The Nutshell Cooler uses coconuts as insolation rather than styrofoam. Designed by David Culter and Tamara Mekler, a behavioral biologist, the eco-friendly cooler was invented in the Philippines while the pair visited to study the coconut farming industry.
The inventors quickly realized the potential that lay between the coconut fibers. Its molecular structure is similar to leading plastic foams and wool. Coconut fibers have natural air pockets that provide excellent insolation. The benefit of using coconut husks is the reduction of plastic pollutants. To create the cooler, Cutler and Mekler figured out a way to manufacture the husks into sheets of insulating material. In collaboration with design firm Box Clever, the Nutshell Cooler came into existence.
Image Credit: Cutler and Mekler
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Sustainable Packaging
- Using natural fibers such as coconut husks for packaging is an opportunity for sustainable packaging.
- Circular Economy
- Incorporating materials such as coconut husks into products as insulation presents an opportunity for a circular economy.
- Eco-friendly Alternatives
- Developing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional packaging materials such as styrofoam is an opportunity for innovative product development.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Packaging Industry
- The packaging industry can explore the use of natural fibers such as coconut husks to create sustainable packaging solutions.
- Food and Beverage Industry
- The food and beverage industry can use the Nutshell Cooler or similar eco-friendly coolers to transport products in a sustainable way.
- Sustainability Consulting Industry
- Sustainability consulting firms can work with companies to help them identify and implement eco-friendly alternatives in their packaging and transportation processes.
