Plant Pack GmbH, a sister company of Nordgetreide GmbH, has started the pilot phase with a new type of packaging material. It is made from puffed maize semolina, which is a by-product of food production. The production process was developed by scientists at the Georg-August University in Göttingen.
Plant Pack offers manufacturers and retailers a sustainable alternative to familiar packaging materials such as polystyrene. Made from puffed maize semolina, this innovative material similar shock-absorbing and heat-insulating properties to polystyrene - but is also better for the environment. Because Plant Pack is made from 100 per cent bio-based raw materials and can be disposed of after use in the organic waste bin or even in the home compost.
With this combination of properties, it is well suited as a sustainable replacement for petroleum-based transport and product packaging - for electrical appliances, for example - and for the protection of temperature-sensitive goods from the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
Sustainable production and disposal
The special maize grits from which the material is made are produced in large quantities during maize processing and are Not suitable for further use in food production. Using a proven process, it is puffed, thereby changing its structure.
After adding an organic binder, individual moulded parts can be produced from it - these can be perfectly adapted to the respective products depending on the purpose and thus optimally protect the packaged goods. The material is also a thin layer of polylactic acid (PLA), which makes it moisture-repellent.
After use, the material decomposes quickly and can therefore be composted industrially or even in the home garden. It only releases the amount of CO2 back into the atmosphere that the maize plant originally stored during its growth. Alternatively, Plant Pack can also be disposed of in the organic waste bin in an environmentally friendly way become.
„We are delighted to finally be able to offer a real alternative to polystyrene with Plant Pack. Our packaging material can replace petroleum-based materials in many areas in the future and help to make the packaging market fit for the future.“ Stefan Schult, Managing Director of Plant Pack GmbH
Plant Pack is versatile
Plant Pack can be used in various areas where conventional packaging materials such as polystyrene have been used up to now. Its impact resistance makes it the perfect Transport packaging for household appliances or furniture. They are thus well protected on their way from the manufacturer to the retailer and on to the end customer.
Also as an inlay for product packaging the material cuts a fine figure. As it can be manufactured into precisely fitting moulded parts, it offers optimum protection for every product. Thanks to its heat-insulating properties, Plant Pack is also suitable as a Delivery or shipping packaging for temperature-sensitive goods such as food and pharmaceutical products.
With partners at your side
Plant Pack GmbH is a sister company of Nordgetreide GmbH & Co. KG. The North German company with a Europe-wide market presence specialises in the gentle processing of grain into foodstuffs. This proximity creates scope for synergies: In the production of Nordgetreide large quantities of maize grits are produced, which is not suitable for further use in food production and will be used for the production of Plant Pack in the future.
The production process was developed by the Georg-August-University Göttingen and is based on patented research work. Plant Pack GmbH holds the exclusive rights to use this patent in the field of packaging applications for the European market.
Plant Pack at Fachpack 2021: Hall 6, Stand 406
SourcePlant Pack
