FIVE ‘groundbreaking’ fledgling businesses have been recognised for their contributions to sustainable solutions at the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards.
The awards, organised by ThePackHub and sponsored by Ocado Retail, were presented at the recent Packaging Innovations & Empack event.
Blue Ocean Closures, PulpaTronics, GreenEvo, Cauli, and AeroFlexx were recognised across five categories, with PulpaTronics also securing the Packaging Startup of the Year Award. Their innovations span a range of challenges, from reducing plastic waste and improving recyclability to enabling reuse systems and lowering carbon footprints.
“Startups drive true innovation and challenge the status quo,” said Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub. “They experiment with new materials, processes, and technologies and often pioneer breakthroughs that larger companies find too complex or are too afraid to pursue. Startups truly are the pioneers. They’re risk-takers, bringing fresh thinking and disruption. They offer new perspectives, unconventional ideas, and the agility to challenge traditional packaging models and industry norms. For a thriving packaging industry, it’s crucial to have startups emerging within the business, generating exciting new ideas for us to explore and capitalise on.”
Blue Ocean Closures won the Alternative Materials category for its cellulose fibre screw cap, which provides an alternative to plastic and metal closures. The solution is biodegradable within 10 weeks and recyclable as paper.
PulpaTronics secured the Connected Packaging Award for its breakthrough in RFID tech. The firm has developed a chipless, metal-free RFID tag that uses laser technology to create conductive circuits on paper substrates, making them fully recyclable and compatible with circular packaging systems. PulpaTronics’ innovation also earned it the Packaging Startup of the Year Award, recognising its potential to transform inventory management while eliminating unnecessary electronic waste.
GreenEvo took home the Online category award for its approach to reducing wooden pallet production’s environmental and economic impact. The company has introduced an alternative made from renewable agricultural biomass, eliminating the need for tree cutting. Its lightweight, stackable design is said to save up to 60% of space in warehouses and during transportation. Unlike traditional pallets, GreenEvo’s solution requires no nails or screws, minimising the risk of injury to handlers and damage to goods.
In the Refill & Reuse category, Cauli was recognised for its AI-powered reusable packaging system. As a UK-based climate tech startup, Cauli is described as ‘reshaping the future of packaging’ by helping businesses transition away from single-use packaging. Focusing initially on the food service industry, Cauli’s system enables the adoption of reusable packaging, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
AeroFlexx won the Waste Reduction category for its approach to reducing plastic waste in liquid packaging. The firm’s solution replaces traditional plastic bottles with a lightweight, flexible format that functions like a rigid bottle while using up to 85% less virgin plastic.
