# Biodegradable Styrofoam Alternatives Scientists Develop Sustainable, Popcorn-Based Alternative By Colin Smith | Published 2021-11-19 | Updated 2021-11-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-styrofoam-alternative References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/environment/popcorn-expanded-polystyrene-foam/) & [bachl.de](https://www.bachl.de/)  With the ever-growing need to become eco-friendly, German scientists have developed a biodegradable Styrofoam alternative. Styrofoam is used in countless ways from structure building to [product packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese). The worst part about this is Styrofoam is very far from sustainable. Popcorn is, though, and this was the basis for German scientists to find this [biodegradable alternative](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legufoam). The process involves using very fine corn grains that expand when exposed to pressurized steam. These grains can even be drawn from leftovers from discarded corn production. They are then mixed with a natural bonding agent and pressed into shape. The finished product looks almost identical to Styrofoam, if Styrofoam was made of corn. This material is claimed to be [compostable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beer-biocup) and less flammable than Styrofoam itself, making it a much more preferable alternative. Image Credit: Georg August University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Biodegradable Packaging Trend:** The development of sustainable packaging alternatives using natural and renewable materials like corn creates an opportunity for companies to align with eco-friendly values. - **Circular Economy Trend:** The use of leftover corn material to create eco-friendly packaging materials highlights the potential for a circular economy approach that maximizes resource efficiency. - **Sustainable Materials Trend:** The development of Styrofoam alternatives made from renewable materials opens up opportunities for businesses to explore new sustainable materials for their products and packaging. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food Packaging Industry:** The biodegradable packaging made from corn could disrupt the food packaging industry by providing a more eco-friendly and sustainable alternative. - **Construction Industry:** The development of biodegradable alternatives to Styrofoam could disrupt the construction industry by allowing builders to use more eco-friendly materials in their projects. - **Consumer Electronics Industry:** The trend towards sustainable and compostable materials could disrupt the consumer electronics industry by promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in electronic device manufacturing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Friendly Styrofoam Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/we.md) - [Recyclable Reusable Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gochill-cooler.md) - [3D-Printable Packaging Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material.md) - [Non-Soggy Biodegradable Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lignin.md) - [Alternative Dry Ice Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-custom-packaging.md) - [Bio-Based Paper Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-food-packaging.md) - [Plastic-Free Food Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plasticfree-food-packaging.md) - [Corn Cob-Made Wall Cladding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornwall.md) - [Expanded Polystyrene Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-furniture-pieces.md)