RAIKU is tackling packaging waste with a compostable, wood-based alternative to plastic bubble wrap. Through the SOLDIWORKS for Startups program, they gained access to SOLIDWORKS, enabling fast, efficient design iterations essential for their unique production line. This support helped RAIKU transform their green vision into an innovative, scalable packaging solution.
RAIKU’s Mission to Address Packaging Waste
Since the invention of plastic bubble wrap in 1957, this material has posed a massive pollution problem due to it lasting centuries in landfills. With plastic remaining the dominant packaging choice, its environmental impact is considerable. RAIKU Packaging, founded in 2021 by Karl Pärtel and Rain Randsberg, aims to transform the packaging industry by replacing traditional plastics with a sustainable, compostable alternative.
Leveraging SOLIDWORKS for Sustainable Innovation
Creating a packaging material with a small environmental footprint wasn’t without its challenges. RAIKU developed its production systems and machinery from scratch, a process that took years of iteration and refinement. Enter SOLIDWORKS for Startups. With previous experience using SOLIDWORKS, the RAIKU team utilized the software to design, test, and refine the components for their production line. According to Henrik, RAIKU’s Chief Technology Officer, “SOLIDWORKS is one of the most intuitive CAD softwares”. With its ease of use, it provides a stable platform for extensive design upgrades and new machinery development.
Designing a unique production line was crucial for RAIKU. SOLIDWORKS and support provided by PLM Group gave them the resources they needed to innovate efficiently and overcome complex design challenges. Henrik explains, “In our case, we are actually designing our pilot factory from scratch. There is no existing principle available in the world today. As a result, we are doing extensive designing and many iterations on the machinery and production line components.”
And by beginning to integrate the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, RAIKU can also manage product data efficiently. This will help them to stay organized and secure as they scale.
Pioneering Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions
As a green tech startup, RAIKU’s goal was to design packaging materials that the environment could recycle on its own. This approach promotes a true circular economy. To achieve this, RAIKU developed a flexible, protective packaging material that is entirely compostable and made from a unique wood-based material. This innovative product is not only safe and reusable but also leaves a positive impact on the soil after use.
“RAIKU is a clean tech company producing one of the world’s lowest-footprint packaging materials,” says Karl, emphasizing that their material offers a viable, sustainable alternative to bubble wrap and other single-use plastics. RAIKU’s solution is both highly protective and versatile, making it suitable for various shipping needs while being free from harmful chemicals. “Compared to paper and cardboard, we use 99% less water, 98% less energy, and we need 10x less wood, so we’re actually saving forests with this technology,” Karl adds.
An Eco-Efficient Material with Global Potential
“Our material is highly protective because of the spring structure; it’s very shock absorbing,” Karl notes. Their product provides safe packaging for items like ceramics, glass, and cosmetics. This structural innovation, paired with its compostable design, has sparked high market demand, most noticeably from French luxury goods brands. “It’s been surprising even to us how much interest there is in our material from the market. We’d rather have the problem of ramping up the production,” adds Karl.
RAIKU’s product serves as an example of how sustainable technology can address the world’s packaging waste problem head-on. “We’ve developed this safe, natural material that nature can recycle itself wherever it ends up,” says Karl. This unique approach to sustainable packaging has helped establish RAIKU as a leader in green technology and a powerful example of circular economy in action.
The Right Tools to Support Innovation
RAIKU joined the SOLIDWORKS for Startup program in 2021 which allowed them access to SOLIDWORKS for free for one year, and with a discount in the following 2 years. Participating in the program enabled them to utilize industry standard tools to scale their business.
RAIKU’s journey from startup to green tech innovator showcases the impact of the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program. The program, along with expert support from PLM Group, has been pivotal in helping many companies that are less than three years old, have a physical product, and are not current SOLIDWORKS customers. It enables them to bring their innovative ideas to market quickly and efficiently.
And, in RAIKU’s case, create a sustainable alternative that won’t end up in the landfill. Forget the bubble wrap; today’s startups are packaging big ideas with no expiration date.
Ready to innovate like RAIKU?
Talk to our team to learn more about the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program, and discover how we can help you bring your product vision to life with:
- Free access to SOLIDWORKS for one year, with substantial discounts for the following two years
- 3DEXPERIENCE Platform access, enabling secure cloud-based collaboration and data management
- Expert guidance and technical support to help navigate design challenges and optimize workflows
- Co-marketing opportunities to help grow your brand and gain industry recognition
