Sealed Air today introduced RestoreTM Mushroom® Packaging, a 100 percent renewable protective packaging solution made from non-food agricultural byproducts and mycelium, or “mushroom roots.” The first commercialized use of the technology developed by Ecovative Design, Sealed Air’s RestoreTM Mushroom® Packaging harnesses the power of mycelium to bind agricultural waste into a molded shape that offers customers an all-natural, engineered protective packaging solution that is home compostable.
“This product really offers the complete package when it comes to sustainable solutions,” said Tim McInerney, sustainable solutions business manager for Sealed Air protective packaging. “It provides equal performance to traditional materials, it’s home compostable, and, unlike many products made from renewable materials, it’s cost-neutral.”
Sealed Air’s RestoreTM cushions are custom-engineered to meet customers’ individual needs and are grown through a low-energy and automated process, which involves filling the raw materials evenly into forms that allow them to take the final shapes. The mycelium is mixed with regionally sourced agricultural waste and grows indoors without the need for light, watering, or petrochemicals. Additionally, Sealed Air RestoreTM cushions are completely biodegradable and home compostable, allowing for easy and environmentally sound disposal.
“As the exclusive provider of this product in North America, we are excited to add Sealed Air RestoreTM Mushroom® Packaging to our expanding portfolio of sustainable and reliable protective packaging solutions,” said McInerney. “By utilizing Sealed Air’s existing network and capabilities, such as our world-class manufacturing facilities and vast supply chain infrastructure, we can efficiently bring this product to market as rapidly as possible. Through the use of materials that are 100 percent renewable and bio-based, Sealed Air exhibits how innovative thinking can change the way we look at natural resources and defy antiquated manufacturing boundaries.”
RestoreTM Mushroom® Packaging can be used for most cushioning and blocking and bracing scenarios and nearly any application, including automotive parts, lighting fixtures and even electronics. The new packaging also aligns with Sealed Air’s SmartLifeTM commitment to sustainability and providing packaging solutions that reduce waste throughout the supply chain. Sustainably sourced using non-petrochemical materials, RestoreTM turns agricultural waste material into a packaging solution that provides the right amount of protection using the least amount of materials.
About Sealed Air
Sealed Air is a global leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. With widely recognized and inventive brands such as Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning, Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions and DiverseyTM brand cleaning and hygiene solutions, Sealed Air offers efficient and sustainable solutions that create business value for customers, enhance the quality of life for consumers and provide a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. On a pro forma basis, Sealed Air generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2011, and has approximately 26,300 employees who serve customers in 175 countries.
Source
Sealed Air, press release, 2012-10-28.
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