FiberFusion – Redefining the future of plastics 

FiberFusion is a startup developing next-generation biodegradable films designed for use in the food industry as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging. Our innovative film is entirely made from cellulose derived from forestry and agricultural biomass residues, it is biodegradable and has a lower carbon footprint compared to the plastic films currently used for packaging in direct contact with food. The film offers high mechanical strength, thermal stability and transparency, and can be further functionalized for specific needs, including antibacterial properties.

Food industry

Generation: 2025. 

Founders: Nikola Španić, Vanja Jurišić

Business model: B2B, IP-based

Problem

Modern packaging in the food industry is made from various materials, including conventional plastics. While next-generation plastics are produced from corn and other biological raw materials (e.g., PLA), most of the market is still dominated by plastics derived from fossil fuels. The challenges of food packaging involve multiple aspects, including the environmental impact of plastic use, the need for sustainable solutions and consumer pressure for change. These challenges require innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while meeting market needs. 

Rješenje

Residues from the wood processing and agricultural industries are increasingly recognized as valuable resources for producing eco-friendly and sustainable products. The all-cellulose nanocomposite, fully bio-based, is produced using forestry and agricultural residues to create intermediate or final products, with maximum focus on sustainability and circularity. This material features excellent mechanical, optical and thermal properties, and it is biodegradable, making it suitable for integration into current commercial production as a drop-in product. Its end-of-life period contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing carbon footprint. 

Nikola
Španić

CEO/CTO, co-founder

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology – product development, technology optimization, material design 

Vanja
Jurišić

CBO, co-founder

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture – development of raw material quality and agricultural biomass conversion processes, business development, financial planning, market research, marketing 

Nikolina
Barlović

Laboratory development, synthesis and characterization of materials (forestry biomass) 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology – cellulose isolation from forestry biomass, biopolymer and additive synthesis 

Gabrijel
Barčić

Laboratory development, synthesis and characterization of materials (agricultural biomass) 

University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture – nanocellulose isolation from forestry and agricultural biomass 

28/05/2025