#biodegradable food container

[ecolatess]

Government Policies Boosting the Adoption of Biodegradable Plates in India

Introduction

India is experiencing a significant shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly products, with biodegradable plates emerging as a viable alternative to traditional disposable options. A major driving force behind this transformation is the introduction of robust government policies aimed at curbing plastic waste and encouraging the use of environmentally sustainable materials. This blog explores the key policies and their impact on the adoption of biodegradable plates in India.

1. The Ban on Single-Use Plastics

In 2022, India implemented a nationwide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) to combat the growing menace of plastic pollution. This policy prohibits the manufacture, sale, and use of several disposable plastic products, including plates and cutlery. For wholesale suppliers in India, this has created an urgent need to pivot towards biodegradable plates made from materials such as bagasse, areca palm leaves, and cornstarch. The ban has significantly boosted the demand for sustainable alternatives in both domestic and export markets.

2. Incentives for Sustainable Manufacturing

To encourage the production of eco-friendly products, the Indian government offers various incentives and subsidies to manufacturers and suppliers of biodegradable materials. Programs under the Make in India initiative aim to promote local production of biodegradable plates, reducing dependency on imports and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These incentives lower production costs, making biodegradable products more competitive in the wholesale market.

3. Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

The EPR framework, part of India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, holds producers accountable for managing the waste generated by their products. This policy encourages businesses to switch to sustainable materials to meet compliance standards. For wholesale suppliers, this translates into an increased market for biodegradable plates, as businesses look to replace plastic disposables with eco-friendly options to fulfill their EPR obligations.

4. Awareness Campaigns Promoting Eco-Friendly Products

The Indian government has launched several awareness campaigns, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), to educate citizens and businesses about the benefits of sustainable living. These campaigns emphasize the importance of switching to biodegradable alternatives like biodegradable plates. Increased consumer awareness has further driven demand, compelling wholesalers to stock up on these environmentally friendly products.

5. Support for Export-Oriented Units

India has positioned itself as a global supplier of biodegradable products, including plates. Government policies that support export-oriented units (EOUs) provide tax benefits and ease of doing business for manufacturers and suppliers. This has opened up new opportunities for wholesale suppliers to cater to international markets while benefiting from government-backed initiatives.

6. The Role of State Governments

Several state governments in India have introduced their own policies and bans on plastics, reinforcing the national movement toward sustainability. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have been pioneers in promoting the use of biodegradable plates, offering subsidies to local manufacturers and retailers. These state-level efforts complement central policies, creating a unified push for sustainable alternatives across the country.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Biodegradable Plates

Government policies have played a pivotal role in fostering the adoption of biodegradable plates in India. From bans on single-use plastics to incentives for sustainable manufacturing, these initiatives have created a thriving market for eco-friendly products. For wholesale suppliers, this presents an opportunity to meet the growing demand for biodegradable plates while contributing to India’s sustainability goals. By aligning with these policies, wholesalers can secure a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market.

Wholesalers can thrive in this landscape by staying informed about regulatory changes and embracing sustainable practices. Together, these efforts are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable India.

[packagingbypolymer]

Why Disposable Food Containers Are a Game-Changer for Event Planners

If you’re an event organiser, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of choosing between cost-effective disposable containers and sustainable tableware. It may often be difficult to obtain the perfect catering business packaging materials, as you are already aware. It is important to figure out how to serve delicious food without sacrificing the environmental effect of our catering selections. One great way to make your events more entertaining and environmentally responsible is to use disposable food containers in the UK.

The proper caterer packaging materials can ensure client satisfaction besides hastening operations, whether hosting a birthday or organising a public event. The secret to ensuring that you have access to top-quality disposable food products that meet specific requirements is finding the right source.

To find out more about the different benefits of having disposable food containers for events, scroll down!

A Quick Overview of Disposable Food Containers:

Disposable food products are a type of single-use food packaging to store and serve food. Food containers are the term used to describe several materials utilised in commercial kitchens and food service facilities. They are available in paper, foam, plastic, and even some biodegradable materials. Paper and bamboo disposable food containers can be an important way for businesses to minimise their effects on the environment.

Benefits of Using Disposable Food Containers for Events:

The food business has seen a rise in the use of disposable supplies because of their usefulness and affordability. The unexpected benefits of using disposable caterer packaging materials are explained here.

