Innovative Ag-Tech Solutions Firm Wandarra Announces Strategic Partnership with Global Sustainable Packaging Leader PAPACKS®
Wandarra, an ag-tech solutions firm based in Townsville, North Queensland, has entered into a strategic partnership with PAPACKS®, a global leader in sustainable packaging based in Cologne, Germany. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and aims to revolutionize the packaging industry across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
The partnership will leverage Wandarra’s regional resources and PAPACKS®’ cutting-edge technologies to reduce plastic waste and support environmental sustainability. This collaboration will have a significant impact on the packaging industry by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging solutions and reducing landfill waste and marine litter. It will also enhance industrial hemp cultivation in North Queensland and position Wandarra as a strong innovator and leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Steve Tiley, CEO of Wandarra, “North Queensland’s responsibility to the Great Barrier Reef is unique, and the news of plastic detected on the outer reef is disturbing. Our collaboration with PAPACKS® provides an immediate solution for food and beverage manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals.”
Wandarra, established in 2019, is based in the eco-friendly hub of Townsville near the Great Barrier Reef. The company’s integrated industrial hub and spoke model sources hemp raw materials from regional farmers, enabling the processing and manufacturing of hemp products for domestic and international markets. The company’s mission is to be a leading Australian industrial hemp enterprise that leverages the advantages of North Queensland to support local communities and the environment.
PAPACKS®, founded in 2010, specializes in molded fiber packaging made primarily from fresh fibers from trees and hemp plants, which are approved for use with food. Through advanced technologies and a commitment to environmental protection, PAPACKS® drives the shift towards a circular economy and significantly reduces plastic pollution. The company’s philosophy combines technology, art, and science to create packaging that is environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functional.
Tahsin Dag, Founder & CEO of PAPACKS®, commented, “Our partnership with Wandarra is a significant step towards eliminating single-use plastics and protecting valuable ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. By combining Wandarra’s resources with our innovative technologies, we will sustainably influence the packaging industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.”
The partnership will initially target the fresh produce sector, a vital industry in North Queensland, aiming to replace single-use plastics. This initiative is supported by the Circular Economy program, which aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions and position the region as a leader in the industry.
The production timeline plans for initial testing by way of samples produced in Germany and delivered to North Queensland to accommodate local consumer preferences. The Australian production team will also be trained in Germany on the production lines, followed by commissioning and acceptance of the equipment and transport to the final Wandarra production site. This phase is scheduled to start in Q4 2024.
PAPACKS® also offers expertise from over 75 patent families, including the preparation and processing of hemp as the most sustainable fiber raw material. Over the past seven years, PAPACKS® has advanced these developments with HempPulp® to achieve optimal product results.
Australia generates 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material annually, with only 49% being recycled. This collaboration between Wandarra and PAPACKS® aims to significantly reduce this number by introducing sustainable packaging solutions and promoting the circular economy.
For more information, please visit Wandarra’s website and PAPACKS®’ website.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.