AI-powered compostable biomaterial from agri-waste cuts food waste through biotech replacing PET

Plastic pollution is alarming.  A staggering 11 million tons enter oceans annually, harming wildlife and ecosystems (World Wildlife Fund, 2020). This isn't limited to oceans, it burdens landfills for centuries due to slow degradation. Chile exemplifies the global problem, receiving over 900,000 tons of plastic annually, with a low recycling rate (8.5%) (ASIPLA, 2022). Agriculture, a major contributor, uses 8% of PET clamshell packaging alone. This reliance on non-biodegradable plastic exacerbates the global crisis and generates waste management costs.

Food loss due to lack of innovative packaging, pathogens, and spoilage is another major challenge. Reports indicate that the agricultural sector experiences losses of 15 to 20%, a substantial waste of resources (ASIPLA, 2022). In 2024, packaging still work solely to store fruit, without worrying about offering more value, as is the case with the impact of plastic pollution and the great loss of food.

While our project focuses on Chile, the solution has global potential. Plastic pollution is a global crisis impacting marine life, ecosystems, and human health (World Wildlife Fund, 2020). An estimated 3.6 billion people live in contexts highly vulnerable to its consequences (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2022). The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted each year, impacting food security, particularly for vulnerable populations. Our project directly addresses these challenges with a novel bio-based clamshell packaging solution.  This packaging offers several key advantages:

• Compostable Biopolymers: We replace traditional plastic with compostable biopolymers and vine shoots, a waste product from the wine industry. This significantly reduces reliance on non-biodegradable PET plastic and environmental pollution.
• Reduced Food Loss: By incorporating bioactive properties with polyphenols extracted from the same waste, our packaging extends the shelf life of fruits, minimizing spoilage and the associated food waste. This translates to economic benefits for farmers and promotes food security.
• Circular Economy: We embrace a circular economy approach by utilizing vine shoots, a previously discarded material. This not only reduces waste but also minimizes the need for virgin plastic production, further lowering the environmental footprint.

Our project aligns perfectly with MIT Solve's 2024 focus area of enabling a low-carbon and nutritious global food system. By tackling food loss and promoting sustainable practices, we contribute to a more resilient and climate-conscious agricultural sector, contributing to a healthier planet and a more secure food supply for all.

Our solution represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing two pressing issues: food loss and plastic pollution in agriculture. By developing a new type of biomaterial specifically tailored for clamshell packaging, we're revolutionizing the way agricultural products are stored and transported. Here's how our solution works:

1. Compostable Biopolymers and Vine Shoots: Unlike traditional plastic packaging, which contributes to environmental degradation and persists in landfills and oceans for centuries, our packaging is made from compostable biopolymers and vine shoots. Vine shoots, a waste product from the wine industry, are rich in natural compounds called polyphenols. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also readily biodegradable, minimizing their environmental impact. Vine shoots undergo cleaning, grinding, and sieving to ensure purity. Thermal analysis reveals key degradation temperatures, guiding material processing. By blending biopolymers and vine shoots, we optimize processing parameters like temperature and mixing time during extrusion. This results in a composite with moderate flexibility and deformability. ASTM tests show moderate mechanical properties and thermal stability, making our composite suitable for various applications.
2. Polyphenol Extraction and Integration: We extract bioactive compounds, including polyphenols and essential oils, from the vine shoots, known for their antifungal properties (Muñoz-Shugulí et al., 2020). These compounds are then encapsulated to ensure stability and controlled release during the manufacturing process. By overcoming challenges like volatility and degradation, we create a packaging material that effectively combats fungal growth and prolongs fruit freshness (Liu et al., 2019; Touré et al., 2011). Through innovative techniques like atomization drying (Jyothi et al., 2010; Jedlisnka et al., 2019), we achieve optimal concentrations of bioactive compounds, ensuring efficacy against pathogens like Botrytis cinerea. Additionally, careful consideration is given to the dispersion of microcapsules within the packaging material, optimizing their incorporation and performance. This approach not only addresses the environmental impact of plastic waste but also enhances food safety and quality in the agricultural sector.
3. Impact and Benefits: Our innovative packaging solution delivers several key benefits:
   1.    Reduced Food Waste: By extending the shelf life of fruits and minimizing spoilage, our packaging helps farmers and distributors lose less produce, ensuring that more food reaches consumers and less ends up wasted.
   2.    Economic Benefits for Farmers: Reduced spoilage translates to increased profits and reduced losses for farmers, contributing to their economic sustainability.
   3.    Improved Food Security: A more stable food supply, achieved through reduced food waste, enhances food security, especially for vulnerable populations.
   4.    Environmental Impact Reduction: Less food waste results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production and transportation, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Our solution embodies the principles of a circular economy by utilizing a waste product (vine shoots) and creating a compostable packaging solution. By addressing both food loss and plastic pollution simultaneously, we're paving the way for a more sustainable future in agriculture.