Efficiency and Hassle-Free Cleaning:

In a high-pressure environment, like a busting event, every second counts, and having easy access helps your workflow. The greatest convenience that disposable catering packaging supplies offer is the main advantage of using them for your event. These containers minimise the need to wash and rinse after use, minimising preparation time and labour. Hence, it is an excellent choice to remain ahead in the market with faster turnaround times, decreased labour costs, improved productivity, and smooth functioning. The stackable design of containers helps optimise the available storage space so that all the meals you have planned are organised.

Safe Serving Solution:

People's safety and hygiene are especially crucial during occasions where maintaining appropriate sanitation is important. Using disposable food packaging materials at your events is a hygienic way to serve food and drinks. Disposable food containers arrive right out of the box, providing a healthy and safe surface for meal preparation, in contrast to ordinary kitchenware that has unseen flaws. 

Custom Tableware Solutions:

Food packaging supplies are thus important when planning an event as you tailor the table setting for the occasion. Disposable food containers have evolved a lot in design and aesthetics. From elegant plates and sparkling cups to vibrant tableware, aesthetic supplies abound that can match the theme of your event.

Many suppliers also provide disposable food containers that can be imprinted with your logo, tagline, or brand message. This can help you enhance the visibility of your brand in such events because it creates a pleasurable ambiance that develops a tourist's experience as a whole.

Budget-Friendly Catering Options:

It can be costly to host an event, particularly when premium plates, dishes and glasses are included. These things need to be preserved, stored properly, and replaced at a high expense. Disposable catering packaging materials for events provide a variety of financial advantages for businesses, particularly for large gatherings. These materials are frequently produced at a lesser cost than glass or metal. Additionally, they only needed to be used once, which reduced the need for frequent washing and saved water and energy. However, some disposable containers are made with quantity control in mind. It will assist your event planning firm in ensuring that the ingredients of each service are constant in size. The money saved can be used for other elements of the event, such as the venue and decorations.

Hassle-Free Disposable Options:

Traditional kitchenware items run the risk of being lost or broken by accident. It's possible that fragile glassware or priceless dishes cannot handle the busy atmosphere of an event. Disposable food packaging materials, however, remove this worry. Your guests may enjoy the event in comfort without worrying about damaging the goods they are buying.

How to Pick the Best Disposable Food Containers:

Disposable food containers have become a necessary component of our hectic lives in the current fight for sustainable living. To acquire the greatest ones, follow these steps. 

Food type: Decide what type of food you want to serve at your event. For example, disposable food packaging boxes may be an excellent choice if they are easily stored. They also make it easy to serve individual quantities to each visitor.

Select the appropriate vendor: Prioritise sustainability and quality by researching and selecting the top disposable food containers available in the UK. By doing this, you may locate a perfect provider who supports environmental responsibility and meets your demands.

Finding durability: Packaging supplies for catering should be constructed from solid components. If you want to offer food that will be reheated or stored, the items' durability will be a better option.

Sustainable catering with comfort is the soul of event planning. Disposable food containers change the way of carrying and storing meals. With many benefits ranging from convenience to cost effectiveness, food packaging supplies have occupied a prominent position in the food service business.

Do you want the best disposable food containers in the UK? Look no further than Packaging By Polymer, offering a great range of study food packaging supplies to suit your needs. With excellent-quality catering packaging supplies, ensure that your food products remain fresh and fresh at very affordable prices.

[awesomeifidosaysomyself]

call me a radical but actually i think that having a phone shouldn't be a requirement to get food at any university location

[greenwichpackaging]

Eco-Friendly Bagasse Clamshell Lunch Box – Premium Quality

Discover the eco-friendly solution for your takeout needs with Greenwich Packaging's Premium Bagasse Clamshell Lunch Box. Made from sustainable bagasse, these 5x7 inch boxes are designed for durability and convenience, perfect for restaurants, catering services, and meal prep. Each pack contains 50 clamshells, ideal for serving a variety of dishes while minimizing your carbon footprint. The compostable material ensures a greener option without sacrificing quality or performance. Choose our premium lunch boxes for an eco-conscious choice that supports a sustainable future. Elevate your packaging today!

[packatechnologys]

CPLA Biodegradable Food Packing Container Lid

CPLA is the product of ordinary PLA after high temperature crystallization, CPLA not only has the characteristics of ordinary PLA, but also has a temperature resistance up to 120 degrees. so it's an ideal product which is used for hot food packaging, also it'smicrowaveable.

