NaKu, a pioneer in sustainable bio-degradable bottles
NaKu stands for ‘Natürlicher Kunsstoff’ (biological plastic) combining characteristic traits of plastic with natural, sustainable components. Their products, mainly non-plastic bottles and bags, are all fully compostable and recyclable. In addition to its regular product range NaKu is also very engaged in the conservation of nature and is developing tailormade solutions for reforestation methods.
Often, and in particular in regions where plants are exposed to stress due to the climate, trees are planted with protective bags around their roots allowing for a better supply of nutrients in the first year of growth. However, the remains of these bags cannot fully compose and its left overs remain in the ground which in turn is detrimental for soil quality.
NaKu is developing a specific formula for their ‘non-plastic-tree-bags’ in order for them to remain durable long enough for the duration when young trees need them. After a specific period they eventually dissolve until it has fully integrated with the soil leaving no negative substances behind. NaKu also applies this pro-active sustainability approach for applications that affect our everyday life – for packaging of cosmetics, toys, and many other products that are being requested.
The NaKu non-plastic bottles are being used for SUSFERT’s prototype fertilisers. The company’s bags and bottles are fully compostable and recyclable. Photo: Ben Leitner © .
SUSFERT, sustainable farming for healthy food and planet
SUSFERT is also a pioneer in the endeavour to remove plastic and other negative substances from the soil. Our approach is manifold, stretching from novel microorganism combinations on one side to biobased phosphorous replacement on the other; from iron chelating substances to the paper industry waste by-product lignosulfonate; from nutrigels to non-polluting coatings of fertilisers and many more. To date, SUSFERT has developed nine sustainable, biobased fertiliser prototypes that are currently being tested in field trials and preliminary results indicate significantly positive results.
“What at a first glance appears not to be feasible – combining characteristics of plastic with natural components – turns out not only to be a nice-to-have to support the environment but is essentially a necessary development to allow for the sustained well-being of human kind in the long run,” Co-founder of NaKu, Johann Zimmermann, said.
Earlier this year, NaKu provided SUSFERT in kind with its non-plastic bottles for SUSKIT, a set of the prototype fertilisers. Since then, SUSKIT has been showcased at numerous events and it will also be presented in a permanent exhibition at the European Commission towards the end of 2023.
Zimmermann and Muegge meet at RTDS Group in Vienna.
Going forward, NaKu and SUSFERT have agreed to deepen its co-operation. Purpose of the co-operation is to demonstrate how like-minded enterprises and projects can come together to work on the common objective of a transition to a sustainable future for all, and to activate synergies for greater visibility of its success.
“Sustainable practices should be seen as opportunities that become the norm, and not as restraints or obligations that companies need to make. We need to re-set our practices and attitudes to build economies and create jobs that are in tune with nature and climate goals,” RTDS Group Senior Manager and SUSFERT Project Manager, Mikael Muegge, said.
