Four companies, four unique approaches to sustainable product development
Company Ecovative Design
Product EcoCradle
In 2007 two graduates set up Ecovative Design, a bio-materials company in New York, to revolutionise the way materials are made. Its EcoCradle packaging follows the ‘cradle to cradle’ principles.
Facts:
- EcoCradle packaging is literally grown (not manufactured) from agricultural byproducts
- It is grown in the dark producing miles of tiny white fibres in just seven days
- Low embodied energy production
- A filamentous fungi bonds the packaging into almost any shape
- Current production facility is powered by hydroelectricity with zero carbon emissions
- Manufacture regionally to minimise the transportation of raw and finished materials
- 100% biodegradeable and compostable
- EcoCradle offers the same protection as expanded polystyrene
Company Hulger
Product Plumen 001
London-based electronics brand Hulger collaborated with designer Sam Wilkinson to create a low energy light bulb. The aim was to create an ecological product that had style and presence. The light bulb was recently named Brit Insurance Design of the Year.
Facts:
- Uses 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Lifetime of eight years
- 11 Watt (equivalent to a 60 Watt incandescent bulb)
- 680 Lumen
- Screw cap
- Colour temperature 27ook (warm white light)
- Materials include glass and a small amount of plastic
- The use of mercury helps to reduce the impact of the bulbs in land-fill sites
Company Sprig Toys
Product Eco-friendly children’s toys
After witnessing the harmful environmental impacts of the toy manufacturing process in China, three toy designers set up Sprig Toys in Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2007 with the aim of making truly green toys that inspire and engage children in active, imaginative play. The company uses recycled materials whenever possible and manufactures its products in Europe and North America to reduce its carbon footprint.
Facts:
- Sprig produces battery-free and paint-free toys
- The toys are made from Sprigwood, a proprietary bio-composite of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic
- Material is injection moulded
- Power comes from an on-board generator
- No instruction leaflets included with packaging – all instructions printed on the recycled, paper packaging
Company thinksound
Product Rain earphones
thinksound began with a simple goal; to create incredible sounding headphones with the smallest eco-footprint possible. Its headphones are made with real wood, creating a more natural resonance and unparalleled acoustics.
Facts:
- Wood is from renewable sources
- Packaging is made from recycled materials
- Bleach-free packaging materials
- Smaller packaging size
- Elimination of plastic bubble insert
- Cotton carrying pouch is sewn from renewable sources
- PVC-free cables
Four companies, four unique approaches to sustainable product development
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