With RAIKU, packaging becomes part of the solution: 100 per cent natural, compostable and visually appealing. The innovative start-up favours wood instead of plastic and shows how design, sustainability and efficiency can be combined in a single material. The CosmeticBusiness editorial team spoke to RAIKU to find out more about the innovative start-up.

A start-up with roots in nature and design

The name RAIKU has a special history - it is the nickname of our co-founder Rain Randsberg and at the same time an allusion to the simple elegance of Japanese aesthetics. This connection is no coincidence, because it is precisely these values of naturalness, reduction and beauty that are reflected in our product. RAIKU stands for a new understanding of packaging.

The idea for our start-up arose from a fundamental problem: packaging is one of the biggest causes of environmental pollution worldwide and recycling is inadequate in many places. It was clear to us that we needed packaging that didn't have to be recycled in the first place, but could be returned directly to the natural cycle.

A real alternative to plastic

Our packaging material is based exclusively on wood. It is 100 per cent natural, compostable and free from chemicals. Our technology works entirely without additives or industrial adhesives, using intelligent machines and heat to mould thin strips of wood into a flexible, resilient structure that absorbs shocks and offers maximum protection.

The entire manufacturing process is modular, which allows for easy scaling, from small series to industrial mass production. The result is more than just environmentally friendly packaging: it is a design solution that provides sustainable protection and is visually appealing at the same time.

More than sustainable: efficient, resource-saving, economical

Compared to conventional packaging materials, RAIKU is not only more environmentally friendly, but also significantly more resource-efficient. We produce 15 to 20 cubic metres of packaging from one cubic metre of wood and with a fraction of the water and energy consumption of other materials.

At the same time, our product has a carbon footprint that is up to ten times smaller than conventional alternatives. It can be produced cost-effectively, is easy to transport and does not require costly disposal. This makes our material an economical solution for companies that want to operate more sustainably and fulfil legal requirements early on, such as the new EU packaging regulation from 2030.

Perfect for cosmetics and more

RAIKU is particularly popular in industries that also value aesthetics in packaging, such as the cosmetics, perfume and jewellery industries. Our feather-like structure offers excellent impact protection for sensitive products that also need to be presented in a high-quality manner.

RAIKU is not only functional, but also looks classy: The natural grain of the wood, the feel and the light weight make every packaging an aesthetic experience. RAIKU thus becomes part of the brand identity and contributes to the positive perception when unpacking.

Whether as padding for glass bottles, as wrapping for high-quality gift sets or as protection for fragile products: Our material fulfils the highest standards of design and function. And what's more, it clearly stands out from conventional solutions such as bubble wrap or cardboard packaging.

Good to know: RAIKU gets to the point

If there is one thing you should remember about RAIKU, it is this: recycling alone is not enough; we need materials that nature can process again. RAIKU offers just that: fully compostable, aesthetically pleasing packaging that protects, inspires