Planet Protector

Planet Protector Group operates as a pivotal force in the sustainable packaging and materials sector, with a core mission to displace expanded polystyrene (EPS) globally. Founded in 2016 by Joanne Howarth, the company was born from her firsthand experience with the immense waste generated by polystyrene packaging while working with a major Australian meal kit provider. This experience, coupled with over two decades in the seafood, retail, and food logistics industries, fueled her determination to find a commercially viable and environmentally sound alternative. Howarth holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the University of Technology Sydney.

The company's flagship product, Woolpack, is an insulated packaging solution made from waste wool that is unsuitable for the textile industry and otherwise destined for landfill. This business model creates a new revenue stream for sheep farmers by monetizing a waste product. Planet Protector cleans the wool using only soap and hot water before felting it into insulation liners. These liners are then encased in either home-compostable or recyclable food-grade film. The final product offers superior thermal performance compared to polystyrene, proven to keep contents at required temperatures for extended periods, such as below 5°C for over 24 hours or within the critical 2°C to 8°C range for pharmaceuticals for over 72 hours. The wool's natural ability to absorb moisture reduces humidity and condensation, while its elasticity provides impact resistance during transit.

Planet Protector serves a diverse client base across Australia and New Zealand, including the pharmaceutical, life sciences, seafood, and food and beverage sectors, with notable clients like Blackmores and Merck. The business generates revenue by selling its customizable Woolpack solutions, which can be tailored to specific client needs and branded with corporate logos. A significant operational milestone was the December 2023 closing of a $12 million Series A funding round led by the Mindaroo Foundation. This capital is intended to scale operations, expand into new verticals like building insulation and acoustics, and facilitate global expansion, with initial focus on Southeast Asia and India. The company established a state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facility in Victoria, capable of processing up to 150 tonnes of fibre per week, enabling it to bring wool processing onshore.

Keywords: sustainable packaging, cold chain logistics, wool insulation, polystyrene alternative, circular economy, insulated packaging, thermal packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, eco-friendly packaging, Joanne Howarth, Woolpack, food transport, biodegradable materials, compostable packaging, impact investing, waste wool valorization, sustainable materials, ESG solutions, temperature-sensitive goods, green supply chain