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New generation packing materials
Published on 11 February 2021
Bulgaria
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About this good practice
In 2017, 172.6 kg of packaging waste was generated per inhabitant in the EU of which the share of packing waste generated by plastic and paper by weight is more than 60%. In Bulgaria up to 60% of the waste deposited at the landfill is from packaging being mainly from food and household goods. Biomyc is addressing the problem by offering fully biodegradable, sustainable alternative packaging materials for the food industry.
A composite material produced from waste such as straw, sawdust and mushroom mycelium resembles the Styrofoam. Thus, a packaging material with high added value is formed from waste - agricultural residue and the root structure of mushrooms, which is usually incinerated or discarded at landfill.
The packaging solution can be tailor made and shaped to client specification. Possible uses include, but are not limited to: product and transport packaging for food and beverage and transport packaging for electronics and industrial products.
New, eco-friendly and tailor made packaging solution are offered also from recycled paper and wood sawdust. It can be molded in various shapes and sizes to suit business’s needs of catering companies, restaurants and for large quantity transportation.
The main stakeholders are companies producing protective packaging for premium and organic products, the business in the field of packaging, food industry, trade, furniture production, construction sector and local authorities responsible for landfill operation.
A composite material produced from waste such as straw, sawdust and mushroom mycelium resembles the Styrofoam. Thus, a packaging material with high added value is formed from waste - agricultural residue and the root structure of mushrooms, which is usually incinerated or discarded at landfill.
The packaging solution can be tailor made and shaped to client specification. Possible uses include, but are not limited to: product and transport packaging for food and beverage and transport packaging for electronics and industrial products.
New, eco-friendly and tailor made packaging solution are offered also from recycled paper and wood sawdust. It can be molded in various shapes and sizes to suit business’s needs of catering companies, restaurants and for large quantity transportation.
The main stakeholders are companies producing protective packaging for premium and organic products, the business in the field of packaging, food industry, trade, furniture production, construction sector and local authorities responsible for landfill operation.
Resources needed
The start-up company received 120 th EUR for a laboratory and operational costs from the Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation, partner in EU-funded Climate-KIC accelerator program. The company has a research team and collaborates with the University of Food Technology, Plovdiv for new product developments.
Evidence of success
For the positive impact on the environment and the society and efficiency of the business model Biomyc is awarded in the EC Green Business category for start-ups, for technology for the use of agricultural waste to produce an environmentally friendly composite material aiming to replace plastic foams and in "Green Innovation" (2018), Bulgaria. The client base is on the rise.
Latest laboratory tests prove the 100% biodegradability of the mushroom mycelium packaging material in 75 days.
Latest laboratory tests prove the 100% biodegradability of the mushroom mycelium packaging material in 75 days.
Potential for learning or transfer
The presented good practice is transferable because it provides solution to a worldwide problem. The agro-industry generates an extremely large amount of waste, which is used by the technology of the presented good practice, which leads to a reduction of landfilled or incinerated waste. On the other hand, businesses receive packaging that is completely biodegradable in nature, light and convenient to transport. It is applicable in other regions, as the raw materials used are available everywhere and production lines can be installed in different places. Biomyc Ltd business model aiming to supply raw materials and produce locally, with short supply chains and to offer products complying with the circular economy principles is easily transferable to other regions.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Euro Perspectives Foundation
Bulgaria
Yugozapaden
Contact
Director programes