You can watch what we do in the links below:

https://youtu.be/VORYIIcCxK0?s...

https://youtu.be/aGerMRSmXwo?s...

Our solution serves various stakeholders within the agricultural sector, primarily targeting farmers, consumers, and the environment. Here's how our bio-based clamshell packaging positively impacts their lives.

Farmers: Currently, farmers face significant fruit spoilage, leading to substantial economic losses. On average, fruit spoilage rates can range from 20% to 50% during transportation and storage, depending on the type of fruit and prevailing conditions. By extending the shelf life of fruits with our packaging, farmers can potentially reduce spoilage rates by up to 50%, leading to estimated annual savings of $10,000 to $50,000 per hectare, depending on the crop and market conditions. This translates to increased profitability and economic stability for farmers, allowing them to reinvest in their operations and improve their livelihoods.

Consumers: Limited access to fresh, high-quality fruits due to spoilage during transportation and storage is a common challenge for consumers. With our packaging, we aim to extend the shelf life of fruits by an additional 3 to 14 days, depending on the fruit type and storage conditions. This means consumers can enjoy fresher produce for a longer duration, leading to improved food quality and satisfaction. Additionally, by reducing spoilage throughout the supply chain, we estimate that consumers could save up to 20% on their annual fruit expenses, resulting in significant cost savings and improved affordability of nutritious food options.

Environment: Traditional plastic packaging contributes to significant environmental pollution, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering the oceans annually. By offering compostable bio-based packaging derived from waste vine shoots, we aim to reduce plastic pollution in landfills and oceans. Based on current consumption patterns, our packaging solution has the potential to divert approximately 5,000 to 10,000 tons of plastic waste from landfills and oceans annually. This contributes to a cleaner environment, healthier ecosystems, and a more sustainable food production system, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect natural resources.

Food Security Organizations: By minimizing food waste, our packaging indirectly supports food security initiatives. With an estimated reduction in fruit spoilage of up to 50%, food security organizations can ensure a more stable food supply for vulnerable populations, reducing hunger and malnutrition rates in affected communities.

Waste Management Companies: The reduced reliance on traditional plastic packaging also benefits waste management companies by decreasing the volume of plastic waste requiring processing and disposal. With an estimated annual reduction of 5,000 to 10,000 tons of plastic waste, waste management companies can lower operational costs and allocate resources more efficiently to other waste management priorities.

Policymakers: Our solution aligns with growing policy initiatives promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic pollution. By offering a commercially viable alternative to traditional plastic packaging, policymakers have a powerful tool to promote environmentally sustainable practices within the agricultural sector, supporting broader goals of achieving a circular economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Relier and its team are uniquely positioned to deliver this solution due to our extensive experience, deep commitment, and strong ties to the community we serve. Ignacio Jaque and Claudio Molina bring a wealth of expertise in strategic marketing, market analysis, operations, finance, and project management. Their unwavering dedication ensures continuous attention to the development and growth of the company. Meanwhile, Constanza Molina and Jorge Bueno contribute part-time due to their involvement in agricultural projects and doctoral studies. Nevertheless, their backgrounds in applied mathematics, agricultural projects, and extensive networks in the agricultural sector remain invaluable to the team. Despite working part-time, their contributions significantly complement the strengths of Relier's core team.

Importantly, all members of our team hail from Linares in the Maule region, where agriculture is the primary economic driver. This local connection deeply roots us in the community and gives us a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Our proximity to the community we serve allows us to empathize with their needs and tailor our solution accordingly.

