Coastgrass provides a Natural Fiber-based Packaging Material
Synthetic fibers are relatively expensive and require many harmful chemicals during production, which impact humans and the environment. Conversely, bio-based materials have lower production costs and offer similar or better mechanical properties compared to traditional materials. This is why startups provide bio-based composites and fibers for manufacturing companies.
Danish startup Coastgrass founded in 2020 upcycles eelgrass to create a natural fiber-based packaging material. The Danish startup, based in Copenhagen, combines natural fibers and biodegradable polymers to develop rigid packaging. Coastgrass biocomposite is delivered in pellets that can be injection moulded, extruded or rotation moulded into rigid products like plastic products produced today.
The Coastgrass biocomposite is a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil based plastic, since it comes from renewable sources and can capture and hold CO2 in the material for long living products. It supports industrial composting at the end of life and the biowaste is turned into clean energy and fertilizers. Thus, Coastgrass’s process allows plastic manufacturers to transition to a low-carbon alternative while providing an additional source of income.
The need for biocomposites and other biomaterials surface due to the concerns over increasing environmental pollution due to petrochemical-based materials productions. Recent advancements in the field also reduce manufacturing costs while improving the material strength of biocomposites. Consequently, manufacturing companies now integrate biocomposites that readily replace conventional material choices.
Fossil-fuel-based polymers generate high amounts of toxic substances such as phthalates and brominated flame retardants that pollute the environment. On the other hand, bioplastics are an efficient replacement for plastics in packaging as they are mostly biodegradable and do not produce toxic byproducts.
