Meet the Startup Transforming Beverage Packaging with Compostable Bottles

Image Source: https://the-natural-bottle.com/about-us/

Plastic beverage containers dominate the market due to their low cost, lightweight nature, and strength. However, these advantages come at a steep environmental cost. Derived primarily from crude oil and natural gas, PET and other conventional plastics are non-biodegradable, often persisting in the environment for decades. Their slow degradation contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste in oceans, rivers, forests, and even as harmful microplastics.

Efforts to replace conventional plastics with bio-based or biodegradable materials have encountered challenges. These alternatives often fall short in terms of physical strength, shelf life, or resistance to extreme temperatures, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption, particularly in beverage packaging.

Dutch startup, The Water Company is addressing these challenges by developing a container made from a unique polymer composition. Their patent-pending innovation lies in the use of co-polyhydroxybutyrate (PHBH)—a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer derived from microbial fermentation of renewable resources. PHBH is blended with natural fibers such as bamboo, elephant grass, or wood to create a biodegradable yet durable material. This material not only meets the functional requirements of beverage packaging but also ensures environmental compatibility.

The bottle is designed to decompose completely in home compost within 12 months, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Despite its biodegradability, the container remains stable for at least 12 months, ensuring that the beverage quality is preserved. Furthermore, the bottle can withstand temperatures ranging from 4°C to 45°C, making it suitable for a variety of climates and regions. The inclusion of natural fibers enhances the bottle’s visual appeal, giving it a distinct, earthy look and feel. The container comprises two key layers:

1. Outer Layer: A polymer blend containing 80–99.5% PHBH, 0.5–10% natural fibers, and optional minor additives.

2. Inner Layer: A nearly pure PHBH composition ensuring the beverage’s purity.

The manufacturing process involves creating a parison—a hollow tube of polymer—that is expanded into a mold to form the bottle. This method leverages existing equipment, making the transition from conventional to sustainable production more cost-effective.

The Water Company's innovation addresses critical shortcomings of earlier bio-based packaging solutions. By combining the durability and functional benefits of traditional plastics with the environmental advantages of biodegradability, this home-compostable bottle sets a new standard for sustainable beverage packaging. The company has conducted proof of concept test in Germnay and was the winner of Cannes Next Tech Pitch 2023.

As consumer demand for eco-friendly products grows, this development represents a promising step towards reducing plastic pollution while maintaining high standards for product performance and quality.