Companies like Hydropac, NantBioRenewables, and Montague Farms are replacing plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives including sheep wool insulation, ocean-derived compostable materials, and certified home-compostable labels that reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance standards.
- Hydropac's wool thermal postal packs reduce plastic content by 80% while maintaining temperature control for 24-48 hours
- NantBioRenewables manufactures carbon-negative compostable packaging from ocean-derived calcium carbonate that decomposes in 6-12 months
- Montague Farms' compostable barcode stickers are the first fruit labels certified for both home and industrial composting
- All solutions are certified by third-party standards including ASTM D6400, TÜV Austria, and BPI for credibility
- These innovations target food service, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce sectors to close the loop on packaging waste
These examples underscore the high level of research and investment directed towards bio-based packaging solutions.
Learn more about ThePackHub's Innovation Zone here.
Hydropac's thermal postal packs switch to sheep wool insulation
Hydropac, a UK-based manufacturer of temperature-controlled packaging, has introduced a range of Wool Thermal Postal Pockets that utilize sheep wool as insulation material in place of conventional plastic-based solutions. Developed for sectors such as meal kits, perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and retail samples, the packs aim to improve both environmental and functional performance. The sheep wool insulation is designed to maintain chilled or ambient temperatures for 24 to 48 hours depending on configuration and ambient conditions. Hydropac reports that the wool material offers consistent thermal regulation through improved density and airflow control, helping to reduce condensation compared to synthetic alternatives. Available in small (250x310mm) and medium (320x410mm) sizes, the pouches are shaped to minimize void space in transit and support box-loading efficiency. The format consists of a recyclable plastic outer layer and a wool liner that is biodegradable, compostable, and reusable. The shift has reportedly reduced plastic content by 80% compared to Hydropac’s previous thermal packaging.
The packaging decomposes within 6 to 12 months under home or industrial composting conditions.ThePackHub
NantBioRenewables develop compostable food packaging from ocean-derived calcium carbonate
NantBioRenewables, headquartered in Gadsden, Alabama, United States, manufactures certified compostable packaging using ocean-derived calcium carbonate under the Wave Ware brand. As part of the Nant ecosystem, the company addresses plastic pollution and microplastic contamination by developing single-use packaging that breaks down into non-toxic, soil-enriching compost. Its key ingredient, oolitic aragonite, is a naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate that forms in shallow tropical seas and is sourced without mining. The material is processed at NantBioRenewables’ Alabama facility and converted into food service products using low-impact manufacturing techniques. These products are carbon negative, with third-party life cycle assessments confirming they absorb more carbon dioxide during formation than they emit. Designed to function like conventional plastic in terms of durability, the packaging decomposes within 6 to 12 months under home or industrial composting conditions. Certified by ASTM D6400, TÜV Austria, and BPI, the packaging contributes to soil health through its bioavailable calcium content. The company targets the hospitality and food service sectors, offering domestic manufacturing for reduced lead times and customized branding options. Wave Ware is presented as an alternative to fossil-based and misleading biodegradable materials, aiming to close the loop on packaging through compostable, soil-positive solutions.
The T55 label is compatible with existing labelling systems and can be identified by a green border.ThePackHub
Montague Farms trials compostable stickers on fresh apples
Montague Farms, located in Narre Warren North, Victoria, Australia, is trialling home compostable barcode stickers on its Jazz apples during the 2025 harvest. The Sinclair T55 label, developed by J-Tech, is certified for home composting by the Australasian Bioplastics Association and also meets international industrial composting standards. This makes it the first fruit label to achieve both certifications. The three-month trial is being conducted at Montague’s facility, which processes over 350 million pieces of fruit annually. Designed to match the performance of conventional stickers, the T55 label is compatible with existing labelling systems and can be identified by a green border. It is available on apples sold through major retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, and Costco, as well as independent greengrocers. Montague Farms is a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), aligning this initiative with national sustainability frameworks. The label has been recognised as a finalist in the 2025 Grocer Gold Awards under the ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ category. Montague reports the stickers performed in line with supply chain requirements and sees the early results as a positive step toward reducing packaging waste in the fresh produce sector.
Learn more about ThePackHub's Innovation Zone here.
