Brisbane-based sustainable packaging startup Earthodic has successfully raised $6 million in seed funding, positioning itself to expand its operations in the United States and further develop its recyclable, biobased coating, known as BioBarc. This innovative coating, designed for paper packaging, serves as an alternative to conventional petrochemical and plastic-based materials, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Earthodic’s BioBarc technology is unique for incorporating lignin—a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry—thereby repurposing a material that would typically be discarded or incinerated. The coating offers durability and moisture resistance comparable to traditional plastic coatings, making it suitable for applications in food and cold-chain packaging, produce containers, and other moisture-sensitive products. As the industry moves towards sustainable alternatives, BioBarc’s drop-in compatibility with existing manufacturing processes makes it an attractive solution for packaging companies working to meet sustainability targets.
The seed funding round, led by California-based FTW Ventures and including notable investors such as Circulate Capital and Queensland Investment Corporation, will facilitate Earthodic’s entry into the U.S. market. The company has chosen Western Michigan University’s Innovation Center for its U.S. headquarters, close to a pilot coating plant where Earthodic has already conducted successful trials. This location will also serve as a testing facility to support its manufacturing partnerships and product testing.
The funds will also be allocated to expand Earthodic’s product and sales teams as they prepare to scale production. With letters of intent from major packaging firms, Earthodic is targeting additional applications, such as coffee cups, and seeks FDA certification for its coatings. According to FTW Ventures partner Jenn Burka, Earthodic’s work exemplifies the circular economy’s potential by reducing plastic dependency and introducing bio-based coatings at a commercial scale, addressing a significant gap in sustainable packaging solutions.
This strategic investment highlights the increasing interest in sustainable packaging materials as companies across the globe strive to reduce their ecological footprint.
