Lead the Change: How Solinatra is replacing plastic for good

From Tax Law to Compostable Capsules

Robert de Jong started his career in tax law, but made a radical switch. Driven by a desire to make a positive contribution to the world, he joined the development of a truly sustainable alternative to plastic.

Thats how Solinatra was born: creating compostable products like coffee capsules, packaging, flowerpots, and cutlery. Fully degradable and free from microplastics or chemicals. The name says it all: ‘Soli’ means ‘only’, and ‘natra’ stands for ‘nature’. No fossil-based ingredients or harmful leftovers, just natural materials that safely return to the earth.

Why Solinatra’s Material Goes Beyond Bioplastics

Bioplastics sound sustainable, but that’s often misleading, warns Robert. “Many so-called bioplastics are made from natural sources but don’t break down in nature.” Solinatra’s material does: it disappears within 42 days, even with food residue, right in the organic waste bin.

According to Robert, certifications alone aren’t enough. “Many labels allow a 90% breakdown, we aim for 100%. That’s why we have our material independently tested, including for microplastics and toxicity.”

He’s also critical of recycling: “Only 9% of all plastic is recycled. Contaminated plastic is usually burned or ends up in nature.” These numbers show that replacing fossil plastic with bio-based alternatives that don’t fully degrade isn’t a real solution.

Smart Materials, Real Impact

Solinatra utilises agricultural byproducts, including grain husks, rice hulls, and palm pulp. “We use what already exists. The fibres are cleaned, ground, and turned into a fully natural material,” Robert explains.

The ambition extends beyond the material itself. Solinatra aims to produce locally, using locally sourced raw materials to create a truly circular supply chain. At the same time, the company develops products that make a real difference, from coffee scoops for Danone to flowerpots for mangrove planting in Indonesia. Think of CO₂ storage, microplastic-free food, and reusable packaging.

Don’t Hold Back, Accelerate

Although Solinatra operates internationally, Robert sees legislation slowing down the transition. “The European Single-Use plastics directive still lumps us in with fossil plastics, just because our material looks like plastic. We need smarter, science-based regulations that distinguish truly compostable materials, not ones that hold back progress.”

That’s why Solinatra actively contributes to lobbying and raising awareness, working with partners across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Supporting Every Step: Making Adoption Easy

One of Solinatra’s biggest challenges is convincing customers to make the switch. On paper, it makes perfect sense, but in practice, it takes time, clear explanation, and trust. That’s why Solinatra supports them every step of the way.

According to Robert, there’s also a bigger challenge: a lack of awareness. Even among policymakers, the urgency isn’t always apparent. “I recently spoke to someone from the ministry who didn’t know microplastics had already been found in humans,” he says. “That shows how big the knowledge gap still is.”

Collaboration Makes the Switch Possible

Switching to bio-based material is very doable, Robert stresses, if you support customers properly. “We send our engineers to work with clients, thoroughly test the material, and make sure it runs smoothly in their existing machines. Often, only minor adjustments are needed. But you have to take that step together.”

The benefits of working together go beyond implementation. “Our material can be more expensive per kilo, but you need less, production is faster, and energy use drops. At the application level, that price difference quickly disappears.”

Leading the Change Starts with Persistence

Although racing is not an environmentally friendly activity, Robert likes to compare his approach to Formula 1. “Like Max Verstappen, you have to keep pushing. Many people think becoming more sustainable happens naturally. But it takes hard work. You need to believe in your vision and keep going every single day.”

That persistence is tied to a deeper commitment, delivering a solution that doesn’t just perform, but leaves no trace behind.

“We’re only satisfied when our material leaves nothing behind. No damage, no doubts. Just a solution.”

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Just like Solinatra, Eevery believes real change starts with action. Want to future-proof your business? Take the step today, book a meeting and discover how you can lead the change.