Blueberry Pomace Fibre Trays
Scion and Rotorua’s Mamaku Blue Team Up for a New Packaging Concept
Kanesa D — May 27, 2025
A partnership between Scion, New Zealand's leading Crown Research Institute in forest-based innovation, and Rotorua’s Mamaku Blue Winery is advancing the future of sustainable packaging by transforming blueberry byproducts into high-performance, compostable trays.
The initative will focus on the development of moulded fibre trays enhanced with blueberry pomace—a byproduct of wine and juice production. These trays not only reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based materials but are also fully compostable, aligning with New Zealand’s growing commitment to a circular bioeconomy.
Supported through the Bioresource Processing Alliance Summer Student Internship program, Scion’s research team is exploring how the inclusion of blueberry pomace can improve the strength and moisture resistance of moulded fibre trays. If successful, this innovation could unlock new opportunities for agribusinesses and packaging manufacturers alike.
