The environmental division of the Schwarz Group, PreZero, is developing new, sustainable fiber and paper products for packaging solutions via its OutNature brand. Following a successful pilot phase, the two retail divisions Lidl and Kaufland are now introducing the innovative paper packaging based on the silphia plant in their fruit and vegetable range, starting with organic cress.
At Lidl, organic cress in silphia packaging has been available since Monday, November 8, initially in southern Germany. At Kaufland, it will soon be available nationwide in Germany. This marks the start of a series of many other product changes: Organic tomatoes, apples and mushrooms, for example, will follow soon at Kaufland. In the coming months, smoked and streamed salmon from the K-Bio private label will also be offered in the new packaging at Kaufland Germany.
Image: OutNature/Schwarz Group
Special features of the silphie packaging alternatives
Silphie paper is particularly resource-efficient and can be used in the food and non-food sectors in a variety of ways. With a share of at least 35 percent, the fibers of the plant form the basis for the novel packaging. Regional silphia cultivation reduces transport distances as well as the CO2 emissions associated with this. furthermore, not much water or energy is being used in the preparation process, and the extraction of the fibers takes place without the use of chemicals.
Image: OutNature/Schwarz Group
The silphia plant also offers a sustainable perspective for farmers because, among other things, it is insect-friendly, stores CO2 in the soil while protecting it from wind and water erosion. The robust perennial crop has so far been used exclusively for the production of biogas. OutNature has succeeded in separating the plant fibers, using a biothermal process prior to bioenergy production. This way, the PreZero brand is harnessing the silphia plant as a new, German-produced raw material that is revolutionizing the paper and packaging industry.
Image: OutNature/Schwarz Group
Last year, OutNature received the German Packaging Award in the "New Material" category for the idea of producing sustainable packaging from silphia fibers. At the beginning of 2021 they received another award; the prestigious WorldStar Award from the World Packaging Organization (WPO) in the "Packaging Materials & Components" category.
Through further research, the silphia paper is to be given additional shielding properties, against water or grease for example. This way, the novel paper can become a possible replacement for plastic packaging in the future, contributing to the vision of the international Group-wide plastics strategy REset Plastic "Less plastic - closed loops".
For more 
information:
Schwarz Gruppe
https://gruppe.schwarz/
OutNature
www.out-nature.de