# Potato-Based Pens The DBA Pen by Harbec Plastics is Biodegradable By Meghan Young | Published 2010-03-11 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dba-pen References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2010/03/picsthe-disposable-pen-thats-made-from-potatoes.html) & [harbec](http://www.harbec.com/) I feel that the DBA Pen proves that soon, very soon, everything I touch will be [biodegradable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese). I can't wait for that promising future filled with [environmentally friendly products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus). Created in Ontario by Harbec Plastics, the DBA Pen is "made out of a [bio-plastic derived from non-GMO potatoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-packaging-concept)," according to Psfk.com. The DBA Pen is even made via eco-conscious methods: Harbec Plastics employs wind turbines as well as energy-efficient equipment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Biodegradable Products:** The DBA Pen exemplifies the growing trend of biodegradable products, offering opportunities for innovators to develop more sustainable alternatives across industries. - **Bio-plastics:** The use of bio-plastics derived from non-GMO potatoes in the DBA Pen highlights the trend towards exploring renewable and eco-friendly materials, presenting opportunities for further development and applications. - **Environmentally Conscious Manufacturing:** Harbec Plastics' use of wind turbines and energy-efficient equipment in producing the DBA Pen reflects the trend of integrating sustainable practices into manufacturing processes, indicating potential for disruption in the manufacturing industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Stationery and Writing Instruments:** The DBA Pen's biodegradable nature presents opportunities for the stationery and writing instruments industry to adopt more sustainable materials and practices. - **Packaging and Plastics:** The trend of bio-plastics, as demonstrated by the DBA Pen, offers disruptive innovation opportunities for the packaging and plastics industry to reduce its environmental impact. - **Renewable Energy and Manufacturing:** Harbec Plastics' use of wind turbines and energy-efficient equipment in producing the DBA Pen showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the renewable energy and manufacturing sectors by integrating sustainable practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Friendly Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sprout-worlds-plantable-pencils.md) - [Clothespin-Inspired Mechanical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pentapa.md) - [Sustainable Decomposing Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rootmaker.md) - [Kid-Friendly Biobased Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biobased-tableware.md) - [Carbon-Neutral Stationery Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabercastells.md) - [Woven Bamboo Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-weave-pens.md) - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-pen.md) - [Sustainability-Focused Biodegradable Vaporizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-vaporizer.md) - [Unique Writing Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphite-paintbrush-writing-instrument.md)