Scientists Develop Sustainable, Popcorn-Based Alternative
Colin Smith — November 22, 2021 — Eco
With the ever-growing need to become eco-friendly, German scientists have developed a biodegradable Styrofoam alternative. Styrofoam is used in countless ways from structure building to product packaging. The worst part about this is Styrofoam is very far from sustainable. Popcorn is, though, and this was the basis for German scientists to find this biodegradable alternative.
The process involves using very fine corn grains that expand when exposed to pressurized steam. These grains can even be drawn from leftovers from discarded corn production. They are then mixed with a natural bonding agent and pressed into shape. The finished product looks almost identical to Styrofoam, if Styrofoam was made of corn. This material is claimed to be compostable and less flammable than Styrofoam itself, making it a much more preferable alternative.
Image Credit: Georg August University
The process involves using very fine corn grains that expand when exposed to pressurized steam. These grains can even be drawn from leftovers from discarded corn production. They are then mixed with a natural bonding agent and pressed into shape. The finished product looks almost identical to Styrofoam, if Styrofoam was made of corn. This material is claimed to be compostable and less flammable than Styrofoam itself, making it a much more preferable alternative.
Image Credit: Georg August University
Trend Themes
1. Biodegradable Packaging Trend - The development of sustainable packaging alternatives using natural and renewable materials like corn creates an opportunity for companies to align with eco-friendly values.
2. Circular Economy Trend - The use of leftover corn material to create eco-friendly packaging materials highlights the potential for a circular economy approach that maximizes resource efficiency.
3. Sustainable Materials Trend - The development of Styrofoam alternatives made from renewable materials opens up opportunities for businesses to explore new sustainable materials for their products and packaging.
Industry Implications
1. Food Packaging Industry - The biodegradable packaging made from corn could disrupt the food packaging industry by providing a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative.
2. Construction Industry - The development of biodegradable alternatives to Styrofoam could disrupt the construction industry by allowing builders to use more eco-friendly materials in their projects.
3. Consumer Electronics Industry - The trend towards sustainable and compostable materials could disrupt the consumer electronics industry by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in electronic device manufacturing.
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