The Investible Climate Tech Fund has invested in Earthodic, an Australian company developing a sustainable, bio-based coating for packaging that meets increasing environmental demands.

Target Information

The Investible Climate Tech Fund enthusiastically announces its investment in Earthodic, an innovative Australian company transforming natural materials with advanced capabilities while preserving their ability to be repulped, recycled, or composted. Earthodic has brought forth a groundbreaking product known as "Paperbarc™", a bio-based, water-resistant coating tailored for pulped and paper products. The company's team, which includes seasoned chemist Albert Tietz, materials specialist Fiona Donaghey, innovation strategist Melissa Mail, and former investment manager Anthony Musumeci, has garnered interest from major packaging organizations that are currently conducting pre-commercial trials of the Paperbarc™ product.

Industry Overview in Australia

The Australian packaging industry is undergoing a substantial transformation driven by environmental concerns and regulatory changes. With expectations that plastic production and incineration will contribute over 850 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023, and with packaging accounting for approximately 36% of plastic production, the pressure is mounting for sustainable alternatives. The Australian government has set ambitious goals through the 2025 National Packaging Targets, aiming for 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by that year. This target is supported by commitments from significant corporations including Nestle, Walmart, and Unilever, indicating a broader shift towards sustainability.

Despite existing sustainable packaging solutions, many rely on coatings that compromise the recyclability and biodegradability of cardboard materials. Current layers of wax or plastic polymer are frequently employed to create functional