Bio-based packaging companies are gaining traction as plastic packaging is increasingly rejected. In a webinar by the Plastic Pollution Coalition, Ecovative, Loliware, and Sway showcased how biodegradable products can help companies meet plastic reduction targets and fit into existing supply chains. Ecovative manufactures packaging using a mixture of mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, and a hemp byproduct. It provides for products ranging from small, flask-size containers to “1,000-pound industrial servers” and has worked for IKEA. Sway makes seaweed-based replacements for garment bags, plastic shopping bags and other packaging for the fashion industry. The majority of their products can be made from existing plastic production equipment. Mushroom and seaweed-based products aren’t meant to be recycled at the end of life but can biodegrade in home compost systems. The major problems in the adoption of these products come from their price and their inability to replace plastic in supply chains.

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