Queensland-based start-up TomKat, the innovator behind KoolPak, the world-first reusable packaging solution for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods incorporating track and trace technology, is relocating to Thailand to set up manufacturing operations.
For Tom and Kath Long, sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s the foundation of their business and their lives. As owners and directors of TomKat Line Fish, their commitment to sustainable fishing practices led them to confront an inconvenient truth: their use of polystyrene boxes for transporting fresh fish contradicted their eco-conscious ethos. This realisation sparked a mission to find an environmentally friendly alternative, culminating in the creation of KoolPak — a game-changing reusable packaging solution for temperature-sensitive and perishable goods.
A fisher-driven innovation
KoolPak was born out of necessity. “When we started going direct to market, everything about our business was sustainable,” recalls Kath Long. “But I’d come home from weekly deliveries with my car full of polystyrene beads from the shippers we had to use. It was unsustainable and frustrating.”
Despite searching globally for an alternative, the Longs found none. Encouraged by a Fisheries Research & Development Corporation (FRDC) micro-hack and subsequent bursary, they explored options at the Brussels Seafood Expo but returned empty-handed.
Determined to find a solution, Tom Long began experimenting in his workshop. Years of research and development, supported by grants and private investment, resulted in KoolPak — a modular system that combines a polypropylene outer shell with a patented polyethylene thermal liner, and importantly, integrates track and trace technology.
“KoolPak is a fisher-driven solution to a global problem,” says Kath. “We wanted to create packaging that is sustainable, reusable, and recyclable, and we’ve achieved that.”
Why KoolPak stands out
The innovation behind KoolPak lies in its design and functionality. Unlike biodegradable or single-use alternatives, KoolPak is designed for extended use, with pilot trials demonstrating over 30 uses per box.
The high-grade polypropylene outer shell and thermal liner are fully recyclable, allowing for cradle-to-cradle repurposing. One of the biggest breakthroughs is the advanced tracking technology. Integrated battery-free NFC tags and blockchain technology provide what Tom and Kath describe as “unparalleled traceability”, allowing users to track the box’s journey and ensure provenance.
This feature is critical for industries like seafood, where traceability can combat illegal fishing practices.
Thermal efficiency is also game-changing. KoolPak’s patented liner provides superior insulation, making it a viable alternative to polystyrene for cold-chain logistics, and it has certification for airline transport.
Challenges and triumphs
Despite its promise, setting up manufacturing KoolPak in regional Queensland proved challenging. “We submitted a strong proposal for local production, but the financial models didn’t fit within the government’s grant structures,” explains Kath. “It’s disappointing because this project could have created jobs and boosted the local economy.”
Unable to secure Australian support, the Longs turned their attention to Thailand, where they found a receptive environment. With assistance from Austrade and the Thai government, TomKat is relocating its manufacturing operations to Chon Buri, a strategic hub close to suppliers and major trade routes.
“Thailand has been incredibly supportive,” says Tom. “Their logistics infrastructure, coupled with incentives for Australian investment, made it the right choice for our stage-one production.”
Global impact
Set to produce one million KoolPaks annually, the Thai facility will significantly scale TomKat’s operations. This annual KoolPak production has the potential to eliminate up to 10 million single-use polystyrene boxes from landfills annually. A pilot trial with CP Foods, one of Thailand’s largest companies, demonstrated reduced costs, waste, and carbon emissions, further solidifying KoolPak’s appeal.
The Longs’ commitment to innovation extends beyond production to developing a sound collection system. “We’re offering a $2 credit for returned boxes,” explains Tom. “This incentivises recycling and allows us to reuse critical components like the temperature sensor NFC tags.”
Looking ahead
Relocating operations to Thailand marks a bittersweet milestone for Tom and Kath Long. While the move sacrifices local manufacturing opportunities, it positions TomKat to become a global leader in sustainable packaging. “Our innovation started in Kurrimine Beach, a town of just 1000 people,” says Kath. “Now, it’s set to make a global impact.”
To fund the venture, TomKat is looking at Series A capital raising next. It has already successfully closed out seven rounds of fund raising. The company is open to debt and/ or equity investment to fully commercialise the KoolPak.
The Longs remain passionate about their vision for a sustainable future. From collaborating with CP Foods to addressing illegal fishing practices through traceability, KoolPak is more than a packaging solution — it’s a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
