


PROGRESS REPORT
Raw Materials
The materials we choose are core to our mission and the future of circular packaging solutions. We prioritise rapidly renewable, reclaimed, and plant-based materials as alternatives to conventional fossil fuel-based plastics. Our ongoing investment in research and development enables us to stay ahead of regulatory changes and meet evolving consumer demands across diverse industries.
In 2024, BioPak became the first to introduce PHA-lined cups to the Australian market, a game-changing innovation set to transform home compostable coffee cup solutions. PHA (short for polyhydroxyalkanoate) is an innovative biopolymer produced through the fermentation of renewable resources, like plant sugars and vegetable oils. The first home compostable solution free from fossil-based materials. This aligns with the principles of a circular economy, addressing urgent global challenges like plastic production, pollution, and inadequate recycling infrastructure.
We’ve made significant investments in R&D to develop an alternative to products containing PFAS. Our efforts led to a durable plant fibre solution that’s free from added PFAS and certified home compostable (AS5810), without sacrificing quality or functionality. In July 2024, we ceased production of all products containing intentionally added PFAS – a huge step for the sustainable packaging industry. As we transition to the new range based on market demand, we provide clear product information, ensuring transparency on whether items contain added PFAS.
Trevor Rumble
Product & Innovation Director
Rapidly Renewable, Reclaimed, Plant-Based Raw Materials


NEW PHA
PHA is produced through a fermentation process, using renewable resources, like plant sugars and vegetable oils. PHA lined cups are home compostable and don’t contain any fossil-based materials.


Plant Fibre
We combine sugarcane pulp (bagasse) with other plant-based pulp to create a versatile, strong and inexpensive solution.


FSC™ Paper & Birchwood
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC™) logo means our wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests – taking into account water use, energy use, community support and more.


Aqueous
Finally, home compostable cups are here. Aqueous cups are manufactured using a unique waterproof barrier coating, reducing the material needed. Each cup is leakproof and durable.


PLA Bioplastic
PLA (short for polylactic acid) is a type of bioplastic made from plant-based resources like corn. BioPak’s PLA products are certified industrially compostable.


Material: PHA, the Next Breakthrough Lining Technology
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters produced by various microorganisms. These polymers can be created through bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PHAs break down in a marine environment and soil within a significantly shorter period of time.


Industry: Shaking up the Packaging Sector
A product’s lining might be a small part of its material footprint, but it plays a crucial role in sustainability and a product’s end-of-life. BioPak is leading innovation in compostable packaging with new materials and coatings. In 2024, we introduced PHA-lined cups and plan to expand our PHA range, setting new benchmarks for home compostable packaging solutions.


New Product: The PHA-uture of cups is here
We’re the first to introduce PHA BioCups to the Australian market! They’re certified home compostable to European (NFT51-800) and Australian (AS5810) standards. While PHA resin is marine biodegradable, products like our coffee cups are not certified for marine biodegradability to help prevent littering.


Plant Fibre with No Added PFAS


Material: Phasing Out Intentionally Added PFAS
Plant fibre is made from rapidly renewable sugarcane pulp (bagasse) and other plant-based pulp, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic that looks just like moulded cardboard. In July 2024, we ceased production of all products containing intentionally added PFAS.


Industry: Small Tweaks, Big Impact for QSRs and Convenience Retail
New Blurb: In 2024, we introduced two new Cold BioCup Plant Fibre Lids with no added PFAS to meet the diverse needs of the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and convenience retail sectors. The Wide Hole Dome Lid, with an extra-wide opening, is ideal for cold drinks and frozen treats. The Strawless Lid, designed with a large sipper hole, offers an easy drinking experience while holding back ice cubes. This reduces the need for straws, helping to cut costs and minimise waste.


New Product: Cost-Effective Plant Fibre Lids for Takeaway Meals
New Blurb: In 2024, we introduced new Plant Fibre Lids with no added PFAS, designed for BioBoard Bowls and Containers. A cost-effective, sustainable solution. Plant fibre lids are at a similar price point to plastic and are certified home compostable to Australian standards (AS5810).


Material: The Positive Impact of Responsible Forestry
FSC™ certified paper and wood are sourced from sustainably-managed forests or controlled sources (BioPak’s licence code: FSC™ C110879). A recent study highlighted that large mammals and critically endangered species are more prevalent in FSC™ forests. An FSC™ certification also has a positive effect on carbon sequestration and the protection of nearby communities. We’re in the process of transitioning production of our BioCups to FSC™ paper and expanding our FSC™ range to include SOS Paper Bags and Pizza Boxes.


Industry: A Premium Sustainable Beer Experience
Beer BioCups provide a sustainable solution for venues and events where reusables aren’t yet in use, like AFL games that can use up to 80,000 cups per match! With the familiar look of traditional beer cups, they provide a great drinking experience while helping to divert waste from landfill when composted in closed-loop systems.


