NantBioRenewables, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions for the food and drink industry, today announced its innovative Wave Ware™ protein tray has been named a finalist in the esteemed Sustainability Awards. This pioneering “Ocean calcium containing compostable protein tray” has gained recognition in the competitive ‘Renewables (Pre-Commercialized)’ category.
The Sustainability Awards, organized by Packaging Europe, serve as a premier international competition dedicated to sustainability in packaging. The awards aim to showcase the most significant innovations and initiatives throughout the global packaging value chain. Open to all organizations at no cost, the competition is adjudicated by a diverse, international jury of experts. It accelerates the adoption of best practices and fosters collaboration, ultimately driving meaningful environmental change.
Revolutionary Ocean Calcium Technology
The Wave Ware™ protein tray is a landmark achievement in sustainable food and drink packaging, being the world’s first compostable tray made from carbon-negative Ocean Calcium Sand. Proudly manufactured in the United States, this innovative solution utilizes Ocean Calcium Sand (OCS), a renewable resource that not only meets but exceeds sustainability standards by actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere during biogenic harvest.
“Being selected as a finalist by such a distinguished international panel of experts is tremendous validation of our commitment to environmental innovation,” said Lila Karlsen McNutt, Global Sales & Marketing Director at NantBioRenewables. “Our Wave Ware™ protein tray not only minimizes environmental impact but also actively contributes to carbon removal while delivering the performance and functionality that food producers and consumers demand.”
Dr. Andrey Tyuftin PhD, R&D Chemist and lead developer of compostable packaging materials at NantBioRenewables, highlighted the revolutionary aspect of this innovation: “What makes this tray formulation truly revolutionary is how we’ve managed to harness ocean-derived materials to create packaging that’s not just sustainable but actually beneficial to the environment. The Ocean Calcium Sand doesn’t just replace traditional materials – it transforms the entire equation by removing carbon while maintaining superior mechanical properties.”
Game-Changing Environmental Benefits
The Wave Ware™ protein tray offers numerous environmental advantages:
- Carbon Negative Raw Material: Utilizes Ocean Calcium Sand, effectively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere during harvest.
- Reduced Polymer Dependency: Significantly lessens reliance on high-cost biodegradable polymers through innovative material composition.
- Full Industrial Compostability: Complies with rigorous standards for complete breakdown in commercial composting facilities.
- Renewable Resource Base: Employs Ocean Calcium Sand, a naturally abundant and sustainable material.
Industry Recognition and Global Impact
Being recognized as a finalist positions NantBioRenewables among the world’s most innovative food and drink packaging companies and reinforces the organization’s status as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The international jury’s acknowledgment underscores the tremendous potential of ocean-based renewable materials to revolutionize the packaging sector.
“This recognition validates our belief that the future of packaging lies in harnessing nature’s own materials in ways that benefit both business and the environment,” added Kenn Budlong, Chief Operating Officer at NantBioRenewables. “We’re proud to be pioneering solutions that not only minimize harm but actively heal our planet.”
Award Timeline and Recognition
The winners of the Sustainability Awards will be revealed at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, scheduled for November 10-12 in Utrecht, Netherlands. This premier event is recognized as Europe’s largest gathering focused on packaging sustainability, drawing sustainability and innovation leaders from across the global value chain.
The awards ceremony promises to be a highlight of the summit, with winners kept under wraps until the moment of announcement, ensuring genuine surprise and celebration of the year’s most impactful sustainability innovations.