Company Name:Zhongkai Packaging Technology (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd. Web:https://www.goodmaxcn.com/product/biodegradable-packaging-containers/cpla-biodegradable-food-packing-container-lid.html ADD:No.15 Wenlan Rd, Jianshan New District, Huangwan Town, Haining, Zhejiang, China Phone:86-13067533388 Email:manager@goodmaxcn.com Tip:314415 Profile:The products cover food packaging, electronic packaging, medical device packaging, etc., and have more than 20 patents, which are exported to dozens of countries such as the United States, Japan, Singapore, Chile, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.

[foodpackagingdirect]

5 reasons to choose cardboard food packaging for your company

Nowadays, when the environmental sustainability is in the spotlight, industries are looking for eco-friendly materials for their packaging processes. The plastic food containers are being replaced by an alternative coming into the limelight which is cardboard takeaway boxes. Let’s get into the reasons why these cardboard boxes for food are increasingly becoming the favourites choice for disposable container around the UK.

Eco-Friendly Option:

The cardboard boxes, which serve as food containers, are made from renewable materials, reason for its being good for the planet. Different from the plastic containers, the cardboards are biodegradable and so, they can decompose naturally. This in turn helps to environmental saving and ultimately reduces the amount of waste produced.

Versatility in Design:

The cardboard takeaway containers can be found in different designs and dimensions and they are determined by the food types and purposes of the service. No matter whether you require boxes to deliver a sandwich, salad, or a full hot meal, you will always have a suitable cardboard takeaway box for all these options. To add to that, these containers can be created in variations with the option to incorporate brand logos or designs which would further help you create a unique company image.

Cost-Effective Solution:

Using cardboard to pack food can help businesses in the end as it is a cost-effective choice. Compared to other food packaging materials, such as plastic takeaway containers or aluminium food container, cardboard is relatively inexpensive. Additionally, many suppliers offer a bulk discounts or wholesale prices for cardboard takeaway boxes allowing businesses to save on Food packaging expenses without compromising on quality.

Convenient and Practical:

Cardboard food containers offer a convenient solution for both businesses and customers. They are light in weight and can easily be handle. This kind of packaging becomes the best choice for take away and food delivery. Their strong construction makes sure that the food doesn’t get leaked during transportation which helps to minimize the risks of getting leaks. Moreover, cardboard takeaway boxes can be easily stacked, optimizing storage space in kitchens or delivery vehicles.

Meeting Customer Expectations:

In the present time, environmentally friendly consumption decision is one of the factors that is considered more and more. With the customers’ awareness and expectation of sustainable practices, businesses can easily involve biodegradable food packaging such as cardboard containers in their plan information to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. Providing various eco-friendly packing solutions will also enable you to reach environmentally friendly customers and in fact raise your brand commitment.

In conclusion, cardboard food containers are becoming a green sustainable and relevant option for businesses in the food industry. Eco-friendly and versatile in design with convenience and cost efficiency at same time, along with customer expectation meeting features, cardboard takeaway boxes are revolutionizing the methods of packing and serving food. With increasing numbers of companies translating into green economy cardboard food containers will shape the face of the food packaging industry.

To explore the variety of cardboard food containers and other biodegradable food packing materials available, check out Food Packaging Direct.

[jcmarchi]

5 Futuristic Food Technologies Shaping Healthy Eating Habits - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/5-futuristic-food-technologies-shaping-healthy-eating-habits-technology-org/

5 Futuristic Food Technologies Shaping Healthy Eating Habits - Technology Org

Imagine biting into a future where technology and nutrition intertwine to redefine what lands on your plate. Across the globe, innovators are cooking up futuristic food technologies that not only promise to bolster your health but also safeguard our precious planet in the long term. 

Two hot dogs on a plate – illustrative photo. Image credit: Ivy Farm via Unsplash, free license

From lab-grown meats that curb the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming to fine-tuned smart kitchen appliances—these advancements offer tantalizing prospects. Let’s explore how vertical farming, personalized nutrition platforms, and biodegradable packaging could change the very fabric of our eating habits, serving up a feast for both body and earth.

5 Futuristic Food Technologies Shaping Healthy Eating Habits

Dive into the world of culinary innovation with these 5 food technologies that are reshaping our approach to healthy eating. Embrace a future where sustainability is at the forefront.

