Biolution

Problem statement

Reducing consumption of fossil fuel-based packaging materials by utilization of renewable materials like plant and crop residues without use of any chemicals contributing to them of circular economy

Executive summary

The BIOLUTIONS factory started R&D phase in 2014, with commercial production in 2018. Starting biomass is various types of unutilized crop residue 4-4.5 tonnes per year dry matter giving rise to around 3.5 to 4 tonnes per year finished products (tableware and packaging material). Agricultural fibers are broken down and blended into cohesive pulp in a water tank, which is followed by dewatering, drying at high temperature to obtain the product. There is no use of chemicals in the whole process and water stream is recycled several times within the operational plant before being recirculated of for use in irrigation.

Value chain description

BIO-LUTIONS has co-developed a patented technology that makes it possible to produce packaging and disposable tableware from a variety of agricultural residues without the need for additional binding agents or chemicals. The use of agricultural residues – which are globally available and are often disposed of for a fee as waste products – significantly reduces raw material costs – enabling the products to compete with disposable plastic products in terms of price.

Market deployment considerations

Unique property of natural fibers makes it applicable for range of products (construction, spots, furniture, packaging, aviation, tableware, mobility and gardening). The EU wide legislation in 2021 banning use of single-use plastic have created market pressure for renewable and sustainable solution.

Environmental considerations

Products are biodegradable, compostable and manufactured by dry moulding technology which uses minimal water.

Social Considerations

By focusing on local unused crop residues from surrounding agriculture, BIO-LUTIONS creates additional income streams for numerous local famers and safes transportation costs at the same time.

Stakeholders Involved

Agricultural farmers, Research & Development partners, Processing Technology companies, Waste Management providers

Feedstock used

banana stem, wheat straw, barley straw, hemp, nettle, reed, vine shoots, sugarcane leaves

TRL

9

Value Chain name

Biolution

Type of process

Mechanical refining

Technology output

Biodegradable packaging materials (as an alternative to plastics)

Processing capacity point of view (annual feedstock requirement)

4-4.5 ton of biomass dry matter per year

Country

Schwedt Germany with production facility across the globe (India, China)

Year

2017