In the latest edition of the Spotlight, GTF Technologies explains how it is transforming food byproducts into compostable paper and bioplastic materials.
Imagine the paperboard for the six-pack of beer you purchase this month being made from the byproducts from the beer you drank last month…
As the EU clamps down on single use plastics and recycling, the packaging industry is anxiously seeking more eco-friendly solutions to comply with government regulations. At the same time, the food processing industry is anxiously seeking profitable solutions to reduce their food waste… while also complying with government regulations.
GTF Technologies is solving both industries’ challenges by transforming food byproducts into fully compostable paper and bioplastic materials.
GTF’s revolutionary RENU Drying & Milling System converts food byproducts, side streams, excess or imperfect inventory into high value powders in seconds, directly at the food processing plant. These all-natural, nutrient-dense powders can then be used in a multitude of applications. In this case, GTF works with packaging companies to create sustainable products ranging from bioplastic cutlery to compostable corrugated to biodegradable plastic wrap.
One of the most prevalent waste streams that can be valorized into sustainable packaging is brewers spent grain (BSG) from the beer brewing industry. Every six-pack of beer produces one pound of BSG, adding up to 42 million tonnes worldwide annually.
One major brewer produces 4.5 million tonnes of BSG every week and is struggling to find sustainable and affordable solutions for its disposal. By powderizing their BSG with our RENU system and using the powder to produce eco-friendly shrink-wrap with 50% BSG, the company expects to avoid 1,700 tonnes of greenhouse gasses weekly, increase their annual revenue by 700 percent, and realize full ROI in under two years. Besides shrink-wrap, the brewer is exploring additional uses of its BSG powder, including non-wood-based paperboard for their packaging.
GTF’s packaging partner, Better Earth, utilizes the spent grain powder in their commercially compostable products to offer superior sustainable packaging solutions. Better Earth’s products meet ASTM and EN standards for compostability and they can integrate various upcycled fruit, vegetable, and grain powders in their packaging lines.
Together, GTF and Better Earth deliver quality packaging solutions that address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges while strengthening the circular economy.
This content was sponsored by GTF Technologies.