Moreover, our team members share strong personal and professional relationships, enhancing collaboration and trust within the team. Constanza and Claudio are siblings, and they have known Ignacio since childhood, fostering a dynamic based on mutual trust and understanding. Additionally, Jorge has been acquainted with Claudio and Constanza for the past decade, further solidifying the bonds within the team. This close-knit personal and professional connection has been instrumental in Relier's rapid growth and high scalability within just two years since its inception.

Furthermore, our solution's design and implementation are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. We actively engage with local farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and stakeholders to understand their specific needs, challenges, and aspirations. This participatory approach ensures that our solution is not only relevant but also impactful in addressing the pressing issues faced by the community. We continuously incorporate feedback and insights gathered from these engagements into our solution, ensuring that it remains aligned with the evolving needs and priorities of the community.

Our selection of the current stage, TRL-4, stems from significant progress made in the development of our compostable clamshell prototype, supported by rigorous testing and validation processes. Utilizing the specialized facilities at the University of Concepción's Technological Development Unit (UDT), we have conducted a comprehensive characterization of raw materials and successfully developed a composite thermoplastic biomaterial (PLA + vine shoots). This stage represents a crucial milestone in our journey towards delivering a viable solution to the agricultural sector.

In collaboration with researchers Carolina Olivarí and Álvaro Maldonado, we have achieved notable advancements in material development. Through thorough cleaning, grinding, and sieving processes, we have prepared vine shoots for integration into our compostable biopolymer blend. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) has provided valuable insights into the thermal degradation behavior of vine shoots, guiding our material processing parameters. Additionally, certification of compostable thermoplastic resins has enabled precise control over material composition, ensuring compatibility and performance in our composite blend.

The formulation of the PLA + vine shoots composite has been meticulously optimized, considering factors such as screw rotation speed, temperature profiles, and mixing efficiency during extrusion. The resulting material exhibits promising mechanical properties, as evidenced by standardized ASTM testing of tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break. These mechanical characteristics, including a tensile strength of 61.3 MPa and an elastic modulus of 3.71 GPa, validate the structural integrity and suitability of our composite for packaging applications.

Furthermore, the thermal behavior of the composite, with a decomposition temperature of around 332°C, confirms its stability under processing and operational conditions. This robust performance underscores the potential of our compostable clamshell solution to withstand the rigors of production and use, ensuring reliability and effectiveness in real-world applications.

In parallel, we have initiated the production of thermopressed sheets for clamshell fabrication, utilizing laboratory-scale equipment for molding and forming processes. Through careful temperature control and molding techniques, we have achieved successful fabrication of clamshell prototypes, paving the way for further testing and validation.

Beyond technical advancements, our collaboration with key industry partners, including Sociedad Agrícola Aragón Ltda., Sociedad Agrícola San Antonio SpA, and Nice Blue S.A., underscores the relevance and applicability of our solution within the agricultural sector. These partnerships provide access to essential resources, infrastructure, and market insights, facilitating the integration of our compostable clamshell into existing supply chains and export channels.

We are applying to Solve because we firmly believe in the transformative potential of our innovative bio-based clamshell packaging within the agricultural sector. However, to fully realize this potential, we recognize the need for support in overcoming several critical challenges:

Technical Expertise: While our core technology is functional, we see opportunities for further refinement. Solve's network of technical experts can connect us with biopolymer science, material engineering, and food science specialists. Collaborating with these experts will enable us to optimize our biopolymer blend for enhanced strength, extended shelf-life properties, and scalability for mass production.

Market Access and Partnerships: Integrating our solution into agricultural supply chains requires strategic partnerships. Solve's extensive network can connect us with potential partners, including agricultural cooperatives, food distributors, and packaging manufacturers. These partnerships are vital for conducting pilot tests, driving product adoption, and achieving large-scale implementation.

Scaling Production and Regulatory Compliance: Scaling production to meet global demand involves navigating complex manufacturing processes and regulatory landscapes. Solve's mentorship network can link us with industry leaders who can guide efficiently scaling production and navigating regulations related to bio-based materials and food packaging.

Building Brand Awareness and Consumer Education: Consumer adoption is paramount to the success of our solution. Solve's platform and media connections can help us raise awareness about our sustainable packaging and its benefits for consumers, farmers, and the environment.

