1. Can you describe Embelium in a few words?

Embelium is a 100% plant-based and compostable packaging made in France.

The current societal context (French anti-waste law for a circular economy, European SUP directive, European and French pacts on plastic packaging, citizens’ convention on climate change, etc.) is forcing marketers (especially in the food industry) and distributors to rethink their packaging and to find alternatives with a lower environmental impact.

I created Embelium in order to provide an ecological and practical solution: the company offers cultivated packaging which are 100% natural and compostable.

Embelium: high tech and nature combined

• Embelium is a 100% plant-based material, grown in the south-west of France, created for the ecodesign of products in the packaging and everyday items industries. Its main particularity is that it comes from the earth: it is made of fibers from local agricultural (such as hemp and corn cobs) and mycelium, which works as a natural binder. It is compostable and decomposes in twelve weeks.
• Embelium offers a great performance:
  • shockproof,
  • fireproof,
  • soundproof
  • heat-insulated
  • reusable
  • possibility of making it grow according to a specific design.

“Embelium is a loan from nature: we use it, we reuse it… and we give it back to nature. Nature’s high technology enables to cultivate natural and compostable packaging locally and with low-tech means.”

You will be a speaker at our next CNE PACK FOCUS conference on “e-commerce & Packaging”,

2. To say the least, your product stands out as an original invention in the field of packaging:

• Which markets do you plan to prospect?

The mechanical and flammability characteristics of Embelium, along with its insulation and protection performances, allows to target a lot of different uses, especially in technical packaging, for quantities of 500 to 20,000 pieces per year.

Moreover, the surface state, the touch, or the texture, of the material represents a real marketing asset for Embelium. It can also be decorated with laser, for very precise designs. These characteristics lead to interesting opportunities for ecodesign.

• More specifically about e-commerce, is your solution adapted to the requirements of this distribution channel?

B to C shipping requires robust protection, and Embelium can totally meet this demand.

Uniqueness and personalization are two strong needs that come with e-commerce. Embelium can be used for various and variable designs according to brand requests. Industrialization costs and implementation times offer good flexibility.

The packs can be decorated and personalized with laser printing just before shipment. The brand can address its customer specifically while preserving the natural value of the pack.

As the insulation performance are great, Embelium could also be used for fresh and/or catering products, especially as a last mile solution. It can be coated with plant resin, so it could be washed and reversed.

Once removed from the good, the consumer doesn’t have to throw it, he can:

• Give it a second life,
• Composte it himself,
• Put it back in the loop.

3. For 23 years, our partners have been committed to Fair Packaging. How can your product-packaging meet the requirements of Fair Packaging?

Embelium is local, vegetal, and made of agricultural co-products.

It enhances the value of existing production without encroaching on agricultural land earmarked for food production.

Embelium’s material also makes that it can be used different ways before becoming a good compost.

Embelium is therefore an eco-design opportunity to reduce non-recyclable materials and include new solutions.

4. What are the challenges and brakes to a wide distribution of Embelium?

Embelium is new. It must be made known and integrated into design and decision-making procedures.

This material does not really fit in with the usual criteria for industrial materials (shine, color, appearance). Producers needs to assimilate its characteristics, clients need to review their global approach so they can include Embelium.

The current price level could be a brake for highly competitive sectors that would not be able to rely on a communication effect of using such material.

Our main target is companies with a strong “environmental” positioning and a real willingness of change.

We also have the challenge of the food contact that requires support from experts to meet some regulations that are difficult to identify.

5. What do you expect on our CNE PACK FOCUS morning?

Introducing Embelium to an expert community. To show that 100%-natural solutions do exist and are available.

To understand better the expectations of the sector, so we can create a loop of ideas around this material. To find partners to develop this solution.

We can see Embelium as a range of solutions offering very broad perspectives.