Edible Plant-Based Wrappers

UK University of Cambridge spin-off startup Xampla is on a mission to help companies reduce their reliance on single-use plastic and instead make the transition to innovative, earth-friendly alternatives like its plant protein packaging. The startup's high-performance plastic replacements can be found in the form of plant-based, edible sachets, microcapsules and coatings and according to Xampla, the plant protein packaging actually extends the shelf life of ingredients and products.

“Our technology is a world-first, capable of replacing the most polluting plastics at scale and delivering performance parity," says Xampla, "At the end of their life, our materials can even be ‘bio-assimilated’ as food for microorganisms in the soil, effectively turning packaging into fertilizer." While the company's first materials were developed with vegan spider silk and plant protein, its technology can use other raw materials like legumes and agricultural waste. UK meal kit retailer Gousto implemented Xampla's vegan, edible, stock-cube wrapper made from pea protein for its Indian Spiced Carrot & Lentil soup.