The amount of plastic waste flowing into the ocean could triple by 2040, amounting to an estimated 1.3 billion tons. A recent U.K. investigation found that microscopic, potentially dangerous plastic particles have become “part of the air we breathe.” But companies and governments may be able to drastically reduce plastic production.
 
W-Cycle, an Israeli food-tech startup has developed SupraPulp, plastic-free packaging made of sugarcane waste that is fully compostable, yet durable enough to be used for greasy, wet, or hot food. Packaged food with SupraPulp can be frozen and heated with either an oven, convection oven, steam cooker or microwave.
 
SupraPulp is patented, field-tested, and an ideal replacement for plastic, aluminum, or foam containers, the company said. It is made from 100% renewable sugarcane fibers, called bagasse, the dry, pulpy fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane or sorghum stalks are crushed to extract their juice.
 
SupraPulp is compostable, non-coated, toxin- and metal free. The containers have unique characteristics compared to standard bagasse containers that make them the ideal alternative to plastic trays for food products, especially fresh, frozen, or prepared consumer packaged meals. While standard pulp products cannot sustain liquids and oils, SupraPulp containers are oil- and water-resistant and avoid any absorption or leakage.
 
CPET plastic trays are typically used for ready-meal packaging. SupraPulp, just like CPET, is ideal for ready meals since it is suitable for freezer-to-oven/microwave convenience. Fresh meat, poultry and sea food are also commonly packed in plastic (PE, PET, Styrofoam) due to their juice runoff. SupraPulp can be a replacement that it will not absorb them, leak or soften. Following years of R&D efforts, W-Cycle’s new SupraPulp material can be frozen to -40°C and reheated to 270°C (-40°F and reheated to 518°F), inviting a comprehensive range of food applications. After use, the package can be disposed of as organic waste.
 
“Dispose SupraPulp packages the same way as you would your salad,” says Lior Itai, CEO and co-founder of W-Cycle. “This food-grade, compostable packaging is a one-to-one replacement for its plastic counterpart. 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. Plus, SupraPulp trays have a luxury look and feel compared to plastic, aluminum, or bioplastic containers.”
 
Other green solutions such as bioplastic made from the whole plant need to be specially grown, harvested, and processed. SupraPulp is made from the waste upcycled from sugarcane, or similar crops such as wheat, bananas, etc. It is the ultimate green, sustainable, eco-friendly solution to plastic waste.
 
“COVID-19 is drawing consumers’ attention to how we treat our planet and the future of the environment,” said Joseph Siani, CTO and co-founder of W-Cycle. “There is greater demand—and pressure—on brands to offer environmentally responsible products. 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. Together, we can put an end to plastic pollution. We are currently marketing SupraPulp trays and connecting with strategic distributors, the demand is outstanding.”