1. Personalized Nutrition Platforms

Welcome to the future of eating well, where apps are transforming the landscape of dietary management. Picture a digital companion that learns your likes, dislikes, and health goals. It’s like having a pocket-sized nutritionist at your service around the clock. 

These platforms track your food intake, monitor your nutrient levels, and recommend meals tailored just for you. They may suggest a high-fiber breakfast if you need to improve digestion or devise Omega-3-rich diets if you’re aiming for better heart health. 

But it’s more than meal plans; these systems can connect with grocery stores to order ingredients or even adjust recipes based on what’s seasonally available. This personal touch ensures that not only do you eat well but also do so sustainably and enjoyably.

2. Smart Kitchen Appliances

In your quest to lead a healthier lifestyle, smart kitchen appliances are becoming indispensable allies. Picture this: appliances that can sync with your fitness tracker and suggest a recovery smoothie or adjust cooking times for the Factor 75 meal kit recipes you’ve been eager to try. 

These intelligent machines are revolutionizing meal prep by ensuring you use the exact amount of ingredients needed, cutting back on waste while enhancing nutritional intake. An oven that preheats itself while you’re still wrapping up your workout or a refrigerator that reminds you to consume produce before it spoils isn’t just convenient; it’s transformative for healthy habits.

3. Lab-Grown Meats

The innovation of lab-grown meats marks a new horizon in sustainable and healthy eating practices. Here’s why this technology is worth watching:

Reduced Environmental Impact: Cultivating meat in a lab setting decreases the overall strain on environmental resources compared to traditional livestock farming methods.

Health Benefits: As these meats can be engineered in controlled environments, there is an opportunity to optimize their nutritional content by reducing unhealthy fats or eliminating antibiotics and growth hormones often found in conventional meat.

Animal Welfare: Embracing lab-grown meats means fewer animals are raised for slaughter, aligning your dietary choices with ethical consumption patterns.

Though still in its initial stages, lab-grown meat promises a future where enjoying a juicy steak can come without the side order of ecological guilt or health concerns. It offers a way forward where technology meets tradition on your dinner plate.

4. Vertical Farming

Vertical farming is sprouting up as a groundbreaking way to approach agriculture, especially in urban environments where space is at a premium. Here’s how it can shape your eating habits:

Space Efficiency: By growing crops in stacked layers indoors, you dramatically reduce the footprint needed for farming. Think of a high rise but for your food.

Resource Conservation: These farms often use hydroponic systems that recycle water and nutrients, meaning less waste and lower water usage.

Optimal Nutrient Content: Since vertical farms can control variables like light and temperature perfectly, the produce they yield is not only fresher but potentially richer in nutrients. It’s a simple equation: fresher food equals healthier meals on your table.

By supporting food grown through vertical farming, you’re biting into crisp greens and also taking a bite out of unnecessary resource use—the taste of sustainability never felt so good!

5. Biodegradable Packaging

In an era where sustainability is as crucial as nutrition, biodegradable packaging is becoming a key component of healthy eating. You now have the power to protect your health and the planet simultaneously with innovative containers that can break down quickly after use. 

Companies are turning to natural sources like cornstarch, mushroom roots, and seaweed to craft packaging materials that you might table after snacking, watching them decompose or even adding them to your compost bin. This shift will help combat plastic pollution. 

As more consumers embrace this green evolution, expect to see an array of environmentally friendly options showing up in supermarkets, silently championing the earth’s well-being.

In Conclusion…

Ready to be part of the food revolution? Embrace the innovations that could transform your kitchen, plate, and lifestyle for the better. Your choices matter—both for your health and our planet. The future of food is in your hands; start shaping it today by exploring these exciting technologies. Let’s eat our way to a healthier tomorrow!

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[packwaresblog]

Biodegradable Food Containers: A Step Towards Plastic-Free Oceans

Biodegradable, eco friendly food containers, on the other hand, are made from organic materials that can naturally decompose over time. These bio containers break down into non-toxic components through biological processes, which do not harm the environment or marine life. 

[ecolatess]

A Guide to Choosing the Best Materials for Disposable Plates in India

Introduction

Disposable plates have become an essential part of the food and catering industry, offering convenience and hygiene for various occasions. With increasing demand, selecting the right material for disposable plates is crucial for wholesalers in India to balance sustainability, cost, and functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help wholesalers choose the best materials for their inventory.

