Planet Protector Packaging crowdfunds to get wool packaging made in Australia

An Aussie packaging business aims to transform both the packaging and wool manufacturing industry using waste wool destined for landfill.

Waste wool that is destined for landfill is used to create reusable, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable thermal packaging called Woolpack. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Wool that would otherwise be used as landfill is transforming the packaging industry.

And the company behind it is on a mission to not only save the ocean from non-biodegradable polystyrene but to bring wool manufacturing back to Australia.

Launched four years ago and now with annual revenue of $5 million, Planet Protector Packaging uses waste wool that is destined for landfill to create reusable, recyclable, compostable and biodegradable thermal packaging, called Woolpack, that replaces polystyrene, which can take 500-plus years to decompose.

Hagen’s Organics co-owner Ruby Hagen has been using Woolpack for a few years. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Founder and chief executive Joanne Howarth said when she looked around her food logistics business, she saw a warehouse filled with polystyrene — at one point they were using 35,000 polystyrene boxes a week — and saw an opportunity to find a sustainable solution.

“Wool is nature’s smart fibre, it keeps sheep cool in summer and warm in winter, so our packaging is trying to replicate nature,” Ms Howarth said.

Woolpack is being used to thermal regulate fresh food, seafood, chocolate and pharmaceuticals.

As well as being on a mission to save the oceans, Ms Howarth also wants to bring wool manufacturing back to Australia.

They launched a crowd-funding campaign this week to build a manufacturing facility in Geelong.

“When I was first researching the business I discovered there was no wool processing left in Australia, and having our own processing facility will enable us to create Aussie jobs, generate new revenue for sheep farmers, and support rural communities,” she said.

Hagen’s Organics — a second generation family-run butchery based in Melbourne has been using Woolpack for a few years for the online delivery part of their business.

Hagen’s Organics co-owner Ruby Hagen said it aligned with their business from a sustainability point of view, but also being made from wool it aligned with their aim to use the whole animal.

Ms Hagen said using insulation which is made from a natural by-product, allows them as a business and their customers to significantly reduce their waste.

She said they were also about to start a return packaging program with the Woolpack packaging to reduce waste even further.

“It’s a high performing temperature controlled packaging, which offers security to our customers that a box (of meat) can be left for a few hours if they aren’t home,” she said.

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