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Agrikinetics: turning miscanthus grass into sustainable packaging
Projects

Agrikinetics: turning miscanthus grass into sustainable packaging

Fab Lab South West worked with Dorset-based Agrikinetics to test whether miscanthus grass pulp could replace imported paper and card in packaging. The project proved the concept, producing moulds for fruit cartons and supporting a grant to scale local production.

Agrikinetics, a company exploring sustainable uses for elephant grass (miscanthus), partnered with Fab Lab South West in Dorset, South West England, to investigate whether the crop could provide a chemical-free alternative to imported pulp in the packaging industry. The collaboration combined digital fabrication and material testing, with proof-of-concept cartons produced for regional and national markets.

The challenge

The UK packaging industry depends heavily on imported pulp. Agrikinetics saw potential in miscanthus grass, a fast-growing crop suited to UK conditions, as a renewable and locally sourced alternative. They wanted to test whether miscanthus pulp could be formed into fruit cartons and packaging, reducing reliance on overseas materials and lowering carbon impacts.

Our approach

  • Material testing: Fab Lab South West supported early-stage experiments with miscanthus pulp.

  • Prototype moulds: Using digital design and fabrication techniques, the Lab produced custom moulds to trial the material.

  • Innovative forming process: Technician Owen Groombridge developed a cold vacuum forming process that successfully shaped the pulp into viable packaging products.

Results & impact

  • Proof of concept: Working prototypes of fruit containers demonstrated the material’s potential.

  • Path to scale: Agrikinetics secured an Impact Lab SME grant to invest in pulping equipment, moving the project from feasibility to pilot-ready prototyping.

  • Sustainable innovation: The project highlights how creative use of local biomass could displace imported pulp, cut supply chain emissions and support circular economy growth in the South West.

Technologies used

Digital design • Vacuum forming • Prototype moulding • Materials testing

Partners & credits

  • Agrikinetics (Dorset) — client partner

  • Fab Lab South West, Arts University Plymouth — prototyping and process development

  • Owen Groombridge, Technician, process development lead

Impact Lab partnership — SME grant support

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Fab Lab South West worked with Dorset-based Agri­ki­net­ics to test whether mis­cant­hus grass pulp could replace import­ed paper and card in pack­ag­ing. The project proved the con­cept, pro­duc­ing moulds for fruit car­tons and sup­port­ing a grant to scale local production.
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