OrganoClick's Green Chemistry To Slim, Trim, And Detoxify Packaging
by April Streeter, Gothenburg, Sweden on 04. 7.08
Product packaging peeves - we've all got 'em. Why must new earphones come swathed in a pound of impenetrable hard plastic? Why do we think we can "recycle" multi-material Tetra-Pak packages? (Only about 15 % of Tetra-Paks actually get their paperboard content reused - 70% in Germany). And what good is biodegradable packaging if it's covered with non-biodegradable sticky labels?
These are the type of big questions the scientists at OrganoClick have also grappled with. Using a process called click chemistry (hence the "Click" in the name), Jonas Hafren and Amando Cordova have created a new way to add useful qualities - waterproofing, non-wrinkling, bacteria-fighting - to any cellulosic material such as paper, cotton or wood, using only natural, non-synthetic compounds...such as linseed oil. The first products using the OrganicClick technology won't show up until next year, but they'll be biggies - water-resistant cloth without the polyurethanes, waterproof paper sans the petroleum-based waxes. And perhaps even a Tetra-Pak-style package that can lose its polyethene laminate. Via ::OrganoClick
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I have good news for you! Cartons are recyclable. In fact they are widely recyclable across the UK & Ireland. If you want to find out where you can recycle, just visit www.tetrpakrecycling.co.uk
If you click on the following page, you can even see how simple it is to recycle them! http://www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk/recycle_more.asp
The unique structure of the carton allows it to do exactly what it needs to do. Protects the contents within to avoid food waste - which has a greater environmental impact than efficient packaging.
1) The paperboard (over 70% of the package) gives it its structure and strength. It also keeps out harmful light
2) The plastic keeps it liquid proof
3) For your long-life cartons - the aluminium keeps out the air so that you can keep your product for up to a year without the need for preservatives or refrigeration!
Hope this helps!