W-Cycle Ltd., an Israeli clean-tech company specializing in sustainable packaging, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazil’s Melhoramentos to produce compostable food containers using high-performance cellulose fibers and agricultural waste materials.
“We’re ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging”
Under the terms of the agreement, valued at a minimum of USD 3.45 million over an initial three-year period, W-Cycle will provide Melhoramentos with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services. These resources will enable Melhoramentos to produce high-performance biodegradable packaging using renewable materials. The company will also integrate its own cellulose fibers, sourced from its extensive forestry operations covering more than 80 million square meters.
The new packaging will be designed to offer key features like grease resistance, moisture-proofing, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This makes it a viable alternative to traditional plastic containers, particularly in the food sector, where there is an increasing shift toward sustainable solutions such as plant-based coatings and seaweed-derived packaging.
The partnership will leverage W-Cycle’s innovative SupraPulp™ technology, which combines sugarcane waste (bagasse) and other biomass fibers such as eucalyptus and banana leaves to create molded fiber packaging. SupraPulp™ is designed to replace plastic in food containers, offering a compostable solution that decomposes within 100 days. These containers are engineered to be resistant to both water and oil, allowing them to contain frozen or heated foods without leakage, even at extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 220°C.
Reducing reliance on virgin resources
Isaac Rome, CEO of W-Cycle, noted, “Partnering with such a renowned industry leader is a pivotal moment in our journey. It will open up a wide scope of opportunities for both companies to deliver impactful, high-end affordable packaging solutions by blending expertise and creativity.”
This partnership is also part of W-Cycle’s broader strategy to promote the use of renewable feedstocks in packaging. By utilizing agricultural waste materials such as sugarcane bagasse, reed, and banana leaves, the company aims to reduce reliance on virgin resources and help food manufacturers transition away from plastic. W-Cycle’s products are already in use by a range of food-related businesses, including catering companies, ready-meal producers, and multinational food brands.
R&D collaboration
Additionally, as part of the agreement, W-Cycle will assist Melhoramentos with research and development efforts, including testing various pulp formulations and their compatibility with different fiber types, such as those produced by Melhoramentos’ forest management operations.
Rafael Gibini, CEO of Melhoramentos, explained, “W-Cycle’s expertise in molded fiber properties and materials performance will be instrumental in helping us design high-performing, cost-effective food packaging options that work in harmony with the environment.”
Gibini added, “There has long been a global demand for more sustainable packaging solutions. Our collaboration with W-Cycle opens the door to a new and inspiring use for our cellulose-based natural resources. Together, we’re ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging and pave the way for a more sustainable future.”
