Wandarra and PAPACKS® Announce Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize Packaging Industry
Townsville, North Queensland – Wandarra, an innovative ag-tech solutions firm, and PAPACKS®, a global leader in sustainable packaging, have recently entered into a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The partnership aims to transform the packaging industry across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region by leveraging Wandarra’s regional resources and PAPACKS®’ cutting-edge technologies.
Wandarra, based in Townsville, North Queensland, is known for its robust and efficient logistics network that distributes innovative hemp-based products. This location highlights Wandarra’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions the company as a leader in climate protection, the circular economy, and regenerative agriculture. The logistics network in Townsville, including rail, road, sea, and air, enables Wandarra to efficiently distribute goods and services.
The partnership between Wandarra and PAPACKS® will initially focus on the fresh produce sector, a vital industry in North Queensland, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics through sustainable alternatives. This partnership is part of the Circular Economy program, which aims to develop sustainable packaging solutions and position the region as a leader in the industry.
PAPACKS® provides a turnkey solution, including equipment training and commissioning, to ensure seamless production and adoption of sustainable packaging technologies. The production timeline plans for initial testing through samples produced in Germany and delivered to North Queensland, accommodating local consumer preferences. The Australian production team will also receive training in Germany on the production lines, followed by commissioning and acceptance of the equipment before being transported to the final Wandarra production site. This phase is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024.
PAPACKS® brings expertise from over 75 patent families, including the preparation and processing of hemp as the most sustainable fiber raw material. The company has been advancing these developments with HempPulp® for the past seven years to achieve optimal product results.
According to a recent report, Australia generates 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material annually, with only 49% being recycled. This collaboration between Wandarra and PAPACKS® will have a significant impact on the market by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging solutions, reducing landfill waste and marine litter. It will also promote industrial hemp cultivation in North Queensland and position Wandarra as a strong innovator and leader in the Asia-Pacific region.
Steve Tiley, CEO of Wandarra, stated, “North Queensland’s responsibility to the Great Barrier Reef is unique, and the news of plastic detected on the outer reef is disturbing. Our collaboration with PAPACKS® provides an immediate solution for food and beverage manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals.” He also praised PAPACKS® for their perseverance in research and development, which has led to their world-leading technology.
Tahsin Dag, Founder & CEO of PAPACKS®, said, “Our partnership with Wandarra is a significant step towards eliminating single-use plastics and protecting valuable ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. By combining Wandarra’s resources with our innovative technologies, we will sustainably influence the packaging industry in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.”
Wandarra, founded in 2019 in Townsville, adopts an integrated industrial hub and spoke model that sources hemp raw materials from regional farmers. The company’s mission is to be a leading Australian industrial hemp enterprise that leverages the advantages of North Queensland to support local communities and the environment through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. With community and government support, Wandarra aims to contribute to a greener future.
PAPACKS® is a pioneering company dedicated to developing and producing sustainable, plastic-free packaging solutions. The company specializes in molded fiber packaging made primarily from fresh fibers from trees and hemp plants, approved for use with food. Through advanced technologies and a commitment to environmental protection, PAPACKS® drives the shift towards a circular economy and significantly reduces plastic pollution. The company’s philosophy combines technology, art, and science to create packaging that is environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and functional.
For more information, visit Wandarra’s website at https://www.papacks.com/en/wandarra-papacks/ and PAPACKS®’ website at https://www.papacks.com/. Distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
