15 Mar 2024
Barcelona, Spain
Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Waste Management

Imagine a world where the glistening seafood you enjoy arrives not in ubiquitous white boxes, but in packaging that champions both freshness and sustainability. This is the vision behind SUMBOX, the brainchild of passionate Pablo, who dared to “think outside the box” and revolutionize the seafood industry.

This story begins with Pablo, a seasoned seafood entrepreneur who, since 1997, witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact of expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam, on our oceans. While EPS offered practicality – cheap, lightweight, water-resistant, and insulating – its environmental cost was undeniable. Disintegrating into microplastics, it threatened marine life and entered the human food chain.

Driven by a deep concern and a desire to find a solution, Pablo embarked on a relentless pursuit. He searched for recyclable options, but the market offered nothing that met the specific needs of the seafood industry. Undeterred, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

The journey of seafood entrepreneur has changed to a new one. But this new adventure to create a viable packaging alternative was not without its challenges. Countless trials and tests were conducted to ensure the new packaging would retain the crucial properties of EPS – insulation, waterproofing, and food safety. Finally, after unwavering dedication, Sumbox was born.

Sumbox is more than just a packaging solution; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and a commitment to environmental responsibility. These innovative boxes boast impressive credentials: 90% recyclable paper-based construction and a mere 10% waterproof material, significantly reducing the plastic footprint.

Pablo’s brother, Ignacio, recognized the potential of Sumbox and joined the mission in 2021. His extensive experience in marketing proved invaluable in expanding the reach of the company and furthering their mission to “Deplastify the seafood world.”

Sumbox’s unique approach extends beyond the product itself. They collaborate with various companies, forging exclusive agreements that promote sustainability throughout the supply chain. One such partnership is with Hinojosa Packaging Group, whose 360 Green Packaging initiative aligns perfectly with Sumbox’s vision.

But the benefits of Sumbox go beyond environmental impact. Their innovative design allows for flat-pack shipping, optimizing transportation efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

Sumbox’s success is a testament to the power of perseverance and a deep-seated belief in the potential of their vision. Their journey, marked by a 100% sales increase in 2023, demonstrates the growing consumer demand for sustainable solutions.

“With the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme in the European Union in 2024, SUMBOX's paper-based solution translates to significant cost savings for producers, as plastic packaging will be subject to higher fees”explains Ignacio, Business manager of Sumbox.
Turning the Tide on Plastic in Seafood Packaging | The Switchers

Today, Sumbox is produced in Spain and Portugal, with plans to expand to Chile in 2024. Their reach extends even further, with a growing network of partners and sales agreements secured in France, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Germany, and Belgium.

Pablo’s final message to aspiring green entrepreneurs is a simple yet powerful one: “Be patient, and believe in your idea.” Sumbox’s story embodies the essence of this advice – a testament to the transformative power of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering determination in the fight for a sustainable future.

For more information about the company visit their website, or LinkedIn page.

Sumbox Waste management