Going Circular
2022 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Auckland Council
For over 70 years, expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) has dominated cold supply chains. Made from non-renewable fossil fuels, this material takes 500 years to break down, if at all. It is not kerbside recyclable and hence destined for landfill.
Planet Protector Packaging was established in 2017 and is on a mission to eliminate EPS. The company manufactures WOOLPACK, a sustainable alternative to EPS. WOOLPACK is made from waste wool unsuitable for textiles and therefore wool destined for landfill.
Inspired by nature, WOOLPACK leverages the thermal properties of wool that keep sheep warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool is nature’s smart fibre. It has superior thermal performance and unrivalled “green” credentials. It is now being used to ship everything from meal kits and ready to eat meals, meat, seafood, dairy, chocolate and pet food through to pharmaceuticals, vaccines, animal health products, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.
The company has taken a waste stream, monetised it and given it a second life. WOOLPACK is a building block for a new regenerative circular economy.