Aran typically focuses on aseptic food packaging solutions that prevent spoilage. However, in this award-winning project, Aran did exactly the opposite. An enormous bag, measuring 7000 x 2200 mm, was engineered to hold biogas produced from the fermentation of agricultural waste. This solution, designed for HomeBiogas systems, transforms food and agricultural waste into valuable energy resources.
The HomeBiogas system is based on two uniquely engineered bags: one for collecting organic waste and another for storing renewable gas. The remaining waste is repurposed as compost.
Supporting Sustainability with Technological Innovation
Featuring high-barrier materials, the large bag can store up to 7 cubic meters of biogas - enough to support daily household activities such as cooking, heating, and lighting. With this bag, households in regions lacking energy infrastructure can access clean, renewable energy, empowering communities to become self-sufficient.
The waste collection bag plays an equally crucial role in the system’s functionality. It enables farmers to safely and conveniently process organic waste, creating a cycle of waste-to-energy conversion.
Overcoming Design Challenges and Innovations
The development of these bags involved overcoming significant challenges. "When HomeBiogas approached us, they had two key specifications that were outside the scope of our previous projects," explains Yakir Tal, the Project Manager from Aran.
“The first challenge was the bag size, which was a substantial increase over our regular products. The second challenge was the need for high-barrier capability to preserve methane gas. While Aran's bags are designed to prevent oxygen from entering and affecting stored food, HomeBiogas requires bags that would prevent methane from escaping.
"To meet this challenge, we developed a stronger laminate layer based on nylon or metalized PET to create a more effective barrier against methane. This innovation ensured that the gas storage bag could securely retain the gas, providing reliable performance,” he explains.
Additionally, Aran created special fitments to meet the needs of the HomeBiogas system. A 4-inch opening was designed to facilitate the insertion of organic waste into the collection bag, which is essential for the proper functioning of the system.
Sustainability and Societal Benefits
The benefits of these biogas packaging solutions go far beyond their technical specifications. They offer a solution to energy and environmental challenges by turning agricultural and household organic waste into valuable resources. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and offering an affordable, easy-to-use energy source, these bags support sustainable living. This system is particularly impactful in regions with limited access to energy infrastructure.
Driving Global Change
Aran is proud to contribute to renewable energy solutions. The gas storage bag is the largest of its kind in the world, earning an award at the WPO's WorldStar Competition for its innovative design and sustainable impact.
Recently, HomeBiogas's shares surged significantly following government approval to register carbon credits, which could generate substantial revenue. Their commitment to providing subsidized systems to farmers not only helps them produce energy from waste but also enables them to capitalize on carbon savings.
