Biofoam is a new product based on sugar cane that takes the place of polystyrene, often referred to as styrofoam. Once used, BioFoam can be remolded to form new products or completely biodegraded without chemical waste; the company also says that the BioFoam may be able to replace expanded polystyrene building materials.
Synbra Technology of Etten-Leur, The Netherlands makes BioFoam Expandable Polylactic acid (PLA). Biofoam has received Cradle to Cradle certification.
Implications - Consumers are actively finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint. As such, corporations that promote themselves as eco-conscious will likely be in good standing with consumers more so than companies that are less environmentally concerned.
Eco Styrofoam Replacements
Cradle to Cradle Certified BioFoam for Greener Packaging
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Packaging - Opportunity for companies to develop eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials like styrofoam, such as BioFoam made from sugar cane.
2. Circular Economy - Potential for businesses to adopt a cradle-to-cradle approach by using materials like BioFoam that can be remolded or biodegraded without generating chemical waste.
3. Green Building Materials - BioFoam could disrupt the market for expanded polystyrene building materials by offering a more sustainable alternative.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - Companies in the packaging industry can explore opportunities to create sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions like BioFoam.
2. Chemical - Chemical companies can investigate the production of bio-based materials like BioFoam to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious products.
3. Construction - Construction companies can embrace BioFoam as an environmentally-friendly choice for building materials, potentially replacing polystyrene.