As the packaging industry works towards meeting its broader sustainability targets, compostable packaging is an important part of the equation. This is especially true for packaging that has high levels of food contamination post-use and thus cannot be recycled. Although Australia’s industrial composting infrastructure is not widespread, it is an area targeted for investment, and demand from the foodservice sector for compostable packaging options is growing apace.

Recognising this market shift and positioning itself at the forefront of development in the compostable packaging market, Detpak has entered a strategic partnership with Eco-Products, an award-winning and certified B Corp business. The US-based operation has a thirty-plus year history of developing and producing plant-based compostable food service packaging.

The partnership will see a range of Eco-Products bagasse-based compostable cups, take-out containers, tableware, and other foodservice packaging options added to Detpak’s already extensive sustainable packaging portfolio.

Detpak’s head of Sustainability and GM Marketing & Innovation, Tom Lunn, told PKNthat partnering with Eco-Products would enable Detpak to accelerate its R&D in compostable packaging.

“This strategic partnership will give us access Eco-Products’ world-class R&D expertise, which they have refined over 30 years, and will allow us to move much faster to drive innovation in compostable packaging.

“Added to this, Eco-Products is the largest supplier in the world of compostable packaging, so the partnership brings with it a host of supply chain benefits,” Lunn said. 

Announcing the partnership, CEO of Detpak parent company Detmold Group, Alf Ianniello, said, “Detpak has long been an innovator of paper and board products and is an industry leader in the development of recyclable product solutions.

“This partnership extends our range to further assist customers in diverting waste from landfill.

“Our approach has always kept our customers front of mind, and this partnership provides the best in innovation in the compostable packaging space, alongside extensive product knowledge and history, and a robust and reliable supply chain.”

Eco-Products president Ian Jacobson said, “As a leader in environmentally preferable foodservice packaging, we offer ethically sourced products made from renewable materials that meet stringent global standards for compostability or recyclability. That means each item can be returned to the earth or made into something new.

“We believe sustainability is a journey and are committed to a world where we work together to put waste to work.”