PACKIOLI

The message of the project

"Packioli" is a pioneering solution that addresses two critical global challenges: the environmental impact of agricultural waste and single-use plastics. Our primary focus is to tackle both the incineration/landfill of corn waste, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and the pressing issue of plastic packaging within the single-use and FMCG sectors.

"Packioli" is an innovative home-compostable biopolymer, a breakthrough derived from corn waste, that provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective raw material for rigid packaging and product solutions for the FMCG sector.

Three key attributes set "Packioli" apart: Firstly, it is home-compostable, marine biodegradable, 100% vegan and bio-based, microplastic-free and uses agricultural waste - an ideal solution for brands that value easy compostability and carbon footprint reduction. Secondly, with the 45% agricultural corn waste content in our biocomposite, we aim to reduce the green premium of home-compostable plastics. Thirdly, the biocomposite can be integrated into the existing plastics conversion value chain, allowing for easy technical adoption.

The Idea Behind the Project

The foundations of Packioli were laid in 2021. That’s when impact entrepreneur and (bio)material designer Alara Ertenü first encountered biomaterials in her third year of university. After visiting bazaars regularly, she decided to investigate using agricultural waste to make biomaterials.

The first prototypes were made from artichoke leaves and pea pods in 2022. After Packioli’s exhibition at Dutch Design Week 2022 and coverage in many leading design magazines and press, Packioli is now a well-known project in the biomaterials and design industry.

In 2023, a partnership was established with Studio Nima for the commercialisation of the bio-packaging innovation Packioli and the acceleration of the process.