Bayer launches challenge to find biodegradable packaging sachets and tubes

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Bayer, which owns global brands including Aspirin, Bepanthen, Claritin, and Elevit, has collaborated with yet2 to launch a search for innovative biodegradable, compostable, flexible and rigid packaging solutions for its consumer healthcare products.

In aiming to achieve its goals of being climate neutral by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the company’s Consumer Health Division says that it is prioritizing “reduce, recycle, reuse and replace” across its products and packaging. All new product development projects are evaluated for sustainability performance, and Bayer claims that it has already started converting paper packaging to include PCR content and sourcing from certified and well-managed forests.

“We look forward to bringing in the expertise from specialists in the area of sustainable packaging. Designing and developing more sustainable packaging, as early as possible in the product design and development stages, is vital to reduce the impact on our environment and achieve Bayer’s ambitious sustainability goals,” says Keiko Tago, head of packaging sustainability, consumer health.

Bayer Consumer Health’s argues that while its product packaging currently meets requirements for the protection of products; it results in waste that does not break down when discarded and is not sourced from sustainable materials.

Bayer is seeking biodegradable, compostable, dissolvable, or edible packaging that ensures its products maintain their efficacy and quality standards. Packaging formats of interest include sachets and/or rigid or flexible tubes. Potential packaging material solution areas include those derived from seaweed or plant extracts including alginate, starch, bagasse, cellulose, or mycelium; chitosan and agricultural waste.

More detail on challenge requirements can be viewed here. The challenge is open for submissions starting September 1, 2022, and Bayer will continue to receive and review submissions into October.

Bayer says that submissions should include non-confidential information only that covers: