Rotorua’s Scion Research and Mamaku Blue are set to produce a recipe for sustainability.
“Repurposing our blueberry byproduct is a fantastic opportunity for our business and the environment,” owner of Mamaku Blue, Michaela Frost, says. “We repurpose some of our waste for certain products, but not all can be stored indefinitely or processed in time, leading to some disposal. Exploring moulded fibre packaging is an exciting step forward.”
All going to plan, trays will be infused with blueberry pomace, turning agricultural waste into a sustainable, compostable alternative to plastic packaging.
With funding from the Bioresource Processing Alliance (BPA) Summer Student Internship, Scion researchers are working with partners to explore whether incorporating agricultural byproducts into moulded fibre trays can enhance their strength and moisture resistance.
A global drive to eliminate single-use plastic packaging has created a need for high performance, eco-friendly alternatives, Scion’s Kate
Parker confirms.
“Moulded fibre packaging is a sustainable, compostable option, but it often falls short in strength and moisture resistance compared to plastic,” she says. “By incorporating agricultural byproducts, we hope to improve the functionality of fibre trays and provide an innovative use for materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.”
This project aligns with Scion’s mission to drive a circular bioeconomy, repurposing organic waste into valuable products, Parker adds. This approach maximises resource efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
“The horticulture and agriculture industries generate large volumes of organic waste. Instead of seeing these byproducts as a problem, we are exploring how they can become part of the solution. By integrating waste streams into new materials, we can help New Zealand move away from plastic and support local producers.”
The moulded fibre trays were showcased at the inaugural BPA Sustainable Solutions Symposium in Nelson last month.
