In a groundbreaking development for the sustainable packaging industry, the startup Bpacks has introduced a pioneering innovation that could revolutionize the way we think about bioplastics. The company has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first bark-based biodegradable bioplastics, designed to replace the petroleum-based rigid plastics currently dominating the packaging of fresh produce, meat, cosmetics, and a plethora of other products.
Founded just a year ago in 2022 by a trio of visionaries—Mikhail Skalkin, Dr. Nikolay Semenov, and Lev Bolshakov—Bpacks operates out of the UK and Belgrade, Serbia. The company’s research and development efforts are spearheaded by materials scientist Dr. Semenov and the recently appointed head of innovation, Dr. Aleksandra Nešić. Their novel approach harnesses bark from timber production, alongside used coffee grounds and other bio-based materials, to create bioplastics in the form of sheets and granules or pellets. These can then be utilized by packaging manufacturers to forge a wide array of sustainable materials.
While Bpacks is currently in the process of filing patents for its innovative production process, the company reveals that it eschews the use of solvents. Instead, the method involves compounding, followed by the formation of pellets or sheets, and culminates with casting solid packaging through either injection molding or thermoforming.
The resulting biodegradable material is not only capable of handling high-moisture products but also boasts an impressive decomposition rate, fully breaking down in moist soil within one to two months, according to Bpacks. The company takes pride in the fact that their packaging solution is 100% home-compostable, setting a new standard for sustainability.
Mikhail Skalkin, Bpacks cofounder and CEO, emphasizes the competitive edge their product offers over traditional bio-packaging solutions. He points out that while existing bio-packaging often struggles with cost and integration complexity, their bio-based plastic substitute can be manufactured using existing plastic production equipment. This eliminates the need for factories to invest in new machinery. Skalkin also highlights that their packaging is entirely bio-based, with a significant proportion—up to 75%—sourced from production waste, such as bark and used coffee grounds.
Dr. Aleksandra Nešić, the company’s head of innovation, further elaborates on the context within the industry. She notes that most biodegradable bioplastics currently on the market are derived from agricultural feedstocks like corn and sugarcane, or from wood pulp for cellulose-based products. However, Bpacks has chosen to focus on bark, an abundant and largely untapped natural resource, which is often discarded as waste. By repurposing bark, which has a host of beneficial properties—ranging from antimicrobial to wound-healing—Bpacks is breathing new life into what would otherwise be an overlooked byproduct.
Lev Bolshakov underscores the seamless integration of their technology with existing infrastructure. He points out that while there are many bio-based packaging solutions available, the cost and scalability often pose significant challenges. Bpacks’ technology, on the other hand, is designed to fit snugly into the current production landscape, allowing for a smooth transition from plastic to bioplastic.
The material’s properties can be fine-tuned, not only by adjusting the ingredient ratios in the bio-based formulation but also by tweaking the process parameters. This versatility could prove to be a game-changer in the packaging industry. Furthermore, internal testing has suggested that Bpacks’ packaging could extend the shelf-life of products, particularly fruits, vegetables, and meats, thanks to its antimicrobial properties—a claim the company is currently validating through independent third-party labs.
As the global bioplastics market, valued at $11.2 billion in 2021, is projected to surge to $46.1 billion by 2030, Bpacks’ innovation arrives at a critical juncture. With companies under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental legislation, the introduction of bark-based bioplastics could be a significant step towards a more sustainable future in packaging.