# Biodegradable USBs Hoshino FD-300 Is Made of Fermented Corn By Ayman | Published 2008-08-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-degradable-usb-hoshino References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/08/hoshino-debuts-biodegradable-fd-300-flash-drive/) & [hoshino.hk](http://www.hoshino.hk/en/product_detail.php?pid=275#) With the ubiquity of USB drives -- which have become almost disposable these days -- it is great to see eco- and environmentally-friendly USB designs begin to surface. The FD-300 by Hoshino is made of polylactide, which uses corn, an annually renewable plant resource s raw material. The corn is first fermented and distillated to produce lactic acid. It is then transformed into PLA through the multiple processes of dehydration polymerization, high-temp depolymerization, refining and polymerization. PLA is very environmentally friendly because it can be easily degraded to carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms in the soil after use. It does not contain toxics that harm to the environment. The USB drive itself is shaped as an ear of corn. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Eco-friendly USB Design:** The trend towards eco-friendly USB designs presents an opportunity for businesses to develop sustainable and biodegradable USB drives. - **Renewable Material:** The use of renewable materials, such as corn, in the production of USB drives opens up innovative possibilities for creating environmentally-friendly technology. - **Biodegradable Technology:** The development of biodegradable USB drives like the FD-300 by Hoshino highlights the growing trend towards creating technology that can easily degrade after use. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology:** The technology industry can explore the production of eco-friendly USB drives using renewable materials, fostering sustainability within the sector. - **Sustainable Packaging:** The development of biodegradable USB drives can also impact the sustainable packaging industry by encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials for products. - **Environmental Conservation:** The trend of creating biodegradable USB drives aligns with the goals of the environmental conservation industry, offering opportunities to promote sustainable technology initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compostable Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecoblvd-mojave-collection.md) - [Sustainability-Focused Biodegradable Vaporizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-vaporizer.md) - [Biodegradable Styrofoam Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-styrofoam-alternative.md) - [Biodegradable Earbud Protectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incipio-organicore.md) - [Icon-Shaped USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folderdrive.md) - [Non-Soggy Biodegradable Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lignin.md) - [Eco-Friendly Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/14-inch-eco-edition.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Compostable Sauce Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-carp-packaging.md)