Single-use plastic is a worldwide issue. With the detrimental effects that it has on the environment, there is a global shift towards supporting sustainable alternatives. Here are some of the most innovative and interesting products to have replaced single-use plastic items.
Seaweed bags made from Notpla
British start-up Skipping Rocks Lab created Ooho, a plastic packaging alternative made from seaweed and plants. The biodegradable sachet can replace plastic bottles, cups and even sauce and condiment packaging. These can be filled with any liquid, from chocolate martinis to energy drinks.
The product has been used at various running races across England instead of plastic water bottles. Most recently, the sachets were handed out at the 2019 London Marathon held on Sunday, 28 April.
The packaging biodegrades within 4-6 weeks and is edible, too. The sachet size ranges from 10-60ml. The company’s latest innovation is tackling the problem of lined cardboard, specifically for take-away packaging. Instead of plastic coating, the company is using Nopla inside its boxes.
Ooho Water sachet
Edible six-pack plastic rings made from barley
SaltWater Brewery located in Florida developed an alternative to plastic six-pack rings. A world-first, the biodegradable product is made using malt, barley and wheat, all byproducts from the beer brewing process. The materials are pressed and held together because how fibrous they are. If the rings were consumed by an animal it would not be harmful the way that usual non-biodegradable plastic is.
Sugar cane waste packaging
Ecopack, a South African company, uses sugar cane waste to create its food packaging products. The company creates takeaway containers, plates, cups, and bowls using bagasse. The products are biodegradable and compostable and are the best alternative for styrofoam and plastic packaging. Bagasse is the dry pulp left over from sugar cane after the sugar has been extracted. It takes four weeks for the packaging to break down.
Bio-plastic made from avocado pits
Mexico-based company Biofase founder Scott Munguia is a biochemical engineer who discovered a molecular compound within an avocado pit. He then removed it, obtaining a biopolymer that could be moulded into any shape. Biofase produces straws, cutlery and crockery which are all biodegradable. As Mexico is the largest producer of avocados, sourcing the materials for these is easy and sustainable. Biofase uses 15 tons of avocado pits per day for its bioplastic production. For more information on Biofast, read From avocado pits to sustainable straws.
Dissolvable bio-plastic bags
Biogreen is India’s first biotechnology company that produces 100% compostable and biodegradable products. All of the products Biogreen creates are made from natural starch, vegetable waste and other organic matter. The products are 100% plastic-free and are not toxic or harmful to wildlife and plants. The product offering includes dissolvable bio bags, grocery bag rolls, garbage bags, film and laminate rolls, tableware, water bottles, standup pouches, cups, straws, and more. These items are geared toward lessening consumers’ carbon footprints by reducing the dependency on petroleum-based plastic. For more information on Biogreen, read India’s dissolvable bio-plastic bag.
Image source: Twitter @OohoWater
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