Wandarra, an innovative ag-tech solutions firm based in Townsville,
North Queensland, and PAPACKS®, a global leader in sustainable packaging
based in Cologne, Germany, are excited to announce a strategic
partnership via a recently executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The parties are currently working together to formalize the
Australia-APAC exclusive IP licensing agreement with the target end date
intended over the next few weeks.
This partnership aims to transform the packaging industry across
Australia and the Asia-Pacific, reducing plastic waste and supporting
environmental sustainability by leveraging Wandarra’s regional resources
and PAPACKS®’ cutting-edge technologies.
Wandarra, based in the eco-friendly hub of Townsville near the Great
Barrier Reef, capitalizes on its robust and efficient logistics network
to distribute innovative hemp-based products. This location underscores
Wandarra’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions the
company as a leader in climate protection, the circular economy and
regenerative agriculture. Townsville’s logistics network, including
rail, road, sea, and air, enables Wandarra to efficiently distribute
goods and services.
Initially, with sustainable alternatives through Smart Precinct NQ
Queensland, the partnership will target the fresh produce sector, a
vital industry in North Queensland, aiming to replace single-use
plastics.
The Circular Economy program supported by this partnership, aims to
develop sustainable packaging solutions to replace single-use plastics
and position the region as a leader in this industry.
PAPACKS® provides a turnkey solution, including equipment training and
commissioning, to ensure seamless production and adoption of sustainable
packaging technologies.
The production timeline plans for initial testing by way of samples
produced in Germany, and delivered to North Queensland, to accommodate
local consumer preferences. Concurrently, the Australian production team
will be trained in Germany on the production lines, followed by
commissioning and acceptance of the equipment and transport to the final
Wandarra production site. This phase is scheduled to start in Q4 2024.
PAPACKS® also offers expertise from over 75 patent families, including
the preparation and processing of hemp as the most sustainable fiber raw
material. Over the past seven years, PAPACKS® has advanced these
developments with HempPulp® to achieve optimal product results.
Australia generates 5.5 million tonnes of packaging material annually,
with only 49% being recycled. This collaboration will have significant
market impact by introducing world-leading sustainable packaging
solutions, that include the reduction of landfill waste and marine
litter. It will also enhance industrial hemp cultivation in North
Queensland and position Wandarra as a strong innovator and leader in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Quote from Steve Tiley, CEO of Wandarra
“North Queensland’s responsibility to the Great Barrier Reef is unique,
and the news of plastic detected on the outer reef is disturbing. Our
collaboration with PAPACKS® provides an immediate solution for food and
beverage manufacturers to meet their sustainability goals. The PAPACKS®
team has developed world-leading technology that started as a concept in
a garage, just 10 years ago. Their perseverance in research and
development is an outstanding achievement.”
Quote from Tahsin Dag, Founder & CEO of PAPACKS®
“Our partnership with Wandarra is a significant step towards eliminating
single-use plastics and protecting valuable ecosystems like the Great
Barrier Reef. By combining Wandarra’s resources with our innovative
technologies, we will sustainably influence the packaging industry in
Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration demonstrates,
and practically implements, our shared commitment to sustainability and
environmental protection.”
About Wandarra
Founded in 2019 in Townsville, Wandarra adopts an integrated industrial
hub and spoke model that sources hemp raw materials from regional
farmers. This model enables the processing and manufacturing of hemp
products such as food items, edible oils and industrial products for
domestic and international markets. Thanks to North Queensland’s
first-class soils, reliable water supply, existing infrastructure, and a
skilled workforce, Wandarra is uniquely positioned to promote hemp as a
high-yield rotational crop.
With community and government support, Wandarra meets the growing demand
for hemp products. Industrial hemp offers solutions to global challenges
such as food security, climate change, regenerative agriculture, and the
circular economy which is supported by its ThriveTech™ process.
Wandarra’s mission is clear: To be a leading Australian industrial hemp
enterprise that leverages the advantages of North Queensland to support
local communities and the environment, through sustainable practices and
innovative solutions, Wandarra aims to contribute to a greener future.
About PAPACKS®
PAPACKS® is a pioneering company dedicated to developing and producing
sustainable, plastic-free packaging solutions. PAPACKS® specializes in
molded fiber packaging made primarily from fresh fibers from trees and
hemp plants, which are approved for use with food. Through advanced
technologies and a commitment to environmental protection, PAPACKS®
drives the shift towards a circular economy and significantly reduces
plastic pollution. The company’s philosophy combines technology, art,
and science to create packaging that is environmentally friendly,
aesthetically pleasing, and functional. PAPACKS® invites companies
worldwide to join this revolutionary movement.
For more information, visit
Wandarra’s website and
PAPACKS®’ website.
