(Archive) Biodegradable algae-based foam packaging

The problem

1. Today we face a huge problem of synthetic material waste, because disposable or short-term products are made from durable materials. This also creates large economic losses due to raw and non-recyclable resources

2. Currently, the leading materials for degradable foam packaging are derived from corn starch. Producing disposable packaging from food materials is uneconomic and even unethical, because more than enough food is produced worldwide to feed the world's population, but even 811 million people are still starving

3. A study conducted by researchers at Yale University shows that climate change-related depression is felt by as much as 70% of the US population and is growing very rapidly, especially among school-age children and youth

Solution

1. Algae-based packaging prototypes aim at least partially reduce environmental pollution with solid waste - the material is completely organic and compostable, because made of only natural ingredients. Even if this packaging has been discarded as waste, due to natural processes and micro-organisms it will again become a part of nature

2. The extraction of the resources required for the production of the packaging does not compete with inhabited and cultivated land areas, which are very important for the cultivation of food resources. The primary binding material for bio-foam packaging is derived exclusively from renewable marine and oceanic resources and algal waste in coastal regions

3. By using the product together with the biodegradable algae-based packaging, the consumer would not feel guilty about global environmental pollution, so this product improves the psychological health of consumers, thus creating additional emotional and psychological value and reducing the environmental impact of solid waste pollution

Target audience

A study conducted in Europe revealed that 61 percent of consumers the packaging sustainability is an important factor when choosing products, 52 percent of consumers are looking for an information on the packaging about its recycling and the materials from which it is made, and even 88 percent consumers are willing to pay more for more environmentally friendly packaging

Target audience:

- European manufacturing companies that use disposable or short-term packaging for their products, as well as responsible business companies that implement sustainability policies in their activities and are interested in sustainable packaging alternatives

- Manufacturers of cosmetics and home interior goods in Europe, creating products from algae or seaweed

- Socially responsible and active people who are looking for quality and reliability, set high demands on the products they consume, as well as people who are interested in sustainable packaging alternatives, value naturalness, sort waste and support the principles of circular economy