Compostable stretch wrap startup raises $11 million Series A

Victorian stretch wrap startup Great Wrap has raised $11 million in a Series A as it looks to ramp up production of its compostable potato-based alternative to plastic.

The $11 million equity round was backed by Darren Thomas, W23, Grill’d Innovation Fund, Giant Leap, Small Giants, Thai Wah Ventures, GroundSwell, Trail Mix Ventures and Springbank Collective and other impact investors in Australia, the US and Singapore.

The business has also taken on $13 million in non-dilutive capital from DLL Group, Rabobank’s asset financing arm.

Great Wrap has used the cash to expand into a new 12,000 sqm facility in Tullamarine, with the capacity to manufacture 30,000 tonnes of compostable stretch wrap by the end of 2023 for use as food and pallet wrapping.

The plant processes local waste from a potato processor to create its product and is also building a biorefinery on the site, which is expected to come only next year and use nearly 50,000 tonnes of local potato waste annually.

The company is also looking to expand offshore next month, targeting international markets with impact-focussed consumers, legislation and strong corporate ESG mandates.

The wrap breaks down into carbon and water in compost in less than 180 days. Its mission to remove the 150,000 tonnes of plastic stretch wrap sent to Australia’s landfills each year.

Husband and wife cofounders Jordy and Julia Kay launched Great Wrap in 2020 and counts Who Gives A Crap founder Simon Griffiths among its initial backers. The idea also had an early boost from the Amazon Launchpad grants program.

Jordy Kay said they hope to create more than 100 local jobs in Victoria by the end of 2023.

“The biorefinery setup will also be a huge step forward for our state – we’re excited to be bringing biotechnology and advanced manufacturing to the forefront,” he said.

His wife, Julia, was recently named Young Victorian of the Year by the Victoria Day Council, alongside AFL legend Kevin Sheedy, who was named Victorian of the Year.