New Product: Celebrating Culture with the Indigenous Art Series BioCups
Cups designed to tell a story. BioPak’s Indigenous Art Series BioCups celebrate First Nations artists and empower Indigenous youth through CorporateConnect.AB’s Ethan Indigenous IT Cadetship Program.


Material: Winner of the 2024 WorldStar Packaging Materials and Components Category
BioPak won the 2024 WorldStar Packaging Award for the Packaging Materials and Components for our Aqueous BioCups. Made with FSC™ certified paper and lined with Aqueous technology, they’re certified home compostable to Australian (AS5810) and European (NF-T51-800) standards.


Industry: Transforming the Sushi Industry
Developed in collaboration with one of Australia’s leading sushi retailers, BioBoard Sushi Trays are made from FSC™ Premium paper with an aqueous lining, providing a durable, sustainable alternative to plastic trays. Available across Australia and New Zealand, they enhance product presentation, champion compostable solutions, and can be custom-branded.


New Product: Customisable Paper Sauce BioCups and Lid
In 2024, we launched our new Paper Sauce BioCup and Lid range, allowing for custom branding while serving sauces or samples. Made from FSC™ Mix certified paper with an aqueous lining, these durable, leakproof, and home compostable (AS5810) cups feature a print-friendly surface and options for operational efficiency, such as tick-box matrices or color-coded designs.


Material: Addressing Plastic Pollution with PLA Bioplastic
With 91% of plastic waste going unrecycled globally, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. PLA provides a powerful solution as a bioplastic made from renewable plant-based resources like corn, cassava, and sugarcane. Designed for commercial composting, PLA is perfect for disposing of alongside food waste, supporting a closed-loop system for composting our waste.


Industry: More Affordable Unbranded PLA Bowls and Cups
Our Unbranded PLA Bowls and Cups offer businesses a cost-effective and industrially compostable (AS4736) solution for serving meals and beverages, helping transition to single-use plastic (SUP) ban compliant packaging and align with environmental goals.


New Product: Adding a Splash of Colour to Cold Drinks
In 2024, we expanded our Cold Paper BioCup range with vibrant Coloured BioCups, adding a fun touch to sustainable beverages. Made from FSC™ Mix certified paper and plant-based bioplastic, they’re industrially compostable to Australian and European standards (AS4736 & EN13432).
Combating Greenwashing Through Education and Advocacy
Greenwashing is when organisations make their products, services or practices seem more environmentally friendly than what they actually are. At BioPak, we’re taking a stand against greenwashing through radical transparency, encouraging a world where businesses are accountable for the claims they make.
Here are a few of the ways we’re combating greenwashing:
Transparency - We’re transparent about our raw materials and supply chain, including the impact they have and the challenges we face. We continuously review our claims to keep up with changing legislation and invest in new technology to back up these claims – like our Environmental Impact Label which uses scientific evidence to support our statements.
Advertising Standards - We’ve established a relationship with ACCC and Ad Standards to help restore consumer faith in environmental claims and create clear guidelines for businesses to promote their sustainability efforts. Similar marketing standards are upheld at BioPak UK driven by the Green Claims code for businesses published by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and continually monitored by the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) and the Trading Standards Authority (TSA).
Education - We continue to educate both businesses and end consumers about composting certifications, correct disposal and end-of-life claims through both BioPak and Compost Connect. This empowers consumers to spot greenwashing and make informed purchase decisions.


Advancing UN’s Sustainable Goals by Using Rapidly Renewable, Reclaimed, and Plant-Based Raw Materials








