Wednesday 11 December 2013

Compostable Packaging

The company Sealed Air specialize in sustainable packaging. One of the most notable use of materials I found on their website was restore mushroom packaging.

This packaging is grown, rather than manufactured, and is produced out of sustainable materials. Agriculture products that would normally be disposed of, such as stalks and husks, are combined with the mushroom's root-like structure, mycelium. When left in a dark room, it self-assembles into a solid form, not dissimilar to polystyrene. This material is strong, protective, takes a few days to create and can be moulded into any shape. Not only that, but its production is better for the environment, as it is a low energy process. The packaging can also be composted after use, meaning that no material is wasted. It has even been known to improve the surrounding soil with its presence. 

It says in Sealed Air's informational video that, "Packaging should protect more than just products" and this is a strong solution to that case.  

However, I am not sure that this packaging is suitable for my target audience, as it is not overly aesthetically pleasing. Yet, this could make up the packaging of the transportation box, so it may not need to be overly attractive.



The computer company Dell also used packaging that was produced out of sustainable materials. They used bamboo to create packaging that cushioned its laptops during transportation. This was also 100% compostable. Oliver Campbell, Dell's senior manager of global packaging said: "We previously used oil-based products like styrofoam and polyethylene as cushioning, but we heard from our customers that they were interested in smaller packaging and recycled or organic materials."
I definitely think that compostable material is becoming more and more popular - and this is a extremely good thing. Paper and cardboard can only be recycled up to five times before it can no longer be reused. Compostable packaging works like paper and card yet offers a more eco-friendly image. 

Bamboo can also be used instead of polystyrene for food and drink containers:


References:
http://www.sealedairprotects.com/NA/EN/products/foam_packaging/restore-mushroom.aspx
http://www.fastcompany.com/1643493/dells-bamboo-packaging-now-compostable-too 
http://www.biomasspackaging.com/brands/410176-be-green-packaging 

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