Analysis: Straw could be used to create compostable, durable and food-safe containers to replace plastic trays, and wraps
In the heart of Kilkenny, a farmer walks through his fields with quiet pride. Under the late summer sun, his wheat straw stands tall and golden. As the winter harvest comes to an end, this leftover straw – often treated as waste – is about to take on a new life.
When I first spoke to him about using the straw for research, he didn't hesitate. With a small smile, he waived the cost, explaining that his wife had insisted he not take any money for it: "it’s for a good cause". That simple gesture reflects the spirit of community and collaboration that is helping to drive sustainable innovation in Ireland.
Rather than being baled for animal bedding or ploughed back into the soil, this straw will be used for something far more innovative: eco-friendly packaging. It’s part of a growing effort to rethink how we use farm by-products to cut plastic waste and shrink our environmental footprint.
From RTÉ News, Amount of plastic in environment to double by 2040, says UN
What’s the big idea?
According to Teagasc's harvest report, Ireland produced more than 1.9 million tonnes of cereals in 2024. Once the grain is collected, what’s left behind is wheat and oat straw. Traditionally, it has had only limited uses, but new advances in science and technology are unlocking its potential as a raw material for biodegradable food packaging.
The process starts by extracting natural compounds from straw - mainly cellulose and lignin, the building blocks of plants - which can be transformed into strong, flexible materials. The problem is that traditional methods often use harsh chemicals and a lot of energy, making them costly and less sustainable.
That’s where our research comes in. At SustainPack+, we are developing a cleaner, more environmentally friendly way to extract these natural fibres. By using greener, low-cost and eco-friendly solvents, we can recover high-purity cellulose and lignin with much less impact on the environment. Once extracted, these fibres are turned into ultra-fine tiny strands, thousands of times thinner than a human hair and processed into packaging through modern moulding techniques. The result? Compostable, durable and food-safe containers that can replace plastic trays, wraps and containers.
What will it replace?
Straw-based packaging has the potential to take the place of several everyday materials. It could replace plastic packaging, especially in the food and drink sector where compostable alternatives are in high demand. It could also reduce reliance on wood-based paper products, helping to preserve forests and biodiversity. And it offers a biodegradable substitute for foam and synthetic wraps often used for insulation and cushioning.
Read more: Why and how Ireland could lead the way in a new multi-trillion euro industry
This kind of innovation ties directly into EU goals for a circular economy and Ireland’s commitment to reducing single-use plastics. According to a 2023 report from the European Environment Agency, packaging makes up almost 40% of plastic demand in Europe, making the search for alternatives like straw-based materials more urgent than ever.
When will we see it in our shops and supermarkets?
Right now, these packaging materials are being developed in the lab but, if all goes to plan, small-scale commercial production could begin within six years. Over the next few years, we aim to move from small-scale experiments to pilot production. We’re refining the process, testing the materials under real conditions and working with industry partners to see how they could be used for food packaging and beyond. We are also seeking additional funding to support larger trials and full environmental assessments.
At the same time, we are working with regulators to help shape clear guidelines for using these materials safely and sustainably. The potential doesn’t stop at packaging, these straw-based materials could also be used in electronics, biomedical products, food additives and even as catalysts in green chemistry.
Why it matters
This project is as much about reimagining waste as a resource as packaging. By turning farm by-products into useful materials, we can cut landfill, lower carbon emissions and even give farmers an extra source of income. It also supports Europe’s shift towards a bio-based economy, helping to build a greener future not just for Ireland, but beyond.
For consumers, it means more choice. Imagine buying strawberries in a compostable container made from straw grown just down the road. A small change like that can have big consequences for how we shop, eat and care for the planet.
This research is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under project reference 2023RP1012 (SustainPack+)
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The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
