VeganBottle: Vegetable “plastic” to save the oceans

Every year, at least eight million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the seas and oceans. They end up as microparticles, which are often ingested by marine wildlife. To put an end to this plastic pollution, the start-up Lyspackaging has developed packaging made from vegetable materials that degrade themselves in a natural environment. Here comes the VeganBottle!

Plastic Waste threatens the oceans

The oceans are full of plastic waste: bags, bottles, bottles… Every second, 206 kilograms of plastic is spilled into the seas. The real problem is the time it takes to break down these plastics (estimated to be between 500 and 1000 years old) and the toxicity of their components. The most classic example is the turtle choking with plastic bags mistaken for jellyfish.

To address this plastic pollution problem, Lyspackaging has launched VeganBottle®, a range of 100% compostable and biodegradable bottles and caps. These packaging can decompose, degrade and become bioassimilable, under the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.), moisture, oxygen and heat.

Made from vegetable matter, these packaging are not toxic to the planet. VeganBottle bottles may contain beverages, cosmetics, fruit juices, food and other products.

On the initiative of VeganBottle®, Nicolas Moufflet. Industrial bottle designer for years, he has been trying to bring innovative solutions to the plastic sector. Lyspackaging, based in the La Rochelle region of France, has 9 employees.

An example of a successful ecological transition

 Initially, the company specializes in the manufacture and marketing of petroleum-based plastic bottles (PET). But since January 2017, it has decided to develop bioplastics. Bioplastics are a renewable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Being of plant origin, it has many ecological benefits. It reduces long-term pollution as well as dependence on fossil fuels mainly oil.

The innovation of VeganBottle lies in the performance and characteristics of this new material. The latest generation of bioplastics, it has properties similar to those of traditional plastics. VeganBottle is made from sugar cane waste in combination with other plants, waste or residues. Thus Veganbottle can come in different shapes, textures or even be endowed with smells. All this to give the end customer a unique experience!
For example: a bottle for olive oil made partially with olive kernels, a bottle for grape juice in which grape seed residues are associated, or a cocoa-based box for chocolate! At the moment, the start-up carries out tests from carrot peels: soon a naturally orange Veganbottle®?

Innovation rooted in the circular economy

According to a study by the Ellen McArthur Foundation, “there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish in 2050.” There is therefore an urgent need. Plastic recycling is limited worldwide: in Europe only 25% of plastic is recycled.

At the end of life, Veganbottle does not pose any risk to the environment and can be either composted industrially to become renewable raw material again, transformed to be reused to make new environmentally friendly packaging, or simply degraded entirely by itself in landfills.

Today, after a rather successful launch in the agri-food sector, the company wants to boost its sales and continue its research work to perfect and diversify its products. Inspiring entrepreneurs in Africa!

To go further:
Vegan Bottle website: https://www.veganbottle.com
Ellen McArthur Foundation Study: https://newplasticseconomy.org/