Renw, a joint venture between element6 Dynamics and Papacks, is set to transform the packaging industry with sustainable molded fiber solutions using industrial hemp. With plans for U.S.-based production facilities, this initiative aims to reduce plastic use and minimize forestry dependency.
Renw’s Sustainable Packaging Revolution: Industrial Hemp and Molded Fiber Solutions
Introduction
The demand for sustainable packaging solutions has reached an all-time high, as businesses and consumers alike are pushing for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic and paper products. Enter Renw, a groundbreaking joint venture between Colorado-based industrial hemp company element6 Dynamics and German molded fiber packaging manufacturer Papacks. Together, these companies are committed to manufacturing molded fiber packaging using industrial hemp—a highly regenerative, low-carbon feedstock. This initiative aims to revolutionize the packaging industry by offering a sustainable alternative that meets performance and cost needs while reducing the environmental impact.
Renw: A Vision for Sustainable Packaging
Renw’s core mission is to eliminate plastic usage and reduce reliance on forestry resources in packaging and consumer goods. According to Kimberly Kovacs, CEO of Renw and element6 Dynamics, the use of industrial hemp as a feedstock offers several advantages over traditional materials like tree fibers. Hemp is regenerative, locks carbon into the soil, and requires fewer chemical processes, such as bleaching, during production. Furthermore, the production of hemp pulp emits significantly less carbon dioxide equivalent per ton compared to the traditional kraft pulp process, which relies on sulfur-heavy technologies.
Kovacs emphasizes the importance of moving away from environmentally harmful materials, saying, “Industrial hemp doesn’t compromise on performance or cost, and its environmental benefits make it a superior choice for sustainable packaging.”
Building a Network of U.S. Production Facilities
Renw has ambitious plans to establish a network of 10 regional production facilities across rural America. The first facility is expected to become operational by the fourth quarter of 2026, with four potential sites already under consideration. These production hubs will be fully integrated, using industrial hemp as their primary feedstock. Renw is working closely with local farmers to incorporate hemp as a rotational crop, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for its production lines.
Each facility is projected to produce up to 30 tons of industrial hemp pulp daily, a significant contribution to the shift away from traditional packaging materials. Additionally, each facility will hire about 50 people, generating local employment opportunities in rural areas where jobs may be scarce.
“We aim to support not just environmental sustainability, but also local economies,” said Kovacs. “By working with farmers and setting up facilities in rural regions, we’re creating a full-circle model that benefits multiple stakeholders.”
Innovations in Molded Fiber Packaging
Renw is riding a wave of recent innovations within the molded fiber packaging industry. Demand for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic has surged, spurring the development of new technologies and processes. At the heart of Renw’s operations will be its partnership with Papacks, a leader in the molded fiber sector with four gigafactories in Europe.
Papacks brings its research and development capabilities to the table, enabling Renw to hit the ground running even before its first U.S. facility is up and running. According to Kovacs, the close collaboration between the two companies ensures that Renw will benefit from Papacks’ intellectual property and operational experience.
“Innovation is key to the success of Renw,” Kovacs stated. “With Papacks’ four gigafactories capable of both R&D and production, we can meet immediate brand needs in Europe while preparing for our U.S. launch.”
Flexible Production to Meet Market Needs
Renw’s production facilities will feature six production lines capable of creating a wide variety of customized molded fiber products. This flexibility allows the company to adapt to various market demands and customer specifications. Some of the primary product categories Renw plans to target include transportation trays, single-use coffee pods, cosmetics packaging, and dairy containers such as yogurt cups.
While industrial hemp will be the main feedstock at all facilities, the molded fiber production technology is versatile enough to accommodate different materials, depending on the specific needs of customers. By placing its facilities close to clients, Renw aims to streamline production processes, allowing for faster adaptation to customer requirements and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.
“Our proximity to customers ensures that we can economically adapt production lines and meet their needs more efficiently,” explained Kovacs. “This not only reduces costs but also lowers the environmental impact of our operations.”
Environmental and Economic Impact
The decision to use industrial hemp over traditional tree fibers is a calculated move that aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote regenerative agriculture. Industrial hemp is fast-growing, requires less water than trees, and improves soil health by locking in carbon. According to Kovacs, this results in a reduction of about 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to the conventional kraft pulp process.
Moreover, Renw’s strategy to establish facilities in rural areas brings economic opportunities to these regions. By partnering with local farmers, Renw fosters a sustainable business ecosystem where raw materials are grown locally, and production creates local jobs.
“We are not just another packaging company,” Kovacs emphasized. “Our mission is to create a sustainable, circular economy that supports farmers, protects the environment, and provides customers with high-quality, eco-friendly products.”
A Growing Industry for Molded Fiber Packaging
The molded fiber packaging sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the need for plastic replacements and innovations in manufacturing processes. At the recent International Molded Fiber Association conference, industry leaders discussed how automation, new market opportunities, and dry-molded fiber manufacturing are advancing the field.
Other companies are also stepping into the molded fiber market. For instance, Dart Container is licensing technology from Sweden-based PulPac to manufacture fiber-based lids, and Starbucks is collaborating with Finland-based Huhtamaki to introduce molded fiber lids for cold beverages, replacing their plastic counterparts. Renw’s entry into the U.S. market fits perfectly within this context of increasing demand and innovation.
Future Outlook: A New Era of Sustainable Packaging
With Renw, the future of sustainable packaging looks promising. By harnessing the environmental benefits of industrial hemp and leveraging the latest advancements in molded fiber technology, Renw is poised to disrupt the packaging industry. The company’s approach of integrating local farming partnerships, building regional production facilities, and focusing on customer needs positions it to succeed in a market that is increasingly looking for green alternatives.
“Our goal is to lead the charge in eliminating plastic and reducing reliance on forestry resources,” said Kovacs. “Renw represents the future of sustainable packaging, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this change.”
As Renw prepares to launch its first facility in 2026, the company is set to make a significant impact on both the environment and the packaging industry. With its innovative approach, strong partnerships, and commitment to sustainability, Renw is well-positioned to become a leader in the molded fiber packaging market.
This comprehensive approach not only meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products but also sets a new standard for how industries can operate more sustainably while supporting local economies. As the company grows, its focus on flexibility, innovation, and sustainability ensures that Renw will remain at the forefront of the packaging revolution.