BioPak avoided 23,624 tonnes of plastic in 2023

Compostable packaging producer BioPak has released its 2023 sustainability report, detailing the Australian company’s efforts to reduce plastic and create a world without waste.

The report reveals that in 2023 BioPak avoided 23,624 tonnes of plastic, rescued and planted 28,765 trees, donated 148,622 meals, and impacted 133,515 lives. The report also highlights the B Corp’s Emissions Reduction Plan, which includes the company’s ambition to launch an industry-first Environmental Impact Labelling scheme which will provide information on BioPak’s carbon footprint and the eco cost of each product.

“This is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency. It is another first for our industry and one that we hope can become part of any product or packaging framework. We look forward to rolling out this exciting initiative and hearing our customers’ and the public feedback,” says BioPak CEO Gary Smith.

An update on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) was included within the report and detailed BioPak’s position as the first company in Australia to start production on a complete assortment of plant-based fibre products in 2023. The full transition for the APAC region is expected by mid 2024.

“This is a significant step forward for the industry, and one that I hope can spark real action and change from the wider sector to voluntarily stop using ‘forever chemicals.’ We will also continue to work closely with governments and regulatory bodies to help encourage radical legislation to ban PFAS from all products, not just packaging,” says Gary.

The report goes on to highlight BioPak’s research and development. It’s currently focused on a new formulation, PHA, which Gary says is set to be the next breakthrough in lining technology.

“We will continue to shake up and disrupt the compostable cup market with further innovations brewing and set to be released in 2024,” he says.