We enjoy nothing more than coming across easy-to-implement material alternatives for environmentally harmful products, such as bubble wrap. We’re highlighting four recent inductees from our monthly jury:
Better than Bubblewrap
MC 1069001 / Greenwrap by EcoEnclose is a cellulosic, eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap with similar cushioning and protection properties. This SFI-certified material is biodegradable, compostable, and fully recyclable. Made from paper, collected from waste streams, this packaging material cushions and protects fragile items, similarly to traditional bubble wrap, but without the plastic waste. Applications include packaging for fragile items in cosmetics, housewares, glassware, and electronics.
An Apple a Day
MC 890302 / Apple Paper by Frumat S.r.l. is natural paper with a special hand-feel, made from the pressed residues of apple juice production. Over 400,000 tons of fruit waste accumulate throughout the EU every year. During the production, the cellulosic apple remnants are dried and then further processed into organic paper. This paper is just as durable as conventional natural paper and can be printed and processed just as well. It has a very unique fine structure, offering special haptics. Applications include stationary articles, tissues, and packaging.
You Won’t Believe it’s Not Leather
MC 1027001 / Lignin Rubber and Vegan Leather by LignoPure GbR is a purely plant-derived, high-lignin content elastomeric material bearing a resemblance to leather. The second most common biopolymer in the world, lignin is derived from plants that humans do not eat to replace crude oil in a wide variety of areas. The color of the material has a marble-like appearance due to the mixture of materials. The material can be used as a plant-derived leather substitute but also in many rubber-like applications in footwear, fashion, consumer electronics, and automotive.
100% Recyclable Carpets
MC 946802 / UltraBond by Beaulieu Fibres International is a patented polyolefin bonding staple fiber that eliminates the need for latex or other chemical binders to bond nonwovens, offering the most cost-effective solution for fully recyclable, latex-free needle punched carpets and nonwoven fabrics. It is made of 100% polypropylenes with significant reductions in CO2 emissions and energy (93%) and water consumption. Latex-free carpets, filtration, and other non-woven products such as artificial grass.
