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W-Cycle, clean-tech company in sustainable food packaging sector, has partnered with Melhoramentos, a Brazilian company with a diverse portfolio in publishing, renewable forestry and real estate.

This collaboration aims to produce compostable food containers made from renewable materials that decompose naturally within 100 days, addressing the growing demand for sustainable packaging in the food industry.

The partnership, valued at a minimum of $3.45 million over an initial term of three years, will see W-Cycle supplying its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services to Melhoramentos.

This support will enable Melhoramentos to manufacture advanced biodegradable packaging using high-performance cellulose fibres sourced from its extensive renewable forestry operations, which cover over 80 million square metres.

Rafael Gibini, CEO of Melhoramentos, said: "Our partnership with W-Cycle opens the door to a new and inspiring use for our cellulose-based natural resources. Together, we're ushering in a new era that could eventually phase out single-use plastic packaging."

This initiative comes at a critical time as the food industry increasingly seeks alternatives to single-use plastics, which pose significant environmental challenges. W-Cycle's patented SupraPulp material, made from sugarcane waste and other byproducts, offers a promising solution.

The material is designed to create molded fibre packaging that is both functional and environmentally friendly, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and providing moisture and grease resistance without the need for plastic lamination.

Isaac Rome, CEO of W-Cycle, added: “The added game-changer of using SupraPulp trays is that they can be tossed away guilt-free: The material will simply decompose, reintegrating back into the earth within roughly 100 days.”

As plastic waste continues to be a pressing global issue, with the United Nations Environment Program reporting approximately 400 million tons generated annually, the need for sustainable packaging solutions becomes increasingly urgent.

W-Cycle's SupraPulp containers are already being used by various sectors, including catering, ready-meal production and food take-away services, to help reduce reliance on plastic.

The partnership will also involve R&D support from W-Cycle in molded fibre production, focusing on testing different formulations and their compatibility with the cellulose fibres produced by Melhoramentos.

Founded over 130 years ago, Melhoramentos is committed to sustainable development in Brazil, continuously seeking to add value to its products and services.