https://www.euronews.com/next/2021/11/19/enzymes-and-wood-biomolecules-a-winning-combo-for-sustainable-packaging
I came across the company MetGen when researching developments in sustainable packaging. Packaging is something that has always bothered me, whether it be amazon boxes or plastic bags, I have always thought packaging was an area with huge growth potential sustainability-wise. MetGen is a biotechnology company based in Southern Finland. They have been studying a mix of enzymes from wood and bark in hopes to replace oil-based materials in packaging. A dependence on oil is devastating to our environment and economy. In addition to moving away from dependence on oil for packaging, the wood and bark enzymes make the packaging biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable. This could mean major progress in eliminating waste from landfills. MetGen won the “Innovation Radar Prize” in 2021, and received a European Commission funding grant of 13 million euros. The prize is awarded to the most innovative companies within the EU, and are based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. With much recognition and continued funding, MetGen is sure to be a company to watch in making advancements to benefit the environment and have positive implications far beyond our waste footprint. The company is currently operating in Europe, but has listed on their website that they have plans in place to expand to North America, and South America + Asia to soon follow.