Based in Buderim, Bygreen is known for its paper straw brands Eco Straws and Strong Straws, as well as its One Tree Cutlery made from responsibly sourced timber and bamboo from FSC-certified forests, and Palm Leaf plates and bowls made from biodegradable Areca palm leaves.
Bygreen CEO Mick Krause is expected to continue to play a strong role in the business alongside the Bygreen team, working closely with BioPak to strengthen and expand upon new and existing customer relationships.
"We’re proud of what we’ve built at Bygreen and excited to be joining forces with a company as purpose driven as BioPak," says Krause.
"With the environment at the heart of everything we do, this partnership opens the door to new opportunities, greater impact, and long term sustainability.
"Joining forces with BioPak will also accelerate our growth and strengthen our shared commitment to reducing plastic waste, one product at a time."
BioPak was founded in Sydney in 2006 by Richard Fine and Gary Smith on a mission to tackle the traditional ‘take, make, waste’ model of packaging, developing a wide range of products over time including fibre takeaway containers, bioplastic cups and biocane bakery, sushi and fresh produce trays, alongside expansion into multiple markets.
In 2018, 75 per cent of the company was acquired by Sweden’s Duni Group to spur further global growth, and four years later Australia's Five V Capital acquired a 30 per cent stake via a deal that brought Duni's holdings down to 53 per cent.
Co-founder Gary Smith, who retains a substantial shareholding in the group and is still its CEO, welcomes Bygreen to the BioPak group, highlighting the complementary product range, innovation and purpose-led initiatives that both companies share.
"Bygreen has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and innovation, values that align closely with our own," Smith says.
"This is a company that has been at the forefront of the sustainable packaging sector for more than three decades, and we are proud to build upon this legacy through our new partnership.
"Together, we will have an unmatched level of expertise, drive and passion to meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
"Our vision has always been to lead with purpose, offering the most comprehensive sustainable packaging solutions that support a circular economy, and we are truly excited to welcome Bygreen to the BioPak family to help continue this mission."