1. Understanding the Market Demand in India

India’s diverse market caters to both traditional and modern needs, making it essential to understand consumer preferences. Eco-conscious consumers often look for biodegradable options, while affordability remains a key factor for others. By identifying target customers—whether they are catering businesses, event planners, or food vendors—wholesalers can better determine which material suits their needs.

2. Popular Materials for Disposable Plates in India

a. Sugarcane Bagasse

Made from the byproduct of sugarcane juice extraction, bagasse is a popular eco-friendly material. These plates are biodegradable, sturdy, and resistant to heat and moisture, making them ideal for both hot and cold foods. Bagasse plates are particularly appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and comply with India’s regulations on plastic use.

b. Areca Palm Leaves

Harvested from naturally fallen areca palm leaves, these plates are 100% natural and compostable. They are durable and aesthetically pleasing, often preferred for traditional events and upscale catering. However, they may cost slightly more than other alternatives, making them suitable for niche markets.

c. Bamboo Fiber

Bamboo fiber plates are lightweight, biodegradable, and highly durable. They are a sustainable alternative to plastic and paper plates, gaining popularity in premium markets. Indian wholesalers can consider bamboo plates for export or high-end buyers within the country.

d. Paper with Biodegradable Coatings

Disposable paper plates with biodegradable coatings are another eco-friendly option. These plates are cost-effective and versatile but may not be as durable as other materials. They are ideal for lightweight, non-greasy foods and cater to budget-conscious buyers.

e. Cornstarch

Cornstarch-based plates are compostable and suitable for single-use purposes. They offer a balance between cost and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for mid-range buyers in the Indian market.

3. Balancing Cost and Sustainability

Wholesalers need to balance affordability and sustainability when selecting materials. While eco-friendly options like bagasse and areca palm may have higher upfront costs, they offer long-term benefits, including compliance with government regulations and appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Bulk purchasing and partnerships with local manufacturers can help reduce costs.

4. Government Policies and Consumer Trends

India’s ban on single-use plastics has accelerated the demand for biodegradable materials. Wholesalers should prioritize materials that align with these regulations to avoid penalties and meet the expectations of an eco-aware customer base. Additionally, focusing on sustainable options enhances brand reputation and opens doors to export opportunities.

5. Final Considerations for Wholesalers

Choosing the right material depends on factors such as target audience, intended use, and market trends. Offering a diverse range of options can help wholesalers cater to varying customer needs while staying competitive. Ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness through reliable suppliers is equally important to build trust and secure repeat business.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Disposable Plates in India

As the demand for disposable plates grows in India, wholesalers have a unique opportunity to lead the market with sustainable materials. By understanding market needs, staying compliant with regulations, and offering a range of quality products, they can position themselves as key players in this evolving industry. Choosing the best materials not only drives profitability but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.

[packagingbypolymer]

Innovative Food Packaging Ideas Every Brand Should Be Aware of

Since food packaging plays an appropriate role in the food industry, trends in food packaging are always changing. Food packaging has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. This is due to the fact that more people are purchasing large amounts of groceries in the flesh or through online delivery services. 

There are now many different types of food packaging and takeaway containers available, such as plastic takeaway containers, biodegradable food containers in bulk, and many more. Modern technology has made a number of environmentally friendly packaging and takeaway options available to the working class.

To stay competitive in the food industry, however, certain packaging trends must be addressed. These are the most important food packaging trends that will be thoroughly examined in this post.

Transparency is Key in Food Packaging:

Nowadays, most consumers will only buy a recently released product if and when it has clear product information. because they wish to be conscious of their diet. Being aware of what is happening in your stomach is perfectly acceptable. Even though the majority of food packaging includes ingredient information, it can be difficult to read the fine print.

On the other hand, consumers will be better equipped to make informed decisions if food packaging uses clean labelling. Clear labelling of the product's ingredients and transparent packaging are essential. Clean labelling can help customers make thoughtful purchases and improve your brand identity.

The Rise of Personalized Food Packaging:

Food packaging now heavily incorporates customisation, which is also one of the biggest trends. Leading brands are now personalising their wholesale plastic takeaway containers with printed names. In fact, it is currently becoming an industry leader.

To increase brand recall and appeal, manual variation could involve using customised bags, boxes, stickers, and even gift tags.

The future of food packaging design and development promises customised packaging that closes the gap between consumer needs and product reality. Consumers expect their food and snacks to meet their individual and ever-changing needs, and innovative packaging design with a personal touch can help brands meet this challenge.

