Australian packaging startup Varden is in the running for an Open Bosch Award which is presented for outstanding open innovation projects between start-ups and and the company by the Bosch Group.

The company, whose core technologies turn natural moulded pulp fibre into sustainable and high performing packaging, was today announced as a finalist in the awards which have been presented since 2019.

Varden is disrupting consumer packaging design using fully compostable pulp fibre technology that performs like plastic.

The unique sustainable packaging is trademarked Paperseal and can achieve an Oxygen barrier below 0.1ppm / 24hr making it a sustainable cost-effective alternative to PVC and PET.

Varden approached Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions in November 2020 to scale their prototype machine into a production line capable of producing volumes up to 40 million units per year.

Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH Dr. Stefan Hartung said: “An open innovation culture is the key to faster solutions in an increasingly complex world.

“Start-ups, established companies, and customers all benefit equally from open innovation projects – both business-wise and technologically. They are also an important driver for a competitive economy.”

Hartung emphasised the rising importance of cutting-edge start-ups because they are increasingly taking on a pioneering role and have important resources such as specialised knowledge at their disposal.

Picture: Varden