- In October 2024, Australian start-up Earthodic raised $6 million in seed funding to advance its innovative recyclable protective coating for paper and cardboard packaging. The coating, made from lignin—a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry—strengthens boxes and makes them waterproof, offering an eco-friendly alternative to non-recyclable coatings. The funding will support the establishment of a U.S. headquarters and further research and development, including FDA certification for heat-sealable coffee cups.
- In 2024, Nestlé initiated a pilot program in Australia, introducing recyclable paper packaging for its KitKat four-finger 45g packs. Conducted exclusively with Coles supermarkets across Western Australia, South Australia, and the Northern Territory, this trial seeks public feedback to refine the packaging. Despite incorporating a thin metal barrier film to maintain chocolate freshness, the initiative marks a significant step in Nestlé's commitment to reducing virgin plastic use by one-third by 2025