Our focus extends beyond financial gain. Solve offers a unique opportunity to engage with a global community of innovators, experts, and potential partners, in one of the best Universities and research centers in the world. This comprehensive support system is invaluable for overcoming the technical, commercial, and logistical challenges of bringing our impactful solution to the wider agricultural sector. By leveraging Solve's resources, we can elevate our project from a promising concept to a widespread reality, fostering a more sustainable and food-secure future for all.

Our Biomaterial through a Clamshell packaging solution, initially targeting the blueberry market, is a groundbreaking innovation that merges eco-friendly biomaterials with cutting-edge technologies like biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI). By utilizing a biomaterial composed of PLA and vineyard waste, we've created a packaging solution that is not only compostable and biodegradable but also offers a competitive cost-benefit advantage over traditional PET plastics.

One of the key features of our solution is the incorporation of biotechnology for microencapsulation, achieved through spray-drying techniques. This process allows us to reintroduce bioactive agents extracted from vineyard waste, particularly polyphenols, into the biomaterial. These agents play a crucial role in reducing the proliferation of fungi and bacteria while enhancing product preservation, thereby extending shelf life and minimizing food waste.

Furthermore, we harness our proprietary AI for a dual purpose: analyzing both the rheological behavior and chemical composition of the biomaterial. Through BACCO, we not only evaluate how the material responds to mechanical stresses but also delve into its molecular structure. This comprehensive analysis includes examining the chemical composition of over 8,000 existing polyphenols. By doing so, we gain crucial insights into how these polyphenols interact with fungi and bacteria, which are common culprits of fruit spoilage. Armed with this knowledge, we can fine-tune our biomaterial formulation to optimize its antimicrobial properties, thereby enhancing fruit preservation. This advanced capability enables us to tailor our packaging solution for maximum effectiveness in combating spoilage, ensuring its durability and reliability across diverse fruit markets.

Our approach not only represents a significant departure from conventional packaging materials but also addresses pressing environmental and sustainability challenges in the agricultural sector. By harnessing the power of biotechnology and AI, we offer a solution that not only mitigates plastic pollution but also enhances functionality and performance, paving the way for broader positive impacts in the industry.

Furthermore, our innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the market landscape by driving a shift towards more sustainable packaging practices. As consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly options, demand for sustainable packaging solutions continues to grow. By pioneering a compostable biomaterial that combines biotechnology and AI, we position ourselves as leaders in this emerging market trend, driving the adoption of environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Our solution aims to have a significant impact on the problem of plastic pollution and food waste in the agricultural sector by providing an eco-friendly and effective alternative to traditional packaging materials.

Here's how and why we expect our solution will make a difference:

1. Problem: Plastic pollution and food waste are major challenges facing the agricultural sector, harming the environment and contributing to resource depletion.

2. Solution: Our solution offers compostable clamshell packaging made from PLA and vineyard waste, which is both eco-friendly and biodegradable. By utilizing this innovative biomaterial, we provide a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

3. Activities:

•    Research and development: We research to identify suitable biomaterials and optimize their properties for packaging applications.
•    Collaboration with experts: We work with scientists, engineers, and agricultural experts to refine our packaging solution and ensure its effectiveness.
•    Pilot testing: We conduct pilot tests to evaluate the performance of our packaging in real-world conditions and gather feedback for further improvement.

4. Immediate Outputs:

•    Development of compostable clamshell packaging prototypes.
•    Successful formulation of biomaterial blends with optimal properties for packaging.

5. Longer-Term Outcomes:

•    Reduction in plastic pollution: By replacing traditional plastic packaging with compostable alternatives, we aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated in the agricultural sector.
•    Decrease in food waste: Our packaging solution extends the shelf life of fresh produce, reducing the likelihood of spoilage during transportation and storage.
•    Environmental benefits: The adoption of our eco-friendly packaging contributes to cleaner ecosystems, healthier soil, and reduced carbon emissions associated with plastic production and disposal.
•    Economic advantages: Farmers and food producers can benefit from reduced losses due to spoilage, leading to increased profitability and a more sustainable supply chain.