The Shift Towards Eco-Friendly Packaging:

Eco-friendly packaging is one of the most significant packaging trends that will impact the industry in 2025.

From banning the use of plastic bags at supermarkets to replacing plastic straws with paper straws in restaurants,. Many eco-friendly packaging alternatives are making their mark on the market.

Most food packaging companies now use biodegradable food containers instead of plastic. Single-use plastics have also gained popularity as an alternative. Not only has it been shown to be a safer packaging material for use during the pandemic, but it is also a transit-safe plastic takeaway container.

The Demand for Frozen Food Packaging:

Applications for frozen food packaging have been partially integrated into the food packaging sector in particular.

This suggests that there is a significant market for frozen food packaging materials such as skin film, IQF polyethylene, glass, aluminium, flexible bags, lidding films, wax-coated cardboard, shrink film, and high barrier thermoforming film. Cardboard, paperboard, shrink film, skin packs, and other materials are frequently used to package frozen foods.

The Power of Simple and Clean Packaging Designs:

One of the major developments in food packaging design is minimalist design. A small portion of the food packaging sector has shifted from eye-catching and chaotic designs to straightforward labelling and packaging.

In addition to highlighting the product's worth, this packaging trend avoids overpowering consumers with lavish images and artwork. A minimalist and simple design gives the product a new appearance. The food packaging bags appear tidy, clean, uncomplicated, and revitalising. But it also lowers the cost of your production process.

Boost Your Brand with Innovative Packaging:

You can experiment with plastic takeaway containers and food packaging bags as different food packaging trends come and go. You can appeal to potential customers and the target market by doing this with your product packaging. No matter what category of packaging you choose, make sure your food packaging connects to your offline customers online and makes your overall product marketing. Choosing more modern and eco-friendly food packaging services as soon as possible is imperative for food preparation services. In addition to improving customer satisfaction, this would help your business increase sales because modern food packaging services are essential.

Ready to elevate your brand? Discover how our innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions can transform your products and attract more customers.

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Welcome to my Tuesday morning PSA about plastics!

So--I was walking along the Bolstadt beach approach sidewalk here in Long Beach, WA yesterday afternoon, and I started seeing these little orange pellets on the ground that looked a little bit like salmon roe (but probably weren't). So I picked one up, and it was most definitely rubber. I went around picking up every one I could find, and while I didn't keep exact count I probably amassed 50-60 of them. I took this picture before depositing them in the nearest trash can.

These are airsoft gun pellets, and you can buy them in big jars containing thousands of them. That means that someone who decided that the beach was a great place to shoot their airsoft guns could easily litter the place with countless little bits of plastic rubber in less than an hour. We already have a huge problem here with people leaving trash, including tiny bits of plastic, all over the beach (you should see the gigantic mess after 4th of July fireworks when thousands of people come in from out of town, blow things up, and then leave again without picking up after themselves.)

But these airsoft pellets have a particularly nasty side effect. You know how my first thought was "wow, those look kind of like salmon roe?" Well, we have a number of opportunistic omnivore birds like crows, ravens, and several species of gull that commonly scavenge on the beach, especially along the approaches because people often feed them there. If I can catch the resemblance of an orange airsoft pellet to a fish egg, then chances are there are wildlife that will assume they're edible.

Since birds don't chew their food, they probably won't notice that the taste or texture is wrong--it'll just go down the hatch. And since they can't digest the pellets, there's a good chance they might just build up in the bird's digestive system, especially if the bird eats a large number of them--say, fifty or sixty of them dropped on the ground along the same fifty foot stretch of sidewalk. The bird might die of starvation if there's not enough capacity for food in their stomach--or they might just die painfully of an impacted gut, and no way to get help for it. If the pellets end up washed into the ocean, you get the same issue with fish and other marine wildlife eating them, and then of course the pellets eventually breaking up into microplastic particles.

You can get biodegradable airsoft pellets; they appear to mainly be gray or white in color rather than bright screaming orange and green. But "biodegradable" doesn't mean "instantly dissolves the next time it rains." An Amazon listing for Aim Green biodegradable airsoft pellets advertise them as "Our biodegradable BBs are engineered to degrade only with long-term exposure to water and sun and will degrade 180 days after being used." That's half a year for them to be eaten by wildlife.

