The global population is finally realising and considering the way that plastic has trickled into every aspect of our lives. Whether in festival decorations or takeaway containers, everywhere we look there’s plastic that’s being disposed of, by the dozen, every single day. In order to have a positive impact on our environment, here are 5 simple things you can do to help:

1. Pick up your trash
2. Avoid ocean-harming products
3. Get outdoors and support environmental organizations
4. Reduce your carbon footprint
5. Switch to plastic-free alternatives

Consider eliminating your use of single-use plastic and instead, adopt eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Simple things like using reusable grocery bags, glass coffee cups and reusable straws can make a difference long-term. It is important to note that whilst these small changes can reduce plastic waste, these alternatives may also carry their own footprint but to a lesser degree.

We found 3 very exciting materials as an alternative to plastic: Cornstarch, Sugarcane and Wheat.

What is Wheat Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is the starch derived from corn, it is made from the white endosperms found in the centre of a corn kernel. These endosperms are ground into a fine, white powder that is commonly used as a thickening agent.

What is Sugarcane?

Sugar cane is a very versatile plant and is mostly used as a source of sugar and biofuel for vehicles. It is also used by various businesses to produce package alternatives for the packaging industry. Sugarcane has plenty of benefits, ranging from high temperature tolerance, to being biodegradable and highly durable. Therefore, it is a perfect material for packaging products, which in turn makes your business more environmentally-friendly, with less harmful impact on our environment when compared to plastic use.

What are Wheat Fibres?

Wheat fibres are a type of eco-friendly material that has recently been marketed as an alternative to plastic products. These fibres are a by-product of wheat production, therefore it does not involve harmful chemicals. Wheat straws are also otherwise known as ‘Hay”. Moreover, Wheat Fibres are also food grade materials and BPA free.  Which makes it much more appealing for manufacturers to use them to make custom food containers.

Benefits of packaging with these materials

• Renewable: They are renewable resources
• Biodegradable: Compostable in industrial composting facilities and then reintegrated as an agriculture fertilizer. Hence, it is less likely to pollute the environment.
• No toxins: They do not contain harmful chemicals (such as polyvinyl chloride or dioxin) associated in conventional plastic.
• Low carbon production: Much less greenhouse gas emissions produced than conventional plastic production.

What does this mean for your company the next time you use these packaging?

• Attractive Branding: Branded as a socially responsible company.
• Increase Marketability: Able to market the company’s products or services to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.
• Stay Relevant: Keeping up with the latest packaging trends – emphasis on sustainability.
• Improve Visibility: Allow the company’s offerings to stand out from that of competitors who are still sticking with conventional packaging.

In conclusion, we are confident that wheat would make a great alternative to plastic products. Therefore, since plastic is popularly used for food packaging, it serves as a potential solution to reducing carbon footprint and plastic pollution in general.

Every year, approximately 5.25 trillion macro and micro pieces of plastic waste ends up in our oceans. If you are interested in leaving a more positive business footprint, contact us!