6. Evidence:

•    Research studies show the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging and the benefits of compostable alternatives.
•    Pilot test results demonstrate the effectiveness of our packaging solution in preserving the freshness and quality of produce.
•    Feedback from farmers, food producers, and consumers indicates positive outcomes such as reduced waste and improved product shelf life

Our impact goals for Relier align with Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). We aim to achieve the following:

1. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureImpact Goal: Foster innovation in sustainable packaging solutions for the agricultural industry. Progress Measurement:

•      The number of innovative packaging solutions developed and implemented.
•      The adoption rate of sustainable packaging practices by agricultural stakeholders.
•      Achieve at least a patent filed for novel packaging technologies and AI development.

2. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Impact Goal: Reduce plastic pollution and promote responsible consumption of packaging materials. Progress Measurement:

•      Quantity of plastic waste diverted from landfills through the use of compostable packaging.
•      Reduction in carbon emissions associated with the production and disposal of plastic packaging.
•      The amount of loss food avoided through the supply chain.

3. Goal 13: Climate Action. Impact Goal: Mitigate the environmental impact of packaging materials and contribute to climate resilience. Progress Measurement:

•      Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the production and disposal of plastic packaging.
•      Preservation of natural ecosystems and biodiversity through reduced plastic pollution.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators. This includes tracking key performance metrics such as the adoption rate of our compostable packaging solutions, the volume of plastic waste diverted from landfills, the tons of rotten food avoided, and the reduction in carbon emissions achieved through sustainable practices. Additionally, we conduct stakeholder surveys and interviews to assess consumer perceptions, behavior change, and market uptake of our innovative packaging technologies.

By aligning our impact goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and employing robust measurement techniques, we aim to demonstrate the tangible benefits of our solution and drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

At the core of our solution lies a fusion of biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and materials science, aimed at addressing the urgent need for sustainable packaging in agriculture. Our technology centers on the development and deployment of a compostable biomaterial sourced from agricultural waste, enhanced by AI-driven insights to boost its functionality and effectiveness.

The key components of our technology:

Biomaterial Development: We utilize agricultural byproducts, such as grapevine residues, and blend them with compostable biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT). This meticulous blending process results in a robust yet biodegradable biomaterial that forms the basis of our packaging solutions.

Biotechnology Integration: Our biomaterial incorporates bioactive agents extracted from grapevine residues, notably polyphenols, renowned for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. By harnessing these natural compounds, our packaging can inhibit fungal growth and delay fruit ripening, extending shelf life and curbing food waste.

Artificial Intelligence: AI algorithms are employed to analyze the chemical composition of polyphenols found in grapevine residues. This analysis helps us identify the most potent antimicrobial properties among these compounds. By leveraging AI insights, we optimize our biomaterial formulation to maximize freshness preservation and spoilage prevention.

Materials Science Expertise: Our multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers specializes in materials science, particularly in developing innovative solutions for sustainable packaging. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, we continuously refine our biomaterial to meet the stringent requirements of the agricultural industry while minimizing environmental impact.

By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, our solution offers a comprehensive response to the limitations of conventional packaging materials, notably petroleum-based plastics. Not only does our compostable biomaterial provide a sustainable alternative, but it also harnesses the potential of biotechnology and AI to enhance functionality and performance. Ultimately, our technology aims to transform the packaging landscape, promoting responsible consumption and production practices while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Our solution team consists of 4 core members, comprising 2 full-time staff and 2 part-time staff. Additionally, we collaborate with 3 research centers for specialized tasks, such as materials testing and AI development. This lean yet dedicated team ensures efficient operation and maximizes our impact in developing and delivering sustainable packaging solutions.

Relier has been diligently working on its solution since 2022, embarking on a journey of innovation aimed at revolutionizing the packaging industry and tackling sustainability challenges head-on. Over the years, our team has invested significant time and resources into research, development, and implementation to ensure the effectiveness and viability of our solution. Our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement drives us forward as we strive to make a meaningful impact on the environment and society.

At Relier, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within our team. We recognize that diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential for driving innovation and achieving our mission effectively. Our leadership team reflects this commitment to diversity, with members bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table. 

We regularly assess and review our diversity goals and initiatives, striving to create a workplace culture where every team member feels valued, respected, and supported. We provide ongoing training and resources to promote awareness and understanding of diversity issues, unconscious bias, and inclusive leadership practices.

In addition to our internal efforts, we actively engage with external organizations and communities to expand our network and reach diverse talent pools. We collaborate with local community groups, universities, research centers, and professional networks to create pathways for underrepresented individuals to join our team and contribute to our mission.

