Traceless Starts Production of Plastic Alternative

Why this is here: Traceless received 30,000 euros from a Hamburg funding program called “Call for transfer” early in the company’s development, demonstrating initial support for the bioeconomy initiative.

Traceless began industrial production of a new plastic alternative in Hamburg, Germany. The company aims to replace conventional plastics with a compostable material made from agricultural waste. Founder Anne Lamp announced the factory’s opening, stating it marks the start of a new material industry and noting that Traceless is the first to integrate this plastic replacement into existing supply chains.

The factory, located in a former bakery, will initially produce 3000 tons of the material annually. Traceless has already invested 20 million euros, with over a quarter coming from government funding, and plans a larger facility capable of producing 40,000 to 60,000 tons by 2030. The process extracts natural polymers from grain residue using a patented method that preserves the material’s chemical structure.

However, the material’s compostability currently limits its use in applications involving prolonged water contact. Traceless focuses on areas where recycling is difficult, like packaging and single-use items. Further scaling and broader adoption depend on continued collaboration with partners like Mondi, Otto, and Biesterfeld.