This partnership aims to transform the packaging industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability by leveraging Wandarra's regional resources and PAPACKS®'s cutting-edge technologies.
Wandarra is based in the eco-friendly hub of Townsville, near the Great Barrier Reef, and leverages its efficient logistics network to distribute innovative hemp-based products. This location underscores Wandarra's commitment to environmental protection and positions the company as a leader in climate action, the circular economy, and regenerative agriculture. Townsville's logistics network, which includes rail, road, sea, and air, enables Wandarra to efficiently distribute goods and services.
Initially, the Smart Precinct NQ Queensland Sustainable Alternatives partnership will focus on the fresh produce sector, a key industry in North Queensland, to replace single-use plastics. The circular economy program supported by this partnership aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions to replace single-use plastics and position the region as a leader in this industry. PAPACKS® provides a turnkey solution, including training and equipment commissioning, to ensure smooth production and adoption of sustainable packaging technologies.
The production schedule calls for initial testing using samples manufactured in Germany, which will be shipped to North Queensland to reflect local consumer preferences. Simultaneously, the Australian production team will be trained on the production lines in Germany. This will be followed by commissioning and acceptance of the equipment, as well as transport to the final production site at Wandarra. This phase is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024.
PAPACKS® also offers expertise from over 75 patent families, including the preparation and processing of hemp as the most sustainable fiber raw material. Over the past seven years, PAPACKS® has further developed these developments with HempPulp® to achieve optimal product results.
In Australia, 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material are generated annually, of which only 49% is recycled.
This collaboration will have a significant market impact by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging solutions that include reducing landfill waste and marine debris. It will also promote industrial hemp cultivation in North Queensland and position Wandarra as a strong innovator and market leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
Quote from Steve Tiley, CEO of Wandarra:
"North Queensland's responsibility for the Great Barrier Reef is unique, and the news of plastic being discovered on the outer reef is concerning. Our collaboration with PAPACKS® provides an immediate solution for food and beverage manufacturers to achieve their sustainability goals. The PAPACKS® team has developed a world-leading technology that began as a concept in a garage just 10 years ago. Their persistence in research and development is an outstanding achievement."
Quote from Tahsin Dag, Founder & CEO of PAPACKS®
: "Our partnership with Wandarra is an important step toward eliminating single-use plastics and protecting precious ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. By combining Wandarra's resources with our innovative technologies, we will have a lasting impact on the packaging industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration demonstrates and puts into practice our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental protection."