Overall, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral to our identity as an organization. We believe that by embracing and celebrating our differences, we can foster a more innovative and impactful team that drives positive change in the world.

Relier operates on a diversified business model focused on providing value through the sale of Clamshell packaging solutions to businesses, primarily in the B2B sector. Our primary revenue streams include:

1. B2B Product Sales: Our main source of revenue comes from selling Clamshell packaging directly to fruit producers and exporters. These customers benefit from our innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions, which help them preserve the freshness and quality of their products while reducing environmental impact.

2. Licensing and Royalties: We generate additional revenue through licensing our bioplastic technology and manufacturing processes to other companies. This allows us to expand our reach and impact by enabling other businesses to adopt sustainable packaging solutions.

In addition to these primary revenue streams, we also explore alternative sources of income, including:

1. Customized and Premium Services: We offer personalized packaging solutions tailored to the specific needs of individual clients, often through exclusive contracts. These premium services provide added value to customers seeking unique packaging solutions.

2. Grants and R&D Projects: We actively seek funding opportunities for research and development initiatives aimed at further enhancing our technology and expanding our product offerings. Grants and project funding support our innovation efforts and enable us to stay at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions.

3. E-commerce: We are exploring opportunities to expand our sales channels through direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms. This initiative aims to capitalize on growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and provide convenient access to our packaging solutions.

By diversifying our revenue streams, we not only maximize our financial sustainability but also capitalize on opportunities to drive innovation and expand our market reach. Our business model leverages our innovative technology and commitment to sustainability to offer practical and cost-effective solutions to our customers.

In terms of competition, we face competition from companies that produce traditional packaging solutions for the agricultural industry, particularly in the fruit segment. Major competitors include manufacturers of PET Clamshell packaging such as Typack, Integrity, and Coexpan, primarily located in high-volume markets like the United States, Europe, and China. Additionally, we compete with companies producing cardboard boxes, plastic trays, and controlled atmosphere containers for fruit transportation. While these competitors offer different solutions, they directly compete with us in terms of functionality, but they do not address agricultural product preservation and sustainability. Despite the geographical variation in the locations of these competitors, many have a significant global presence, making them relevant competitors in the markets Relier aims to enter.

Relier has a comprehensive plan for achieving financial sustainability, which encompasses various strategies to generate revenue and secure funding for our work. Our approach involves a combination of selling products and services, winning grants and awards, securing investment capital, and participating in entrepreneurship programs and competitions.

1. Generating Revenue through Product and Service Sales: Our core revenue stream originates from the sale of Clamshell packaging solutions to fruit producers and exporters as the first step. While this serves as our primary income source, we are strategically expanding our offerings to encompass a diverse portfolio of new products and services. By diversifying our portfolio, we aim to mitigate risk and enhance profitability. These sales not only provide a stable income foundation but also facilitate reinvestment of profits into research, development, and scaling operations, thereby fueling our continued growth and innovation. We are working on the development of biopesticides, biostimulants, and SaaS for agribusiness.

2. Grants and Awards: We actively pursue grants and awards from national and international competitions, which provide valuable financial resources and recognition for our innovative solutions. Some of the grants and awards we have received include:

•    2nd Place in the Santander Global X Award Chile 2022 in the Launch category.
•    1st Place in the Mi Pitch Sustentable 2022 competition in the Emerging category.
•    2nd Place in the Start-Up Creation UNAB 2022 competition.
•    Social Impact Entrepreneur Award 2023.
•    2nd Place in the National Entrepreneurial Impact Competition UDD 2023.
•    Semilla Inicia Maule 2022 from CORFO.
•    StartUp Chile Ignite BIG 7 2024.
•    Crea y Valida 2023 from CORFO.

3. Investment Capital: We seek investment capital from venture capitalists, angel investors, and impact funds to support our growth and expansion plans as long as they are aligned with our final purpose. By attracting investment, we can accelerate our product development, increase market penetration, and enhance our operational capabilities.

4. Participation in Entrepreneurship Programs: We actively participate in entrepreneurship programs and accelerators, such as StartUp Chile Ignite, which provide funding, mentorship, and access to networks. These programs not only offer financial support but also help us refine our business model, develop strategic partnerships, and gain visibility in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.