Tanbark raises $1.7M for sustainable packaging
May 29th, 2022
Seed Funding Secured
“Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, a Portland-based company that wants to replace single-use plastic packaging with a sustainable option, has raised $1.7 million in seed funding to fund its first phase of growth.
Tanbark, which is currently a member of the Roux Institute’s Founder Residency program, manufactures Type 3 molded fiber packaging, which is one of the best replacements for single-use plastic and styrofoam, according to Melissa LaCasse, Tanbark’s co-founder and CEO.”
“Custom solutions and low-volume solutions for plastic replacement or near shore supply are not available,” LaCasse told Maine Startups Insider. “Our process is automated, modular and has lower initial set up cost than other systems. We are using Maine pulp and Maine labor, creating skilled manufacturing and tech jobs, and leaning into the legacy knowledge of the heritage industry of wood pulp and paper, and expanding the end use for an industry still reeling from the demise of the newsprint industry.”