Researchers at public research organisation Scion, New Zealand, are collaborating with farmers and producers to transform agricultural byproducts such as blueberries and avocado stones into sustainable and compostable packaging solutions. This initiative is supported by funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA).
Project leader Kate Parker highlights that the global growth of fibre packaging is driving the search for viable plastic alternatives. Scion's research team is investigating the potential of integrating agricultural waste into moulded fibre trays to improve their structural integrity and resistance to moisture.
"We've looked at all sorts of different biomasses out there, across waste streams that are coming out of different New Zealand industries. We've looked at things like the outer leaves of cabbage that the market farmers have a big excess of, and we've looked at the hemp fibres that are not used for other applications. Avocado stones are another, left over from the oil industry. Pretty much anything," Parker mentions, regarding the diversity of agricultural waste being examined.
The project is still in its early stages, with Scion researchers engaging in discussions with both waste producers and businesses seeking alternatives to plastic packaging. "At this stage researchers are concentrating on producing fibre packaging...the next stage is definitely talking a lot to industry to figure out what they want, what properties are important, what they need and how we can tailor a product to suit the performance requirements that they have for their product," Parker adds.
Non-plastic, food-grade packaging innovations might emerge in later project phases. A notable collaboration involves Rotorua grower Mamaku Blue, integrating blueberry pomace into moulded fibre trays. Owner Michaela Frost points out that this exploration of blueberry byproduct aligns with environmental goals and addresses the excessive waste her operation generates.
Christophe Collet, Scion's bio-products and packaging portfolio leader, underscores the alignment with New Zealand's circular bioeconomy. "We're using a waste stream that would otherwise go to a landfill. So we use some materials and incorporate them with some wood fibre packaging that is also coming from a renewable resource, being wood." Businesses with waste streams are encouraged to reach out, as Scion is open to developing new projects to add value to their biomass byproduct.
Source: RNZ