AlterEco Pulp is an innovative Italian startup dedicated to creating eco-sustainable packaging solutions through cutting-edge technology. Founded in 2022, the company specializes in producing biodegradable disposable items such as plates, cups, and cutlery made from natural cellulose pulp derived from plant fibers and agricultural byproducts. By offering a promising alternative to traditional plastic and paper packaging, AlterEco Pulp aims to combat deforestation and significantly reduce carbon emissions. This article explores the company’s innovation, impact, market potential, and key milestones that make AlterEco Pulp a vital player in the green packaging revolution.
Established in 2022, AlterEco Pulp is a Società Benefit—a benefit corporation—based in Italy, with a mission focused on accelerating the transition to a plastic-free world. The startup was created to introduce and develop the fiber molding technology in Italy, using natural cellulose fibers, including agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw. This approach champions environmental sustainability while responding to increasing regulatory and consumer pressures to reduce plastic waste.
The core innovation of AlterEco Pulp is its fiber molding technology, which transforms cellulose extracted from plant fibers into durable, biodegradable packaging products. This process turns what would be agricultural waste into valuable resources, minimizing environmental impact and offering an alternative to plastic and conventional paper. The technology caters to various sectors, ensuring the packaging is safe for food contact and versatile for different industrial needs.
AlterEco Pulp produces a diverse range of disposable products primarily for the food service industry, including plates, cups, trays, and cutlery. Beyond dining, their biodegradable packaging solutions extend to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perfumery sectors. The products are lightweight, resistant, and designed to safely contain food and other items, offering a sustainable replacement that does not compromise usability or quality.
One of AlterEco Pulp’s biggest strengths lies in its environmental benefits. By using agricultural byproducts instead of virgin wood or plastic, its manufacturing process significantly reduces carbon emissions and deforestation. The startup’s biodegradable products help decrease landfill waste and pollution, supporting global efforts to combat climate change and promote circular economy principles.
In August 2025, AlterEco Pulp secured €3.5 million in a Seed funding round led by Eureka! Fund I Technology Transfer, with participation from prestigious investors such as Azimut. This infusion of capital supports the company’s ambition to scale operations, improve production efficiency, expand international market reach, and enhance research and development for new sustainable materials.
The company is helmed by experienced entrepreneurs and technical experts, including co-founder and CEO Giammarco Paronitti. Their combined expertise in sustainable innovation and market knowledge has positioned AlterEco Pulp as a credible and dynamic force in the ecological packaging field. The team's vision is to demonstrate that reducing plastic and paper use in packaging is not only aspirational but achievable across various industries.
AlterEco Pulp actively collaborates with academic and research institutions such as the University of La Sapienza in Rome. One notable project involves developing cellulose pulp from organic bamboo cultivation with zero environmental impact. This ongoing research signifies the company's commitment to pioneering new bioproducts while enhancing local supply chains and promoting “Made in Italy” sustainable manufacturing.
The startup’s eco-friendly packaging has found applications across multiple sectors: from food service and electronics to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. This cross-sector adaptability highlights the versatility of their pulp-based materials, which meet strict regulatory standards for safety and quality affecting diverse product categories.
AlterEco Pulp’s business model underscores a commitment to cutting down thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions annually by replacing traditional plastic and paper packaging with biodegradable alternatives. This contributes to mitigating forest exploitation while aligning with global climate targets, corporate sustainability goals, and growing consumer demand for greener products.
With increasing global focus on sustainable packaging and circular economies, AlterEco Pulp is well-positioned for future growth. The company aims to expand production capacity, foster more partnerships with industrial groups, and innovate further in bioplastics alternatives. Its progress highlights the viability and necessity of ecological packaging solutions, potentially influencing regulatory policies and industry standards in coming years.
AlterEco Pulp stands at the forefront of ecological innovation, transforming agricultural waste into practical, biodegradable packaging solutions. From its fiber molding technology to its commitment to sustainability, the startup exemplifies how environmental responsibility and business growth can coexist. As it expands internationally and diversifies applications, AlterEco Pulp raises critical questions about the future of packaging: How swiftly can industries adopt these greener alternatives, and what impact will such technologies have on global sustainability efforts?