Walki Experts video: Transforming food industry byproducts into sustainable packaging with Natural Polymers
What is Walki®Natur and how does it contribute to environmental sustainability?
Walki®Natur is a fibre-based packaging solution coated with natural polymers, meaning the polymers constituting the coating are made by nature itself, unlike most other coatings. These biobased polymers are biodegradable, allowing them to break down naturally in the environment. This makes Walki®Natur an environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces the risk of pollution and the potential contribution to microplastics. The fact that all the polymers in this packaging are synthesised by nature really makes this packaging a premium class alternative in terms of sustainability. Currently, it is designed for food on the go, providing short-term protection from fat and moisture, which is sufficient for fast food consumption.
How does Walki®Natur compare to traditional consumer packaging, and why is it a better solution?
Traditional consumer packaging often uses synthetic polymers derived from fossil resources, additionally these materials are usually not biodegradable and contribute to long-term environmental pollution. In contrast, Walki®Natur uses natural polymers that are biodegradable and often derived from food industry side streams, thereby reducing waste during food production. Additionally, Walki®Natur packaging can be recycled in existing fibre streams and degrades naturally if not disposed of properly, making it a superior, more sustainable alternative to traditional non-recyclable packaging.
What are the practical benefits of using Walki®Natur for food packaging on the go?
Walki®Natur offers several practical benefits for food packaging on the go. It provides effective protection against fat and moisture for a few hours, which is ideal for fast food consumption. The natural polymer coating ensures that the packaging is biodegradable, reducing environmental impact if not recycled properly. Additionally, Walki®Natur packaging can be processed on existing production lines, making it convenient for converters to adopt without significant changes to their operations.
How does the use of natural polymers in Walki®Natur help reduce food waste and promote sustainability?
The use of natural polymers helps reduce waste by using leftover materials from the food industry to make the coating. This means that instead of throwing away these leftovers, they are put to good use in creating biodegradable packaging. This approach minimizes waste at the production stage and promotes a more sustainable use of resources. Natural polymers do not produce microplastics and are biodegradable, ensuring that the packaging is not harmful to the environment. This sustainable practice supports a circular economy and aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
How does Walki®Natur align with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR), and what benefits does it offer?
Walki®Natur aligns with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) by being fully recyclable and biodegradable. The use of natural polymers ensures that the packaging can degrade naturally if it ends up in the environment, reducing its impact. This compliance helps businesses meet sustainability targets and supports the circular economy. Additionally, Walki®Natur packaging falls outside the scope of the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive, further enhancing its environmental benefits.
What is Walki currently developing using natural polymers?
Walki is actively developing new applications for natural polymers in various consumer and industrial packaging, such as flexible packaging that does not require high barriers. The benefits of using natural polymers for these new developments are substantial:
- Recyclable: These materials can be easily recycled in paper streams.
- Biodegradable: Natural polymers break down in compost and in nature, reducing their environmental footprint.
- Microplastic-Free: They do not produce harmful microplastics.
- SUPD Compliant: They fall outside the scope of the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive.
- Seamless Integration: These materials are compatible with existing production lines, making adoption straightforward.
- Sustainable Sourcing: They are often made from byproducts of the food industry, which helps reduce overall formation of waste
We are committed to developing functional solutions for the future of sustainable packaging, with the goal of benefiting both consumers and the planet.