Rewrap: Challenging the Dominance of Single-Use Plastic Wraps
DEFINITE-CCRI is excited to share that four of our projects have advanced to the due diligence phase of the project development assistance (PDA) initiative. To introduce these projects in more detail, we’re publishing a series of interviews with the project developers. In the second interview of the series, we spoke with Johan Bonner, Co-Founder and new business explorer at Material Mastery, who represents the Rewrap project based in Ghent, Belgium.
Please introduce your project in a pitch format and share the origin story of your project. What inspired the initial idea, and how did you take it from concept to reality?
At Material Mastery, we solve complex circular challenges for manufacturing companies. While working on a project at Material Mastery, we discovered a revolutionary solution—a reusable pallet wrap. The team was so excited about this solution that we decided to establish a separate company solely focused on bringing the reusable wrap to the market. This is how Rewrap was born.
Our product revolutionises pallet wrapping with a reusable solution that replaces traditional single-use plastic wraps. The inspiration came from a packaging challenge faced by a customer who discarded hundreds of used big bags each year. We envisioned a solution that could repurpose these bags into reusable pallet wraps, reducing waste and enhancing logistical efficiency. Through extensive research and prototyping, we brought this idea to life, validating it with successful pilot tests and positive feedback from early adopters. As a result, our solution proved to be both feasible and valuable.
In what ways does your project contribute to accelerating the transition to a circular economy?
Our product contributes to the circular economy by providing reusable alternatives to single-use items. This approach not only reduces the consumption of raw materials but also minimises waste, doubling the impact of our solution. By offering a product that can be reused across many cycles, we help close the loop in the supply chain, promote resource efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional wrapping methods. Providing maintenance and repair services further extends the lifespan of our wraps as part of our commitment to sustainability.
Why did you decide to apply for DEFINITE-CCRI support?
We learned about the programme through the city of Ghent, where our work was recognised as a pioneering circular innovation. The local government suggested benefitting from this support to realise the full potential of our invention. We applied for the DEFINITE-CCRI programme because we saw it as an opportunity to access resources, expertise, and networks that could help us scale our impact and reach a broader market. The program’s emphasis on innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our core values, making it a natural fit for our business.
How has your experience with DEFINITE-CCRI been so far? Can you highlight any significant milestones or learnings from this collaboration?
Our experience with DEFINITE-CCRI has been overwhelmingly positive. The support and guidance we've received have been crucial in refining our business strategy and deepening our understanding of sustainability aspects relevant to our case. The online sessions have provided valuable insights that helped shape our approach. Overall, the collaboration has been a catalyst for our current plans and, hopefully, our future growth. We look forward to continuing this partnership and achieving even greater benefits.
If you received unlimited funding, how would your project evolve and what impact do you envision it having on the industry and beyond?
With unlimited funding, our project would transform into a global initiative aimed at significantly reducing plastic waste in logistics. We would invest in scaling our production capabilities, expanding into new markets, and developing advanced versions of our product with features tailored to various industries. Additionally, we envision establishing a global network of repair and maintenance hubs to support the longevity of our wraps, creating a fully circular system similar to the Europallet model. This would not only impact the logistics industry but also set a new standard for sustainable practices across multiple sectors, contributing substantially to global waste reduction efforts.
Could you describe the social workshops involved in the production of reusable packaging? Which social groups do they target, and what motivated you to involve these specific groups?
As a way to reach a broader audience and involve broader groups of stakeholders, Material Mastery has set up a series of social workshops. The social workshops are designed to engage and empower marginalised communities, including individuals with disabilities, ex-detainees, refugees, and those from low-income backgrounds. These workshops provide meaningful employment opportunities, skills development, and a sense of purpose, allowing participants to contribute to the circular economy. Our motivation for involving these specific groups stems from our commitment to social sustainability. We aim to ensure that our business not only benefits the environment but also makes a positive impact on society by fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment.
What advantages does reusable pallet wrap offer compared to single-use alternatives?
Reusable pallet wraps offer several key advantages over single-use alternatives:
- Sustainability: They drastically reduce plastic waste and environmental impact by eliminating the need for single-use wraps and repurposing another single-use plastic stream (big bags).
- Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term savings are significant, as the wraps can be used repeatedly.
- Logistics Efficiency: Our wraps do not stick to each other, preventing pallets from becoming glued together during transport, making loading and unloading faster, easier, and safer.
- Durability and Security: Made from high-quality materials, our wraps provide better load stability and have passed rigorous safety tests, such as the EUMOS certification.
- Customisability: The wraps can be tailored to fit specific pallet sizes and can be branded, offering both functional and promotional benefits.
These advantages make our reusable pallet wrap a superior choice for businesses seeking to improve their sustainability practices while enhancing operational efficiency.
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