Gen Z bioplastic snack brand builds “movement to inspire change”

09 Sep 2020 --- It took 13 hours for Impact Snacks, a Generation Z-founded snack brand, to reach its goal to raise US$20,000 on Kickstarter. The start-up’s ambition to package its superfoods snack bars in 100 percent biodegradable and compostable soy-based wrapping has prompted 285 backers to pledge nearly US$33,000 to date.

PackagingInsights speaks with company founders Nick Oliveri and Corey Nobile about the price challenges of working with bioplastics and representing rising Gen Z climate concerns.

The Impact Snacks – Dark Chocolate Brownie and Iced Caramel Latte Superfood – are wrapped in a bioplastic that “will be a net positive for the environment no matter where and how they are disposed of,” says Oliveri.

“Although composting is the most ideal, plant-forward approach to our wrappers’ disposal, it can end up most everywhere [including oceans and landfills] so long as eventually it is met with another bio-based substance to aid its decomposition,” adds Nobile.

The Impact Snacks’ mission targets consumers who want to “do good” for the planet.

Bioplastics can be exceedingly more expensive than petroleum-based plastic wrapping. For Impact Snacks, the costs are up to 1000 percent more than traditional consumer packaged goods.

However, the founder pair view bioplastics as “less of a sacrifice” and more of a recent innovation that they feel “privileged to be able to use and spread to the world.”

“We are also willing to spend more on bioplastics to blaze the trail for other brands in the near future, helping to make it more accessible and affordable for all,” Oliveri underscores.

Challenging “antiquated” thinking
Oliveri and Nobile do not blame environmental degradation on any one organization, but rather on an “antiquated way of thinking.”

“Right now – and understandably so – there is widespread skepticism toward big business and their commitment to the larger issues of our time.”

“All or nothing” is the name of the game. The Impact Snacks Kickstarter project took off under the condition that it would only be funded if it reaches its goal by September 25.

Considering Impact Snacks has reached its US$20,000 goal far ahead of its deadline, the company aims to extend its goal to US$60,000 as a next checkpoint. “This will allow us to create a new flavor based on personal feedback from our trusted backers and consumers,” says Nobile.

“We’re less concerned with what competitors are doing because we are actively encouraging more players in our space to adopt our principles, materials and supply chain initiatives. We’re not fighting for market share within our category; we’re fighting against the old way of doing things,” Oliveri stresses.

Single- versus multi-use
When asked if their use of bioplastics supports a throwaway culture and removes the responsibility of consumers’ proper waste disposal, Nobile responds that reusable materials are “simply not applicable everywhere.”

“If our thesis is to make the good decision for people and the planet, the easy decision, we need to prioritize ease of use and accessibility over a lot of other aspects. Although no product or organization could ever absolve a person of individual and social responsibility, we aim to limit the responsibility and lower the stakes immensely.”

The risk of Nobile and Oliveri dropping out of college to follow their dream paid off – within 13 hours.In previous coverage on reusable packaging, PackagingInsights has investigated to what extent it “kills convenience” while also highlighting untapped economic opportunities and encouraging industry collaborations.

Every dollar casts a ballot
Ultimately, Impact Snacks challenges the notion that making good decisions for people and the planet comes at too high a price.

“In today’s world, your purchases reflect who you are. Nowadays, we can do a whole lot more to fight injustices that have been sealed off from the public for so long,” says Nobile.

“As a consumer, you can be empowered by the strength of your purchase because every dollar you spend is a vote for the world you want, so it’s important to make every one count.”

There are 16 days until the end of the Kickstarter campaign ends. Should funding reach US$60,000 and beyond, plans for a third and potentially fourth snack bar, as well as intensified investments in new solar energy and tree planting campaigns in warm-climate countries are in the pipeline.

By Anni Schleicher

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