Lecka is active across the globe, including South East Asia. It specialises in nutrition for endurance sports, starting out with bio-based packaging for its energy gels and bars. It switched to PP packaging since November 2024.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This move contrasts with worldwide initiatives to move from plastics to bio-based compostable material – not an easy decision for a business to make, considering mounting pressures to meet sustainability goals widely defined by moving away from plastics.
However, opting for PP packaging was deemed viable after assessing key factors that include product quality and the waste management system in various countries. Since making the switch, the firm continues to see high volume of orders, said Lecka founder Markus Gnirck.
Lecka’s core customer base is made up of outdoor sports athletes who consistently weather harsh conditions. This meant it is crucial for the packaging to protect product integrity and quality.
Compostable materials do not have good moisture and oxygen barriers, which weaken as they degrade over time. Furthermore, wet conditions like sweat and rain harm the paper layer of the packaging, compromising the freshness and taste of energy gels and bars.
This has led to countless issues with food quality and safety for Lecka, resulting in massive wastage as the spoilt products had to be disposed of.
Furthermore, the firm estimated that only around 0.001% of its customers did compost the wrappers. Most deposited the bio-based wrappers in the plastic waste stream, which harms the recycling process.
This led Lecka to test many different packaging materials with various athletes.
“In collaboration with many athletes, we have tested various packaging materials. It became clear we needed to change to recyclable plastic packaging that can withstand the extreme outdoor conditions, such as rain, snow, humidity, and sweat. So, after we launched the new packaging material, we received very positive feedback,” said Gnirck.
Improved sustainability outcomes
The ease of recycling Lecka’s new PP packaging was one of the main positive outcomes of the switch.
PP can be recycled in most facilities worldwide. This is more sustainable compared to more than 90% of snack wrappers, which are single-use packaging because they are a mix of materials, said Gnirck.
Additionally, the firm advocates for better waste management systems that close the loop, and for more research to find better material options.
Compostable materials are widely perceived as more sustainable than plastics because they are biodegradable, but other factors should be considered for a fairer assessment.
“If one looks at the crate-to-grave life cycle assessment of bio-based versus fossil-fuel-based materials, there is no clear winner,” according to a 24 November 2024 statement issued by Lecka on its website, quoting research findings that showed no clear difference in recycling performance between these two types of materials.
It pointed out that the media tends to focus on waste management where compostable materials are arguably better. However, factors such as energy usage, water usage, land usage, and ecotoxicity need to be considered for a holistic assessment.
Last but not least, Lecka’s products are better protected against harsh elements and the shelf life can be extended from 11 months to 12 months. This means good taste and sustained freshness over a longer period of time, leading to less wastage.
