BRAZIL – W-Cycle, a leader in eco-friendly solutions, has partnered with Melhoramentos, a Brazilian company with diverse operations in publishing, renewable forestry, and real estate.
The partnership aims to produce compostable packaging from renewable materials that naturally decompose within 100 days.
The three-year agreement, valued at US$3.45 million, will see W-Cycle provide Melhoramentos with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services.
This collaboration will enable Melhoramentos to manufacture advanced biodegradable packaging using its high-performance cellulose fibers, sourced from its expansive 80-million-square-meter renewable forestry operations.
Melhoramentos is responding to growing demand in the food industry for sustainable packaging that is grease-resistant, moisture-proof, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, offering an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics.
“There has long been global demand for more sustainable packaging,” said Rafael Gibini, CEO of Melhoramentos.
“Our collaboration with W-Cycle opens up a new use for our cellulose-based resources. Together, we’re paving the way for a future free of single-use plastics.”
Isaac Rome, CEO of W-Cycle, called the partnership a pivotal moment, “This collaboration will allow both companies to deliver high-end, affordable packaging solutions by combining expertise and creativity.”
Innovative packaging solutions with SupraPulp
W-Cycle’s innovation lies in its patented SupraPulp material, a food-grade, molded fiber solution made from sugarcane waste (bagasse) and other sidestreams, such as eucalyptus fibers and banana leaves.
SupraPulp containers are designed for frozen and heated foods. They offer superior oil and water resistance without the need for plastic coatings.
These containers can endure extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 220°C, making them suitable for freezer-to-oven or microwave use. Importantly, they decompose within 100 days, returning to the earth without harming the environment.
“Our SupraPulp trays are a game-changer,” Rome noted. “They allow manufacturers to break away from plastic PET materials and create robust, guilt-free containers that decompose naturally.”
With plastic waste surpassing 400 million tons annually and only a fraction being recycled, eco-friendly solutions like SupraPulp are critical. Most plastic ends up in landfills or oceans, affecting marine life and entering the food chain.
The partnership will also see W-Cycle providing R&D support, testing different formulations and fiber compatibility to optimize production.
“As pioneers in ecological packaging, W-Cycle’s expertise will help us design cost-effective, high-performing solutions that align with environmental goals,” added Gibini.
W-Cycle and Melhoramentos are charting a sustainable future, offering innovative alternatives to single-use plastic packaging.
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