Arboloom at the Prix Suisse Award 2021: pioneering the future of sustainable packaging

A Moment of Recognition

In 2021, Arboloom stood among Switzerland’s most innovative projects at the Prix Suisse Award, an event celebrating excellence in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking ideas. As a spin-off from Creaholic, Arboloom’s mission to create sustainable wood veneer cups was showcased nationally, reaffirming our commitment to a circular future. This case study reflects that transformative moment, where our passion for environmental impact met public recognition.

The Spark Behind Arboloom

Arboloom was born from a simple yet powerful question: "How can we drink without draining the planet?"

Our answer? Wood veneer cups—crafted from thin sheets of sustainably sourced wood, laminated with biodegradable bioplastics, and designed to be 100% compostable. These aren’t just cups; they’re symbols of what’s possible when innovation meets ecological responsibility.

Why It Matters:

50% less wood than traditional paper cups
3x lower environmental impact due to minimal material transformation
Fully compostable, closing the loop in the circular economy

Why the Prix Suisse Award Matters

The Prix Suisse Award, organized by Initiative Schweiz, is more than an accolade. It’s a celebration of Swiss ingenuity, honoring projects that inspire change and challenge the status quo. Sponsored by F.G. Pfister Holding AG and presented by prominent Swiss figures like Federal President Guy Parmelin, the award spotlights projects that push boundaries in sustainability, technology, and social impact.

In 2021, while entrepreneur Peter Spuhler took home the main prize, Arboloom’s presentation captured the audience's attention as a shining example of Switzerland’s commitment to ecological innovation.

The Presentation: More Than Just a Pitch

At the award ceremony in Bern, we didn’t just showcase a product—we told a story:

A story of trees transformed into solutions, not waste.
A story of a small Swiss team challenging global packaging norms.
A story of a future where every sip leaves no trace behind.

Key Highlights:

Innovator Spotlight: Led by wood engineer Laurent Torriani and designer Ivo Schläpfer, who spearheaded the creation of our market-ready wood veneer cup.
Sustainability Metrics: Demonstrating tangible reductions in resource consumption and carbon footprint.
Audience Impact: Engaging leaders from business, politics, and science, leaving a lasting impression on Switzerland’s innovation community.

The Ripple Effect: What Changed After the Award

While we didn’t walk away with the trophy, the impact of our participation was profound:

National Exposure: Elevated Arboloom’s profile across Switzerland’s sustainability ecosystem.
Strategic Connections: Opened doors to partnerships with eco-conscious brands and event organizers.
Validation: Reinforced our belief that small innovations can drive big change.

What We Learned

The Prix Suisse Award taught us that innovation isn’t just about products—it’s about people. The entrepreneurs, the supporters, the skeptics who challenge us to think deeper, and the communities that believe in a sustainable future.

A Quote That Defines the Moment

"Arboloom is proof that sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s the future. Their work embodies the Swiss spirit of innovation with a global impact."— Stefan Linder, Head of Initiative Schweiz

Where We Go From Here

The journey didn’t end at the Prix Suisse—it began anew. Today, Arboloom continues to push the boundaries of sustainable packaging, driven by the same passion that brought us to that stage in Bern.