Eco friendly plastic explained.

Plastic is the antithesis of everything “Eco Friendly”, however in recent times we have seen the advent of natural based plastic options that now allow companies to use plastic in their product marketing campaigns and still tick the “Eco Friendly” box.

Why is the development of Eco Friendly plastic alternatives important ? Every year, humanity generates almost its own collective body weight in plastic waste.  Up to 13 million tonnes of this pollution enters the oceans, finding its way into our food chain and tap water.  [1]

Let’s explore what eco friendly plastic options exist and the 8 Eco Friendly plastic products you should consider  using now.

Wheat Straw Plastic 
Wheat straw is what is leftover once wheat is harvested and using it in plastic production is an ideal zero-waste option. Traditionally this waste by-product is burnt and causes air pollution. The plastic is created  by breaking down the cellulose contained in the wheat straw, which ultimately produces a natural polymer, unlike traditional plastic which is made from artificial polymers.
Wheat straw is 100% Bio-degradable, it will take 3-6 months to compost in a home combust and it is renewable and sustainable. It can also be recycled and remade into other products again and again. Wheat straw requires significantly less energy to produce and hence produces less Co2 gas emission. [2]
Key features which make it suitable to kitchen based products are being heat resistant to 100  degrees celsius, microwave safe up to 2 minutes, food safe and aesthetically it presents a  natural unique appearance.

Rice Husk 
Similarly rice husk is a waste product of silica, rice husk ash is considered to be one of the most promising and environmentally friendly sources for the production of silicon-based materials.
100% Biodegradable material, heat resistant to 120 degrees celsius. BPA Free, food safe, microwave safe up to 2 minutes, like wheat straw it produces a trendy and natural looking product. [3]

Eco Plastic as a Promotional Marketing Product:
Eco friendly plastic is now offered as an alternative option to many existing plastic promotional products that are traditionally used by companies as branded merchandise.

I explore the 8 best Eco Friendly plastic promotional products you should be using to promote your brand here.

Sources:

1. World Economic Forum
2. keepingourplanetalive.ca 
3. ecosoulife.com/material/rice-husk/