IT is astounding how some ideas are so simple and that nobody has done them sooner.

The mission of ‘Planet Protector’ is to remove polystyrene from our planet by providing cost effective, sustainable, eco-friendly packaging.

They design with the circular economy in mind, utilising waste materials and giving them new life through their products. 

Planet Protector is a collaboration of industry people, from various backgrounds and expertise who have produced a packaging material - made from 100 per cent Australian and New Zealand wool oddments - that can be used extensively for protective/insulative packaging.

Just like wool in nature, wool keeps sheep warm in winter and cool in summer, so too does Woolpack technology for the contents of its boxes and pouches.

The specifically chosen fibres are incredibly effective at absorbing moisture from the air (hygroscopic), minimising humidity and condensation to maintain stable temperatures.

The recyclable or compostable liner which encloses the wool is micro-perforated to allow the wool fibres to breathe and create the natural cooling system.

Given the thermal insulation qualities of wool - this packaging is suitable for shipping pharmaceuticals, seafood and other foodstuffs, or anything that is temperature sensitive.

The product range uses sheep’s wool that is unsuitable for the textile industry, which would normally be considered a waste product and destined for landfill.

The wool fill is then encased in either a recyclable or combustible food grade film - the liner is then used in a cardboard carton with a refrigerant to maintain internal temperature for transport.

From fresh foods to seafood, pharmaceuticals, to chocolate, Woolpack has been proven to keep contents below 5°C for well over 24 hours and between 2°C and 8°C for 72 hours and beyond.

Globally, pharmaceutical transporters discard 25-50 per cent of destroyed high-value medications including vaccines, IVF and chemotherapy due to cold chain breaches. Current market solutions that lower this discard rate can cost $100 per unit or more and are not environmentally responsible. The pharmaceutical protector range has been developed to minimise discarded product and delivery costs, whilst ensuring product quality and patient safety are maintained.

To top it off - it’s all re-useable.

It’s no wonder that sometimes I think we are going backwards to go forwards!