W-Cycle develops plastic-free, compostable packaging from sugarcane waste

SupraPulp tray, courtesy of W-Cycle

The foodTech starup company W-Cycle (Kibbutz Gan Shmuel, Israel) developed SupraPulp, plastic-free packaging made from 100% renewable sugarcane fibers (aka bagasse—the dry, pulpy fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice) that is compostable, durable, non-toxic, and metal-free. Food packaged with SupraPulp can be frozen and heated in an oven, convection oven, steam cooker, or microwave, making it an ideal replacement for plastic, aluminum, or foam containers. 

The containers have unique characteristics compared to standard bagasse—while standard pulp products can’t sustain liquids and oils, SupraPulp containers are oil- and water-resistant, so they don’t absorb or leak liquids. SupraPulp, just like CPET, is ideal for ready meals and is can be frozen to -40°F and reheated to 518°F. After use, the package can be disposed of as organic waste.

“Dispose SupraPulp packages the same way as you would your salad,” said Lior Itai, CEO and co-founder of W-Cycle, in a press release. “This food-grade, compostable packaging is a one-to-one replacement for its plastic counterpart. There are other compostable solutions on the market, but SupraPulp has game-changing functionality consumers need when they want to heat, freeze, or microwave convenience food products. Plus, SupraPulp trays have a luxury look and feel compared to plastic, aluminum, or bioplastic containers.”