In Germany, Trebodur has developed a biodegradable packaging material from brewery waste.
Specifically, creators Niko and Tillmann found that brewers’ spent grains—the residue left over from barley malt during the lautering step of beer-making—contain self-binding fiber, which they dubbed “mabeerial.”
Mabeerial can replace paper and plastic packaging in single-use items such as plates and cutlery. Once discarded, it can be composted without creating any residue. “Due to its utterly natural origin, the material decays quickly, even on garden compost heaps. Furthermore, it is possible to add substances like minerals, ashes, or even plant seeds to the material to supply the soil,” according to the company.