Daphna Nissenbaum, Tipa Compostable Packaging | Notable Leaders in Sustainability 2023

Daphna Nissenbaum started her career in compostable plastic with the founding of TIPA Compostable Packaging in 2010 with the goal of providing a practical solution to the plastic waste challenge.

"I was ahead of the curve in recognizing the critical need to revolutionize packaging techniques and minimize plastic pollution globally," she said.

With a bachelor's degree in economics and computer science from Bar Ilan University and an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship from IDC Herzliya, Nissenbaum's background as CEO of the Caesarea Center for Capital Markets and Risk Management at IDC Herzliya set the stage for her perspective on plastics markets.

"My idea was for flexible packaging to have the same end of life as organic matter, like an orange peel, while maintaining the qualities of conventional plastics that we have come to expect," Nissenbaum said. "Prior to TIPA, the majority of plastic packaging alternatives on the market did not completely fulfill the standards for use on high-end items in both the food and fashion industries."

Nissenbaum said she worries for the environment as she watches the world grapple "with a distinctive dilemma … around recycling being hailed as the ultimate solution to combat the plastic waste crisis."

"Recent research has shed light on the ineffectiveness of recycling, particularly concerning flexible packaging," she said. "It has become clear that relying solely on recycling is not a viable solution."

Meanwhile potential compostable packaging customers are concerned about the transition away from conventional plastic, she said. They wonder if the packaging will look different or perform as well. Nissenbaum's job is to reassure customers that TIPA's compostable packaging can match the performance of traditional plastic packaging, she said.

When she first started TIPA, Nissenbaum initially set out to develop a compostable plastic that could be used to replace conventional plastic water bottles with a zero-waste-at-end-of-life compostable pouch.

"After months of R&D with biomaterials experts, we concluded that such a material simply did not exist that could maintain the necessary liquid barrier among other components," she said.

"I could have thrown in the hat right then and there. But the process taught me that I shouldn't be focused on plastic water bottles specifically, rather the broader issue of flexible plastic packaging as the majority cannot be recycled.

"The R&D journey for any unique substance would be challenging," she said. "Rather than being deterred, the experience added to my resolve and inspired me to pivot, preparing me for many of the obstacles that lay ahead."

Nissenbaum sees "big data" and AI as a potential tool for R&D of new compostable polymers.

"Advanced computational technologies can help the industry accelerate the complex and time-consuming processes behind the identification of compostable compounds and the development of new ones," she said. "More available compostable plastic polymers on the market will allow the industry to further scale and broaden its impact."

Nissenbaum expects to see growth in compostable plastics in the snack packaging market.

The plastics industry has a responsibility to "proactively shift towards sustainability," Nissenbaum said. "It should invest in developing compostable materials, fostering innovation through collaboration and advocating for eco-friendly legislation.

"Embracing circular economy principles, which design products for reuse and recycling, is pivotal," she added. "Transparency regarding the environmental impact of plastics and setting clear sustainability objectives are also crucial. By committing to these actions, the industry can lead the charge towards a more environmentally responsible and sustainable future.

"At TIPA, we're committed to making eco-conscious choices accessible to all … ensuring a sustainable alternative for businesses and consumers," Nissenbaum said. "We also work with policymakers and advocacy groups to advance the infrastructure and legislation around composting and organic waste management."

Nissenbaum holds that responsibility, not only on the industry professionally, but also in her own relationship with plastics.

"Personally, I've adopted a low-waste lifestyle, eliminating single-use plastics, and am dedicated to spreading awareness about the environmental consequences of plastic waste across the globe," she said.

Nissenbaum and TIPA are involved in associations including the Compostable Packaging Coalition, the New Plastics Economy, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the U.S. Composting Council, European Bioplastics, the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association, Club Bio-plastiques and RECOUP. She is also a "technology pioneer" of the World Economic Forum.

TIPA works "with dozens of companies across the world, replacing more than 1,000 tons of nonrecyclable flexible and multilayered plastic packaging with a fully compostable alternative," she said.

It also created a compostable plastic packaging solution that doubles the shelf life of fresh produce packaging through a partnership with PerfoTec, she added.

Ultimately, Nissenbaum is generally optimistic about the future and hopes to see "more growth and adoption of TIPA's solutions, composting infrastructure and the compostable plastic packaging industry."