Woodfree, a UK-based company, has teamed up with Bangor University's Biocomposites Centre to pioneer Eco-Pulp, a revolutionary packaging material made from cellulose fibers extracted from coconut husks.

By repurposing previously underutilized coconut husks into a low-cost feedstock, Woodfree and Bangor University are paving the way for sustainable packaging solutions. These fibers, derived from coconut husks, offer a renewable and eco-friendly alternative for various applications, including paper and packaging materials.

Dr. Rob Elias, director of Bangor University's Biocomposites Centre, underscores the significance of this initiative: "Coconut husks, often discarded or burned, pose environmental challenges in regions like Sri Lanka and India. By transforming this waste into valuable cellulose fibers, we're not only mitigating environmental issues but also offering a sustainable solution to the overdependence on plastic packaging."

Woodfree has been at the forefront of exploring non-wood materials as sustainable alternatives to combat deforestation linked to paper production. Co-founders Gurpreet Singh and Arjundeep Singh initiated research efforts, which later expanded through collaboration with Bangor University. Leveraging the university's expertise in biobased packaging alternatives, the partnership aims to scale up the production of Eco-Pulp for commercial viability.

Gurpreet Singh highlights the progress of their collaboration: "We've successfully processed waste coconut husks into fibers and evaluated their practical aspects, including strength, durability, and reaction to water. Now, we're producing prototype packaging such as trays and punnets to showcase the potential of these fibers in creating sustainable packaging solutions."

Woodfree and Bangor University's collaboration exemplifies a commitment to innovation and sustainability, offering a promising avenue for addressing environmental challenges associated with traditional packaging materials.