I don't know, y'all. That handful of carelessly dropped rubber pellets just encapsulates how much people don't factor in the rest of nature when making decisions, even on something that is purely for entertainment like an airsoft gun. We could have had a lot of the same technological advances we have today, but with much less environmental impact, if we had considered the long-term effects on both other people and other living beings, as well as our habitats. We could have found ways from the beginning to make these things in ways that benefited us but also mitigated any harm as much as possible. Instead we're now having to reverse-engineer things we've been using for decades, and sometimes--like the "biodegradable" airsoft pellets--they still have a significant negative impact.

But--at least there are people trying to do things better, thinking ahead instead of just on immediate profit. We're stuck in a heck of a mess here, figuratively and literally, and changing an entire system can't be done in a day. Maybe we can at least keep pushing for a cultural shift that emphasizes planning far into the future--if not the often-cited "seven generations ahead", then at least throughout the potential lifespan of a given product.

[mariacallous]

Imitation caviar invented in the 1930s could provide the solution to plastic pollution, claims Pierre Paslier, CEO of London-based packaging company Notpla. He discovered the cheap food alternative, invented by Unilever and made using seaweed, after quitting his job as a packaging engineer at L’Oréal.

With cofounder and co-CEO Rodrigo García González, Paslier and Notpla have extended the idea, taking a protein made from seaweed and creating packaging for soft drinks, fast food, laundry detergent, and cosmetics, among other things. They’re also branching out into cutlery and paper.

“Seaweed grows quickly and needs no fresh water, land, or fertilizer,” Paslier explains. “It captures carbon and makes the surrounding waters less acidic. Some species of seaweed can grow up to a meter a day.” Best of all, he says, packaging made from seaweed is completely biodegradable because it’s entirely nature-based.

Paslier noted an amazing coincidence—Alexander Parkes invented the first plastic in Hackney Wick, the same part of East London that, 100 years later, Notpla calls home. Since Parkes’ first invention, waste plastic—especially tiny particles known as microplastics, which take hundreds or thousands of years to break down into harmless molecules—has been wreaking havoc in ecosystems across the world.

Plastic pollution is proving especially damaging in the marine environment, where tiny beads of plastic are deadly to the vital microorganisms that make up plankton and which sequester 30 percent of our carbon emissions, “without us having to build any new fancy technologies,” Paslier says.

Notpla’s plans to replace plastic began with a drink container for marathons. This is, in effect, a very large piece of fake caviar—a small pouch that contains juice or water that athletes can pop in their mouths and swallow when they need rehydration. “We wanted to create something that would feel more like fruit; packaging that you could feel comes more from picking something from a tree than off a production line,” he says.

Paslier showed pictures of two postrace streets—one where refueling came in plastic containers and one where it came in edible Notpla. The first was littered with plastic bottles; the second completely waste-free.

The next step was takeout food containers. Even containers we think are cardboard contain plastic, he says, as grease from food would make plain cardboard too soggy. Working with delivery company Just Eat, Notpla has pioneered a replacement for the per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), the so-called “forever chemical” plastics that currently line cardboard takeout containers. It has even found a way to retrofit its solution into the old PFAS plant, so there was no need to build new factories.

The company is developing soluble sachets for detergent pods, ice-cream scoops, and even paper packing for cosmetics. And there’s plenty of seaweed to experiment with, Paslier points out. “You don’t realize it’s already available massively at scale,” he says. “It’s in our toothpaste, it’s in our beer, it’s in our reduced-fat products—so there’s an existing infrastructure that we can work with without having to build any additional processes.”

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Which packaging type for a 12-ounce, single-serve container of orange juice would you choose as the most sustainable option: 1. Aluminum/canned, made with recycled material; 2. Carton, described as biodegradable/compostable; 3. Glass, 100% recyclable; or 4. Plastic, described as biodegradable/compostable? If you were like the U.S. consumers surveyed by food scientists in a University of Massachusetts Amherst study, you'd prefer glass and believe it was the most sustainable choice. And you all would be mistaken. "Glass was the most sought-after and most highly esteemed packaging type," says Nomzamo Dlamini, lead author of the paper recently published in the journal Sustainability. Dlamini, a food science Ph.D. candidate, was a recent visiting Fulbright scholar from the University of Pretoria in South Africa studying in the UMass Amherst lab of senior author Alissa Nolden, assistant professor of food science. "But it turns out, glass is actually among the least sustainable if you look at the whole packaging lifecycle," Dlamini added.

Read more.