“Toraphene aims to tackle the climate crisis by making plastic packaging and single-use plastics obsolete. The company has developed the world’s first commercially viable, truly biodegradable, and compostable alternative to conventional plastic packaging, which breaks down naturally, without human involvement – even in the ocean.
Toraphene consists of naturally occurring compostable biopolymers reinforced with graphene, an incredibly strong material consisting of carbon arranged in a honeycomb lattice.
The biomaterial – which is patented in the UK, EU, and US – is made via a novel proprietary method and results in something that has all the properties required of a genuine plastic alternative. It is made of natural polymers such as as starch and algae, which are compostable and non-polluting, unlike the synthetic polymers used to make traditional plastics.
These polymers are converted into compostable biopolymer pellets, which can be made into biodegradable plastic packaging. While this is fully ocean-compostable, the packaging is not strong enough or heat-resistant enough to replace plastics.
The introduction of graphene into the natural polymers adds the necessary functional properties to replace current plastics. It makes Toraphene stronger, thinner, lighter and cheaper than other plastic packaging alternatives without compromising its compostability. It is also safer and less permeable, providing a better barrier against contamination than traditional plastics.
Some bioplastics also produce methane – a highly potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 25 times that of carbon dioxide – when they decompose. Toraphene can be optimized to produce carbon dioxide and mulch, which can be utilized to fortify soil.
The company is currently producing the biomaterial by renting production equipment from plastic bag manufacturers and slotting into existing supply chains, opening a dialogue with major consumer brands, retailers and food packaging suppliers.”
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