A circular economy is a system where resources are continually used. The materials lose as little value as possible from production through the lifecycle and back to raw material for production again. It’s an economic system set at eliminating waste. Still, if the product does reach the end of its use and can’t be recycled, its lifecycle should end naturally and cause no harm to the environment.
Trebodur – a biodegradable packaging material made 100% from brewers’ spent grain – is an example of a material that fits into a circular economy model.
Spent grains are the byproduct of barley malt that accumulate while making beer. The makers of this innovative material, Tillmann and Niko, researched and experimented with several types of natural fibers and binders before choosing brewers’ spent grains as the best option. The fascinating thing about the material is that it contains proteins that act as a natural binder. The self-sufficient material sticks itself together!
The researchers used the self-binding fibers to develop what they call the ‘mabeerial.’ It’s petrochemical-free, 100% natural, 100% biodegradable, and helps recycle brewery waste. It’s a perfect choice for packaging products that will end up at large events. It can substitute paper or plastic packaging. And no matter where it ends up at the end of its lifecycle, it’ll safely compost, leaving nothing behind.
The team said:
At the end of the life cycle, products made from TREBODUR can be easily composted without residues. Due to its utterly natural origin, the material decays quickly, even on garden compost heaps. Furthermore, it is possible to add substances like minerals, ashes, or even plant seeds to the material mixture to supply the soil.
Breweries can use their spent grains to produce eco-friendly packaging for their beer. So, not only does Trebodur have the potential to reduce single-use waste significantly, but it also gives “drinking responsibly” a whole new meaning.
Meanwhile, in Florida, Saltwater Brewery is already selling its beer in edible six-pack rings safe for animal consumption. The material is biodegradable, made of barley and wheat remnants from the brewing process. The company hopes it will save marine life by cutting down on the amount of plastic in the ocean.
And in Belfast, Northern Ireland, researchers from Queen’s University led by Dr. Ahmed Osman have discovered a way to take leftover barley from the alcohol-making process and turn it into a renewable fuel source.
