W cycle

the problem

80 years ago, the invention of plastic and its use for everyday needs have caused a real shift and revolution in lifestyle for the world's populationbut today according to environmental organization Greenpeace, most disposable plastic produced in the world ends up as waste, polluting natural resources, and especially the marine environment.

The main cause for this is the fact that today's world population produces - and throws away - much more plastic than ever before, and mostly far more than it is able to process, whether due to plastic types which aren't recyclable, or a lack of relevant policies or resources to do so, leading to plastic eventually ending up in water sources, polluting our beaches and nature alike.

Israel, according to GreenPeace, is among the world's most plastic polluted countries, with a very significant level of pollution which is on the rise, but this is of course a wider global problem, which in addition to pollution also leads to the death of many marine animals, as part of a phenomenon which can be seen in beaches around the world. In fact, there are currently several garbage "islands" floating across the ocean, varying in size - from the scale of the state of Texas, to the full extent of Russia's territory.

Many countries around the world have already joined the important task of reducing plastic waste pollution, through legislation, regulation and more - proving this is not some passing trend, but a fundamental change in direction for the whole world - and all plastic-based markets, which rely on it to transport and sell their products.

A long list of leading international companies have also signed an international treaty, aiming to fully transition to plastic-free and environmentally friendly packaging, by 2030.

The Solution

Since 2017, w-cycle has been operating in order to meet this deep need and solve the issue of polluting plastic, which causes damage to shores in Israel and worldwide, by producing natural food packaging, offering an alternative to plastic packaging, based on the concept that the best way to "recycle" plastic is by simply not using it at all, and instead opting for natural, biodegradable materials, to fully prevent pollutants from ever reaching natural environments.

For this purpose, the company has developed its SupraPulp technology, and based on it has designed high-quality food packaging products, sourced and produced locally in an environmentally friendly manner, relying on natural fiber, under the principle of maintaining the same properties as plastic products such as cost-effectiveness, while using eco-friendly materials, of course.

Technology

The company has developed a biodegradable feedstock fiber based technology, which allows the product to be fully composted within 74 days, even in a home environment, decomposing 100% into its natural components. The SupraPulp technology is based on cellulose, does not use plastic, aluminum or other non-consumables or any other pollutants, and is free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, BPA and pesticides.

SupraPulp packaging is safe for use in the freezer, microwave and oven, at high or low temperatures, as required (from 40°C to 270°C).

w-cycle focuses on manufacturing in a "circular economy" model, in which all needed supplies are sourced locally, preventing any pollution resulting from the need to transport materials and equipment over great distances, using ships, planes, etc.

The current cost of products in the plastic market is mainly affected by the prices of raw materials and production, so in order to lower the cost of its chosen material, w-cycle relies on agricultural companies to cooperate with in a unique model, turning local agricultural waste into natural, cost-effective packaging solutions.

To allow this, the production of SupraPulp will be performed in small factories near the target markets, using local agricultural waste collected not far from the production facility. This allows the company to reduce production costs by saving on shipping, customs and the required production time, making the entire supply chain simpler, and mostly far more environmentally friendly.

The technology's production will be carried out in high velocity thanks to the use of unique materials, especially designed for this purpose by w-cycle, which is already working towards its next generation of SupraPulp, which will offer packaging solutions designed for longer "shelf life".