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# Eco Styrofoam Replacements
Cradle to Cradle Certified BioFoam for Greener Packaging

By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-03-14 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biofoam-for-greener-packaging
References: [greenerdesign](http://www.greenerdesign.com/news/2010/01/15/biodegradable-styrofoam-alternative-earns-cradle-cradle-certification) & [biofoam.nl](http://www.biofoam.nl/index.php)

Biofoam is a new product based on [sugar cane](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avantium) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pads); the company also says that the BioFoam may be able to replace [expanded polystyrene building materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mattress-foam).

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.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.1/10
- Popularity: 34% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Sustainable Packaging:** Opportunity for companies to develop eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials like styrofoam, such as BioFoam made from sugar cane.
- **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.
- **Green Building Materials:** BioFoam could disrupt the market for expanded polystyrene building materials by offering a more sustainable alternative.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Packaging:** Companies in the packaging industry can explore opportunities to create sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions like BioFoam.
- **Chemical:** Chemical companies can investigate the production of bio-based materials like BioFoam to meet the growing demand for eco-conscious products.
- **Construction:** Construction companies can embrace BioFoam as an environmentally-friendly choice for building materials, potentially replacing polystyrene.

## 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)
- [Bio-Based Paper Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-food-packaging.md)
- [Expanded Polystyrene Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-furniture-pieces.md)
- [Eco Insulated Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cruz-cool.md)
- [Recycled Thermal Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dufaylite.md)
- [Paper-Wrapped Mattresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthfoam.md)
- [Alternative Dry Ice Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thermal-custom-packaging.md)
- [Sustainable Decomposing Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rootmaker.md)