Packaging materials based on upcycled agricultural residues created by German company BIO-LUTIONS have been named ‘Bio-based Material of the Year 2017’ at the 10th International Conference on Bio-Based Materials in Cologne, Germany.
The award, which recognises innovation in the bio-based economy in products which have been or will be launched in 2016 or 2017, was handed to BIO-LUTIONS ahead of five other innovative bio-based finalists from companies across the world.
The fibres created by BIO-LUTIONS use an innovative mechanical process that breaks down residual agricultural waste and converts it into nano self-binding natural fibres, banishing the energy-intensive process of cellulose extraction to the past.
The resulting material is then used to create recyclable packaging and tableware which, when no longer needed, decompose under normal conditions, can be used in biogas production, or can be recycled or burned with a minimal carbon footprint.