Original story
From “Care of commercial utility genetec plants” 2013
Cultivation and care of Wrapit packaging plants (Brassica oleracea canadiensis)
Kiev Geophysics and Biomechanics Institute (KGB) Manual 3381/2013
Background
Wrapit (Brassica oleracea canadiensis) is a plant of the family Cruciferae (after its cross-shaped flowers), to which belong the cabbages, turnip, and cress. It was developed in Canada using genetic manipulation from wild brassica strains that normally grow on the British and French coasts facing the English Channel. The aim of the plant is to help solve the persistently worsening problem of packaging waste disposal.
A total of eight different variants of Wrapit plants have been developed thus far, for use as preform materials in packaging. After use, the plant can either be composted or fed to domestic animals.
The grower faces only two significant dangers
Wrapit is not a particularly demanding plant in terms of its location, but conditions must remain stable if the packaging is to become of uniform quality and size. If the preforms do not meet industry standards, then the losses may rise too high in terms of the productivity potential of the plant.
In other words: to ensure profitable cultivation, the plant should be grown under glass or in otherwise controlled ambient temperature, light and humidity conditions (Tested values are presented in Appendix 4 below). The allowed packaging sizes are specified in the EU Directives, Vol 2013. Ch. 23, Sections 10-44, see Appendix 5).
Even today there are isolated reports of naturally-existing cabbage-moth (Mamestra brassicae) populations, in spite of the time and resources spent on eradicating this pest. If cabbage moths or their larvae are found to be present in the packaging cabbage crop, it is recommended that growers use one of the biochemical bacteria developed for their removal (e.g. Biobrass or Killerbug). Speed is of the utmost importance, as if inspectors observe holes in more than 0.5% of the Wrapits in a batch, the entire batch will be rejected and incinerated. It is understandable that industry is unwilling to use leaky packaging. Wrapit strains have so far been developed as preforms for boxes (six sizes, B1 - B6) and for shrinkwrapping (two sizes, W1 & W2). Work is reportedly under way on the development of a tubular variant.
In particular it is recommended that W-type Wrapits be kept off the ground by means of nets, as they are as flexible as light cloth, and are highly susceptible to mould damage if they come in contact with damp earth. B-type Wrapits require careful handling as seedlings, as the box seams are very fragile at this stage. The intention is that in time a form of packaging plant will be developed that also contains beneficial nutrients and tastes good. This could then be used with instant foods and smartmeals in such a way that the packaging is eaten alongside the dish itself. A further research direction is towards raising the natural oil content of cabbage plants, in such a way that the packaged food could be cooked in the packaging’s own oil without the smell of cooked cabbage that many people find unacceptable and which the elderly still associate with George Orwell’s novel 1984. Scientists believe in the potential success of this last-mentioned product because of the recent trend towards a return to old-fashioned frying in the making of gourmet meals.
In future, plant developers will also be paying increasing attention to coloured variants of Wrapit, as many consumers have complained that the leaf-green packaging is dull and even somewhat nauseating.
Appendix 1: Hologram images of Wrapit variants, cabbage-moth, cabbage-moth larva. Appendix 2: 3-D examples of suitable hothouse models. Appendix 3: Various model calculations of cost-structure, potential productivity/profit per hectare, and tax optimization for growers of Wrapit plants. Appendix 4: Ambient microclimate values: humidity, mean temperature, light, and soil pH. Appendix 5: EU Directives, Vol. 2013. Ch. 23, Sections 10-44.
Further details from our online counselling staff at: sat.web kd-435-kgb-eu.
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Kasvipohjaiset biomuovit, kuitupakkaukset ja kasvatettu sienirihmastopakkaus toteuttavat biohajoavan kasvatetun pakkauksen idean. Valmista pakkausmuotoa pellolla kasvattava geenikaali ei ollut tarpeellinen mekanismi.
Johtopäätös: ydin uusiutuvasta kasvatetusta pakkauksesta toteutui olennaisilta osin.