Packaging revolution for the seafood sector – In the world of packaging, innovation and sustainability are taking off with a new player: ZealaFoam. This plant-based foam promises to redefine the way we think about the storage and transport of fish products, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials.
The initiative is led by the newly formed ZealaFoam Holdings Limited, which aims to explore the commercial potential of this revolutionary technology, with the support of Biopolymer Network Limited (BPN). BPN, a joint venture founded in 2005 between AgResearch, Plant & Food Research and Scion, is committed to the development of innovative biological materials, bringing the scientific synergies of its partners to bear.
Among its various innovations, ZealaFoam stands out as the 100% plant-based foam that replicates the qualities of polystyrene, but with a focus on the environment. Its market debut, with the launch of EcoBeans bean bags as early as 2022, marked a first step towards a greener future, winning over consumers in New Zealand and Australia.
BPN CEO Sarah Heine underlines the enthusiasm around ZealaFoam, recognising its potential to solve some of the major packaging issues, such as dependence on fossil fuels and waste disposal challenges. Thanks to local and international investment, ZealaFoam is ready to enter an advanced stage of commercialisation, bringing a breath of innovation to the global packaging industry.
Made from polylactic acid (PLA) derived from plant sources such as maize, cassava and sugarcane, ZealaFoam is a compostable alternative to traditional polystyrene. From footstools to fish transport containers, from helmets to beekeeping containers and even printable films, ZealaFoam’s applications are as versatile as they are sustainable.
This technological advancement not only raises the standard of sustainability for the fish industry, but paves the way for a future in which the choice of packaging actively contributes to environmental protection. ZealaFoam represents not only an innovation, but a paradigm shift: a step towards a world in which protecting our oceans begins with the choice of packaging.
Photo: scionresearch.com
Packaging revolution for the fishing industry
