of the leading global meal-kit delivery providers who rely on the ecoINS to keep its contents as fresh as when they sent it. ecoINS is made from recycled Kraft paper and not less than 70% recycled content.