This silphie packaging has been unveiled by STI Group as a collaboration with PreZero as an eco-friendly take on supermarket packaging that would work to greatly reduce reliance on traditional materials. The packaging is made using locally grown silphie plant fibers and will be supplied to the grocery store chains Lidl and Kaufland for use with fruits and vegetables. The material used for the packaging is perfectly suited for direct contact with food and could be further enhanced with additional barriers to enhance its resiliency against water and fats.
CEO of STI Group Jakob Rinninger spoke on the new silphie packaging saying, "Through a development partnership with OutNature, our in-house materials lab has been exploring the technical properties of silphie material since late 2020. Pioneering tests have examined every facet of its production performance, from printability and varnishability to laminating and die-cutting. Silphie material has proven itself and can now be used in cardboard or corrugated board format for making packaging and displays.”
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Eco-friendly Supermarket Packaging
- The use of sustainable materials is a growing trend, and companies should explore innovative ways to reduce reliance on traditional packaging materials.
- Locally Grown Fibers in Packaging
- Using locally sourced materials can reduce transportation emissions while also supporting local farmers and their communities.
- Enhanced Fiber-based Packaging
- Opportunities exist to further enhance the resiliency of fiber-based packaging through additional barriers and coatings.
Where This Applies
- Supermarkets
- Supermarkets can benefit from exploring eco-friendly packaging solutions to reduce waste and improve sustainability.
- Packaging
- The packaging industry should explore the use of locally grown fibers and the development of enhanced fiber-based packaging to meet increasing demand for sustainable options.
- Agriculture
- The use of locally grown silphie plant fibers in packaging presents opportunities for farmers to diversify their crops and capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable materials.
