With the Sustainability Awards only a few weeks away, we hear from finalist NantBioRenewables about its compostable protein tray, nominated in the Pre-Commercialized Renewables category and said to have negative carbon emissions.
You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2025. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarize your entry, in less than 50 words?
Wave Ware trays are made in the U.S. from Ocean Calcium Sand (OCS) - a renewable, carbon-negative material that composts into nutrient-rich soil. Durable in use, degradable by design, and produced through low-impact manufacturing, Wave Ware closes the loop on sustainability without compromising performance.
Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.
Wave Ware redefines what truly renewable packaging can be. At the heart of our innovation is OCS, a naturally replenished material harvested from the pristine waters of the Bahamas through a process designed to avoid ecological disruption. This ensures the marine environment remains unharmed while supporting a regenerative supply chain.
OCS is a breakthrough in sustainable packaging: it’s verified compostable (ASTM D6400), that delivers a carbon-negative footprint - third-party life cycle assessments confirm it sequesters more carbon than it emits. We are the only manufacturer using this raw material to produce food-grade trays, and the result is a product that looks and feels like conventional plastic, yet composts into nutrient-rich soil.
Unlike traditional materials, Wave Ware enriches the earth post-use. The bioavailable calcium in OCS enhances compost quality, improves soil health, and supports regenerative agriculture. This rare combination of environmental integrity, material innovation, and real-world performance is likely what impressed the judges most. Wave Ware closes the loop from ocean to soil without compromise, setting a new benchmark for what compostable packaging can achieve.
Finally, can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project, e.g. how your innovation/initiative has been received by the industry, or what the next steps are in commercialization/product development?
Industry response has been overwhelmingly positive. Brands in food service, hospitality, and entertainment are drawn to Wave Ware’s performance and environmental integrity. As we scale production at our Alabama facility, we’re expanding partnerships across sectors seeking compostable solutions that go beyond “less harm” to deliver regenerative impact.
Next steps include broader commercialization, third-party certifications, and continued investment in domestic circularity to meet growing demand for soil-positive, carbon-negative packaging.
The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2025 will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place in Utrecht on 10-12 November. The Summit mobilizes leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation.
To learn more or register, visit: https://www.packagingsummit.earth/2025
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2025
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation in 2025
The key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets
No comments yet