Our Progress
COMPLETED
Expand our plant fibre-based solutions
Our plant fibre range has been well established for several years across these key categories: produce trays, hot and cold cup lids, bowls and containers and their corresponding lids.
In 2024, we expanded our plant fibre range with a substantial addition of products free from intentionally added PFAS, enabling our clients to transition from conventional plastics and higher-carbon compostable solutions to more sustainable, low-carbon alternatives. These products include:
- Plant Fibre Lids: Reclosable BioCup Lids, Strawless and Wide Hole Cold BioCup Lids, Lids for Paper Containers and Bowls, Dome Ice Cream BioCup Lids
- 2-Compartment Takeaway Bases and Lids
- Rectangular Oval Plant Fibre Plates
Expand our Aqueous home compostable range
Our Aqueous range features an innovative water-based barrier coating, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic or bioplastic linings. Since introducing Aqueous BioCups in 2023, we’ve expanded the range to include BioBoard Bowls, BioBoard Containers, BioBoard Noodle Boxes, and BioBoard Lunch Boxes.
In 2024, we added BioBoard Sushi Trays and Paper Sauce BioCups with matching lids to the lineup.
Phase out intentionally added PFAS from our BioCane range
Some meals require greater grease resistance than others. Traditionally, the foodservice industry has been using PFAS, a greaseproof additive, as a solution in plant fibre products and pizza boxes and paperboard.
Out of an abundance of caution and to stay ahead in sustainability, we ceased production of all products containing intentionally added PFAS in July 2024.
While transitioning to the new range based on market demand, we provide clear product information and remain transparent on whether or not items contain added PFAS.
Source a new home compostable lining
In 2024, we launched a new revolutionary lining - PHA (short for polyhydroxyalkanoate). This new material is produced through a fermentation process using renewable resources, like plant sugars and vegetable oils. The result is a home compostable cup that contains no fossil-based materials – an improvement on the current home compostable solutions.
Our PHA BioCups are certified home compostable to European (NFT51-800) and Australian (AS5810) standards. Additionally, PHA resin is certified as marine biodegradable, meaning it degrades significantly faster than conventional plastic if it unintentionally enters marine environments, leaving no long-term microplastic pollution. However, while PHA resin itself holds marine biodegradable certification, products not intended for marine use, such as our cups, cannot be certified as marine biodegradable to discourage improper disposal and littering.
If businesses currently choose our Aqueous lined products, we’ll migrate them to better alternatives as they are released.
In the future, we’re excited to introduce a new version of PLA lining that will be home compostable, building on our current range of PLA products, which are certified for industrial composting.
ON TRACK
Support our customers with single-use plastic bans
BioPak continues to support businesses across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Hong Kong in meeting single-use plastic (SUP) ban requirements. Our efforts include offering free packaging assessments, providing easy-to-understand SUP compliance resources, and running educational campaigns to raise awareness.
To meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic, we’ve expanded our product range:
- For beverages: We introduced Plant Fibre Hot and Cold BioCup Lids and launched a cost-effective range of Unbranded PLA BioCups as an alternative to printed PLA BioCups.
- For takeaway meals: We developed PLA and Plant Fibre Lids compatible with our BioBoard Containers and Bowls. Notably, the Plant Fibre Lids are priced competitively, at half the cost of paper lids and on par with conventional plastic lids, enabling businesses to transition with minimal financial impact.
- For ice cream delivery: We now offer Plant Fibre Ice Cream Cup Lids, catering to growing demand in the delivery market.
- For Japanese cuisine: Our aqueous-lined BioBoard Sushi Trays, paired with PLA or recyclable PET Lids and FSCTM Paper Bags, provide a new solution for sushi restaurants.
- For sauces and condiments: The new aqueous-lined Paper Sauce BioCups and Lids provide businesses with a customisable, leakproof option for serving sauces, relishes, condiments, or samples. With their easy-to-print surface, these cups are ideal for showcasing branding while maintaining durability and functionality.
Through these initiatives, BioPak reaffirms its commitment to supporting businesses as they navigate SUP bans, while promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Migrate all paper products to FSC™ certified paper
We’re in the process of transitioning our BioCups to FSC™ certified paper and expect to achieve this by the end of 2024.
We also expanded our FSC™ certified range to include SOS Paper Bags and are currently in production of pizza boxes.
Look for the FSC™ Chain of Custody number to check if a supplier really is certified, BioPak’s number is C110879.
Phase out regular plastic products
4.5% of our range is made from conventional plastic due to either cost or functional requirements. These products will be phased out of our range by the end of 2025. We’ve made strong progress this year replacing PS and PLA Coffee Cup Lids with Plant Fibre Lids.
Single-use plastic legislation has banned several plastic items and plastic types, helping drive customer demand for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Migrate all paper products to FSC™ certified paper
We are in the process of transitioning our BioCups to FSC™ certified paper and expect to achieve this by the end of 2024.
We also expanded our FSC™ certified range to include SOS paper bags and are currently in production of pizza boxes.
Look for the FSC™ Chain of Custody number to check if a supplier really is certified, BioPak’s number is C110879.
Phase out regular plastic products
5% of our range is made from conventional plastic due to either cost or functional requirements. These products will be phased out of our range by the end of 2025. We have made strong progress this year replacing PS and PLA coffee cup lids with plant fibre lids.
Single-use plastic legislation has banned several plastic items and plastic types, helping drive customer demand for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
DELAYED
Phase out plastic sleeves used to protect our retail product range from contamination during transport and storage
To ensure food safety, all our products require sealing, and we have traditionally utilised plastic sleeves due to cost and functionality considerations. However, we remain committed to ongoing material research to identify viable non-plastic or bioplastic alternatives.
In 2022, we successfully transitioned our retail product packaging to fully plastic-free solutions by adopting recycled paper sleeves.
Print compost certifications on all products
We now print the compost certifications on all new products, including our Cold Paper BioCups and the BioCup Art Series. We’re working on printing our certifications on all of our products by the end of 2025.
About Compost Certifications >