With its brand OutNature (the environmental division of the Schwarz Group), PreZero, has developed new sustainable fibre and paper products for packing solutions in trade and industry.
After a successful pilot phase, the two retail divisions, Lidl and Kaufland, are gradually introducing the innovative paper packaging based on Silphium from now on in the fruit and vegetable field, starting with organic cress. At Lidl, organic cress has been made available in Silphie-based packaging since November, initially in southern Germany, whereas at Kaufland, it is due to be available nationwide in all stores throughout Germany. This marks the start of a series of many other product changes: Organic tomatoes, apples, and mushrooms, for example, will follow soon at Kaufland, and is expected to expand to other national companies. In the coming months, smoked and Stremel-salmon from the K-Bio own brand will also be offered in the new packaging at Kaufland, Germany.
Silphie-paper is resource-efficient and can be used in a variety of ways in the food and non-food sectors. The fibres of the energy crop form the basis for the packaging. Regional Silphium cultivation can help reduce transport distances and associated CO2emissions. In addition, Silphium also offers a sustainable perspective for farmers, as it is, amongst others, insect-friendly, stores CO2 in the soil and protects it from wind and water erosion. The robust, perennial energy crop has so far been used exclusively for the production of biogas. OutNature has succeeded in separating the plant fibres using a biothermal process prior to bioenergy generation.
