Three Aussie manufacturers commercialise packaging solutions

From stretch wrap made with compostable biopolymers, to reusable insulated packaging embedded with Internet of things technology and a closed-loop replacement for expanded polystyrene — three Australian manufacturers have commercialised packaging solutions for the food, beverage, logistics and broader industrial sectors.

Queensland-based TomKat, Victorian-based Bouncee and Great Wrap have each completed their commercialisation targets with support from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) to offer novel packaging technology to local and global users.

Founded by husband-and-wife Tom and Kath Long, TomKat has designed and engineered a Near Field Communications (NFC) enabled thermal container expressly for cold chain transportation targeting the food industry. Relying on the Longs’ knowledge of the seafood sector, TomKat developed machinery to manufacture its product, KoolPak. Put through substantive field trials with a global seafood producer, KoolPak’s construction and embedded NFC capabilities passed with flying colours.

Tom Long said, “Our KoolPak product is a flexible and reusable alternative to polystyrene containers, offering customers access to real-time data through embedded smarts that monitor temperature and track location of high-value perishable goods. Thanks to AMGC, we have accelerated our commercialisation efforts, which has given us a first mover advantage. Our biggest challenge now is whether to expand operations locally or abroad to keep up with demand.”

Victoria-based Bouncee has developed a collapsible, insulated crate to maintain precise food and pharmaceutical temperatures during staging and delivery. Manufactured in Australia, Bouncee uses an advanced composite of expanded polypropylene for performance insulation and rigid polypropylene for critical hinging areas.

The company’s patented combination is designed to deliver operational efficiencies and temperature control without compromising strength, internal capacity or weight. In line with all circular economy principles, the collapsible crate is also reusable, washable, repairable and recyclable.

Bouncee Chief Executive Hamish Hingston said, “We developed Bouncee to help high-volume grocery and healthcare businesses combat the increasing costs of delivering temperature-controlled perishables and to eliminate the associated food and packaging waste.

“AMGC’s support has meant that we were able to establish our first production line in Australia and capitalise on market opportunities that would have previously flowed offshore. In the last six months alone, Bouncee has been implemented by more than 25 businesses in Australia, and we are looking to grow our local workforce and international partnerships to keep up with demand.”

Victorian duo Julia and Jordy Kay left their careers in architecture and winemaking to found Great Wrap, a packaging innovator that has commercialised novel cling and pallet wrap. The B Corp Certified company uses compostable biopolymers and plant-based oils to manufacture the Australian-made compostable stretch wrap.

Jordy Kay said: “AMGC’s co-investment arrived at a crucial time for Great Wrap; it allowed us to move rapidly from pilot to mass manufacture and do so with enough flexibility to adjust the program goals along the way. Today, Great Wrap boasts more than 60,000 customers, has recently partnered with Opal, making them an exclusive distributor of Compostable Machine Pallet Wrap, and the team are working to end the human reliance on traditional plastic.”

Combined, the three projects shared in almost $1.2 million in Commonwealth funding and are set to return over $120 million in additional revenues in the five years following completion of the AMGC-supported project.

Managing Director of AMGC Jens Goennemann said, “Australian manufacturers are the total package. KoolPak, Bouncee and Great Wrap each offer distinct products, and they collectively aim to provide greater value to customers while reducing waste — both globally relevant issues that will contribute to their commercial success.”