In the heart of Amsterdam, a climate tech startup named Pickler is setting new standards in the packaging industry. With a recent infusion of €500k in funding, they are poised to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the industry today: greenwashing. This funding round, led by Shamrock Ventures and supported by APX.vc, reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need for more sustainable packaging solutions.
Pickler’s mission is particularly relevant in today’s market. As consumers become more environmentally conscious and EU regulations like the Green Claims Directive and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSDR) come into effect, the need for transparency in packaging sustainability is more crucial than ever. Pickler’s software is designed to meet this need head-on, enabling companies to calculate, reduce, and communicate the environmental impact of their packaging portfolios.
Koen de Beer, co-founder of Pickler, emphasizes the significance of this funding in the current challenging climate. He believes it highlights the business opportunities that can arise from reducing product footprints. Pickler’s approach is not just about compliance; it’s about demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with a positive business case and a quick return on investment. The goal is to extend their reach within the packaging industry and help more companies reduce emissions effectively.
Founded in 2021, Pickler addresses a significant challenge in the packaging industry: the difficulty of generating and communicating credible environmental data at scale. Their software leverages an easy-to-use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, combined with intuitive, packaging-focused predictive algorithms. This system is dynamic, immediately reflecting any changes in value chain data. This enables companies to perform footprint calculations at a fraction of the usual cost and effort, even with limited supplier data.
Tommy Hurley, managing partner at Shamrock Ventures, sees great potential in Pickler’s unique software approach. He believes their solution is vital for helping the packaging industry meet the EU’s ambitious 55% CO2-eq reduction target by 2030.
Pickler also places a strong emphasis on complying with anti-greenwashing legislation, such as the EU’s Green Claims Directive. Their collaboration with the Sustainability Impact Metrics foundation ensures that their methodology, database, and results maintain independence and credibility. This helps users significantly reduce the risk of greenwashing in their sales and marketing efforts.
The practical benefits of Pickler’s software for packaging companies are substantial. It allows them to use credible environmental insights in their sales and marketing processes effectively. Companies can compare materials, processes, products, or entire portfolios, easily sharing this information with customers. This not only meets customer demand but also helps companies differentiate themselves from competitors by providing information about environmental impact early on. It fosters sustainable decision-making and reduction throughout the value chain.
In summary, Pickler’s successful funding round marks a significant step forward in the fight against greenwashing in the packaging industry. By providing a tool that makes environmental impact assessment accessible and practical, Pickler is helping to drive a much-needed shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry. Their work promises to empower companies to make informed decisions that benefit both the environment and their bottom line.
As we move forward, the role of technologies like Pickler’s in promoting sustainable practices will only become more critical. It’s an exciting time for the packaging industry, and Pickler is at the forefront of this transformative journey.
