Israeli startup W-Cycle has developed a plastic-free packaging from sugarcane waste, SupraPulp, that can be used with fruit and vegetables and other food.
W-Cycle is suitable for whole items, such as mushrooms and strawberries, according to the company, as well as fresh-cut, as long was the items don’t need a modified atmosphere.
The patented packaging is compostable yet durable, and can replace plastic, aluminum and foam containers, according to a news release. The sugarcane fibers, called bagasse, are left when sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice.
The packaging can be used in the freezer, oven or microwave, according to W-Cycle.
“There are other compostable solutions on the market, but SupraPulp has game-changing functionality consumers need when they want to heat, freeze, or microwave convenience food products,” Lior Ital, CEO and co-founder, said in the release. “Plus, SupraPulp trays have a luxury look and feel compared to plastic, aluminum or bioplastic containers.”
The company is seeing an increased interest in packaging materials, with a focus on sustainability, Joseph Stani, co-founder and chief technology officer at W-Cycle, said in the release.
“There is greater demand — and pressure — on brands to offer environmentally responsible products,” he said in the release. “Providing a compostable solution for ready meals, and meat products allows us to help food manufactures as well as consumers ditch plastic containers and create a cleaner environment.”
Stani said the company is marketing the SupraPulp trays, and the demand from distributors is “outstanding.”