Here at No Foam Chicago, we are obsessed with finding new materials to replace the nasty “Styrofoam” clamshells. Perhaps some of our supporters are already familiar with items such as bagasse (sugar cane) or bamboo; alternative materials such as these do not contain petroleum based products like “Styrofoam” does and they break down much faster. They do not leach chemicals and toxins into food, nor are they linked with cancer-causing agents, like “Styrofoam” is.
While there are already many excellent alternative options out there, we must constantly pay homage to the individuals and think tanks across the country (indeed across the world) that continuously develop new strategies.
This video from TED describes how fungus can be turned into packaging materials. There are extreme implications for such a product, especially since it is an actual living material. If living containers, packaging, and home insulation sounds space age to you, check out this video!! It also discusses the horrors of “Styrofoam”.
http://www.ted.com/talks/eben_bayer_are_mushrooms_the_new_plastic.html
Another idea involves mimicking ants. Yes, you heard that correctly. Insects. This "Inhabitat" article describes how the animals’ many virtues, such as a tough exoskeleton, can be harnessed by designers and used as inspiration for packaging!
http://inhabitat.com/2010/10/01/packaging-the-future-inspiration-from-ants/
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