Innovative paper-based packaging solution for live bees unveiled

Bee public domain
Sustainability

Smurfit Kappa introduces a sustainable packaging breakthrough for Biobest, a pioneer in biological crop protection and pollination. This paper-based solution replaces the previous plastic box, offering enhanced durability and weather resistance.

Founded in 1987, Biobest revolutionised organic pollination by breeding bumble bees. Recognizing the need for an eco-friendly transport solution, Biobest collaborated with Smurfit Kappa to develop an insulated box. The box, part of Smurfit Kappa's Better Planet Packaging portfolio, is crafted from water-resistant AquaStop paper, ensuring robustness for outdoor use during fruit and vegetable pollination.

The innovative design features hexacomb fitments, providing protection and insulation for the live bumble bees during transport. Rigorous testing, including exposure to outdoor conditions for 6-8 weeks, showcased the pack's resilience, affirming its capability to keep the bees safe and ready for optimal pollination.

Bee © Roland Takang / public domain
Arco Berkenbosch, Chief Innovation Officer at Smurfit Kappa, said: We’re very aware of the crucial role that bees play in global food production and, indeed, have got beehives at many of our plants. We needed to come up with a pack that would protect this precious cargo both throughout the supply chain and when it reached its final destination.

Our AquaStop paper has performed very well across many sectors and one of its biggest selling points is the fact that the coating that makes it water-resistant doesn’t compromise its recyclability. At Smurfit Kappa, we have a broad range of 100% paper-based and recyclable solutions such as this pack which are the answer to the regulatory challenges that many of our customers are facing.

This sustainable packaging solution marks a significant stride in eco-friendly alternatives, aligning with Smurfit Kappa's commitment to Better Planet Packaging and Biobest's dedication to organic agriculture.

Latest Packaging News

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods
Sustainability

Clean Cult launches refillable cartons and aluminium bottles at Whole Foods

Sustainable home care brand Clean Cult has launched a new range of packaging at Whole Foods Market...
Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries
Sustainability

Retailer replaces plastic with cardboard punnets for Belgian strawberries

Belgian retailer Delhaize has begun using cardboard punnets for its locally grown strawberries,...
Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line
Supplier News

Interroll: How to minimise unplanned downtime in your food packaging line

Unplanned downtime in food packaging lines can be a significant drain on productivity and...
Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)
Supplier News

Fenix Industries: Molded pulp packaging – the ultimate guide (2025 edition)

Everything brands, packaging buyers, and sustainability managers need to know. What is molded pulp...
Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America
Sustainability

Survey finds growing consumer resistance to unsustainable packaging in North America

A growing number of shoppers across the United States and Canada are rejecting plastic packaging in...