Estonia’s largest festival pilots sustainable biowaste collection bags from local woody biomass

Our land. Our song. Our bag.

The lignin-based biowaste collection bags symbolize more than sustainability. They represent innovative potential and our collective responsibility towards environmental responsibility.

This initiative is a result of collaboration, demonstrating local expertise through Fibenol’s biomaterial innovation, Dagöplast’s sustainable manufacturing, BioBag’s specialized distribution, and practical support from the festival as a testing site. These bags contain 15% lignin, a natural binder sustainably sourced from local hardwood residues processed at Fibenol’s Imavere plant. Produced on Hiiumaa by Dagöplast, these compostable bags highlight a local value chain supporting Estonia’s circular economy. 

Why it matters

We are testing a practical alternative to fossil-based plastic bags. These compostable bags, partially made with lignin certified by TÜV Austria, are locally produced and environmentally responsible. Fibenol’s unique Sunburst technology efficiently converts local birch residues into high-purity lignin with minimal environmental impact.

Peep Pitk, Fibenol’s Chief Development Officer, explains: “Using lignin significantly reduces the usage of fossil-based chemicals, promotes local biomass utilization, and aligns perfectly with circular economy principles. It’s an ideal substitute for plastic-based chemicals, especially in bio waste collection bags.”

Real-life testing

During the festival, biowaste collection points equipped with 1000 innovative and compostable bags were strategically placed along participant routes, volunteer stations, and catering areas. Tens of thousands of visitors could conveniently and sustainably manage their bio waste on the festial days.

Joonas Laurits from BioBag Baltic emphasizes clarity: “It’s crucial to differentiate between biodegradable and compostable products. Compostable bags, like ours, break down entirely within a defined period, enriching the soil without leaving harmful residues. Proper certification ensures reliability.”

Boosting local innovation

Beyond practical application at the festival, these bags highlight Estonia’s robust innovation ecosystem. From Fibenol’s specialized lignin extraction process and development of advanced biocomposites to Dagöplast’s responsible manufacturing and BioBag’s distribution expertise, the initiative actively supports local economic growth, innovation, and reduced dependency on fossil resources.

“The Song and Dance Festival is large in every sense, both in terms of the number of participants and its commercial scale. It’s an excellent platform to test new sustainable solutions and quickly see their impact. In this way, we can set an example for other large and small events, both in Estonia and beyond,” Elike Saviorg, Coordinator for Waste Management and Sustainability at the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Festival.

This pilot aligns with Estonia’s bio waste sorting regulations, setting a positive example that encourages sustainable waste management practices for both public events and private households.

Fibenol, Dagöplast, and BioBag proudly contribute to turning Estonia’s largest cultural event into a pioneer of sustainable practices, demonstrating that true innovation thrives through real-life testing.

Source

Fibenol, press release, 2025-07-16.

Supplier

BioBag International AS
Dagöplast AS
Fibenol
TÜV AUSTRIA Group

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