The start-up traceless from the Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) will make the OTTO Group’s shipping bags more sustainable in future: As part of an exclusive cooperation, its shipping bags and polybags will be made from a new type of plastic substitute that consists exclusively of natural raw materials, can be composted and is completely biodegradable.
traceless: Cooperation with OTTO against plastic waste
Dr Anne Lamp, inventor of the traceless technology, and Johanna Baare co-founded the startup of the same name in September 2020. Their company is based at the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and is supported by beyourpilot and Startup Dock. Their developed technology makes it possible to produce a new material from agricultural industry residues, from which a film, a dimensionally stable material and coatings can be obtained. These are 100 per cent bio-based, do not compete with food production, do not require plasticisers or other additives that are harmful to the environment or health, and are compostable at home. The new material has mechanical, barrier and storage-stability properties comparable to those of conventional plastic films and rigid plastics.
“A plastic that is completely biodegradable in just a few weeks – that’s a real gamechanger for the packaging industry. The traceless material could also help online retailers to further reduce waste. However, such a material can only be used sensibly if it meets the high requirements. This is what we want to find out as part of our partnership with traceless,” announces Benjamin Köhler from the OTTO sustainability team.
Dr Anne Lamp is confident: “In recent months we have developed a material that combines the positive properties of plastic with maximum environmental compatibility. This is unique in this form so far. Now we are doing everything we can to quickly get from the laboratory to the street – and the partnership with OTTO plays an important role in this. Soon we will be putting our pilot production plant into operation, and then the first everyday tests will be within reach.” The OTTO Group has already been working on reducing packaging waste for several years, for example by collaborating with other innovative start-ups such as Wildplastics.
The first prototypes of the traceless shipping bags are in development and are expected to be tested for everyday suitability in the first half of 2022. The use of the traceless material for so-called polybags – thin, transparent plastic bags in which items of clothing are individually packaged – is also being tested. Polybags are essential for a trouble-free process in the logistics centres and protect textiles from damage and soiling.
“This is a big step for us in bringing our materials to market and making a big contribution to plastic pollution. And we are particularly pleased to have found a strong partner in OTTO, who shares our vision of a future without plastic waste,” concludes Dr Anne Lamp.
Further links:
Die Startup Story von traceless: Eine spurlose Alternative gegen das Plastikproblem
