Some 8.2 billion kilograms of plastic waste flows into the world’s oceans every year with single-use packaging – used only once and then discarded – making up 40% of all plastic produced.

A Cape Town-based company aims to turn the tables on the plastic waste conundrum by offering a plastic-free, carbon-negative alternative for courier companies.  

Earlier in November, Mielie Mailer launched its greener alternative to traditional courier sleeves/mailer bags in the form of an internationally certified, biodegradable and home compostable mailer bag made from mielies.

Labelling itself as “a humble shipping mailer with one sole purpose – to help humans make better choices for themselves and for the planet”, Mielie Mailer has launched its 100% compostable delivery sleeve.

Their compostable mailers are made from polylactic acid (PLA) which is derived from spoiled mielies (unfit for human consumption), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and cornstarch. It’s both a low-impact and renewable resource.

Speaking to Bizcommunity, Mielie Mailer founder Trent Pike had the following to say about the company’s green intiative:
“The team at Mielie Mailer are BIG dreamers. We see Mielie Mailer becoming a global brand, a South African icon for the rest of the world to see and be inspired by. We’ve set a very ambitious goal of replacing 100 million single-use plastic products with our alternatives over the next five years.”

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