Case Study: Pack2Earth and Swanlaab announce the closing of a €1.6 million funding round
The Spanish venture capital fund Swanlaab Venture Factory has led the round for the Bilbao Food Accelerator Network 2024 Alumni, joined by JRV Holding, Creand, Tech Transfer Agrifood and private investors.
Pack2Earth, a startup specializing in the development of robust, bio-based materials that compost at ambient temperature, has closed a €1.6 million funding round led by the Spanish venture capital firm Swanlaab Venture Factory. The operation also included the participation of German family office JRV Holding, which is increasing its commitment after having supported the company in their first round; Creand Credit Andorrà through its investment vehicle Scale Lab Andorra; Spanish fund Tech Transfer Agrifood, managed by Clave Capital; and private investors. The new funding will allow the company to intensify their sales activity in strategic markets, set up a new in-house laboratory supported by an AIassisted material formulation project, continue delivering their R&D program and protecting their intellectual property, and strengthen their team.
Bio-based, compostable materials for all sectors
Pack2Earth’s materials come at a time when 91% of plastic is not recycled, 79% ends up in landfill or in nature and over 25% of plastic waste is rejected in recycling processes due to it containing food residue. The nano- and microplastics generated, as well as the endocrine disruptors from additives in fossil-based plastics which we inhale, ingest, and absorb through skin contact, such as phthalates, BPA, antimony and PFAS, are contaminating both the planet and the human body at alarming rates, threatening health and fertility.
It is estimated that each person already has 7 grams of petroleum-based microplastics embedded in their brain, not to mention in the rest of their body. While recycled fossil plastic is considered the go-to sustainable solution, demand far outpaces supply due to the low rate of plastic actually recycled, and these plastics still require the addition of virgin plastic and continue to release harmful particles and toxins, failing to address the root problems. By contrast, Pack2Earth’s materials end their lifecycle as clean compost which can sustain new plant life.
Pack2Earth is already working with clients in Spain and Germany, and has pilot projects and joint development agreements in the UK, US, and Switzerland. Their materials —made from raw ingredients derived from plants and minerals— combine high gas barrier properties with the ability to compost at ambient temperature at the end of their lifecycle, generating a compost free of toxins and microplastics. Once used, the materials can be disposed of in city organic waste bins, home composting systems or, when their film is laminated to cardboard, in the paper recycling bins.
Pack2Earth’s flexible film and injection materials can be used for packaging, to add barrier properties to cardboard, and to create both industrial and agricultural products — even reusable items. They are suitable for prolonged contact with dry, semi-liquid, and liquid products and can be processed using existing conventional plastic machinery and molds, which facilitates their adoption by industry.
About Pack2Earth and eIT Food
Barcelona-based startup Pack2earth, co-founded by Françoise de Valera Rose (Spanish, despite what her name may suggest) and Glenn Du Pree, is on a mission to revolutionize the packaging industry with its innovative, home-compostable materials made from plant-based and natural minerals. Designed specifically for products that require high barrier protection, Pack2earth’s solutions aim to replace traditional plastic packaging in both the food and non-food sectors.
In 2024, Pack2earth was selected to participate in the EIT Food FAN (Food Accelerator Network) project, joining a cohort of 10 promising startups from across Europe working on breakthrough solutions in sustainable packaging and food systems. Alongside Pack2earth, the program included Make Grow Lab, Papkot, Marinatex, Relicta Bioplastics, AgrifoodX, Zero Impack, Outlander Materials, Blue Ocean Closures, and Senoptica.
Through FAN 2024, the startups collaborated with industry leaders and received tailored mentorship, gaining valuable exposure and support to accelerate their growth and environmental impact.
With its cutting-edge materials and strong commitment to sustainability, Pack2earth is redefining what’s possible in eco-packaging—and proving that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
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