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Spotted: Although restaurants and bars have started opening again after the lockdowns, people are still unwilling to return in large numbers. As a result, restaurants are increasingly relying on takeaway and delivery services to make ends meet. This, in turn, has led to a new problem – an increase in the use of disposable plastic takeaway containers. London-based design studio PriestmanGoode hopes to help reduce this, with a range of takeaway containers. The range, called Zero, is made entirely from natural materials.

The bento-like containers are designed to be used for a wide range of foods. The containers are made of bioplastic derived from by-products of the cacao industry. A mycelium-based product provides insulation and the bag is made of Nuatan, a material made from corn-starch, sugar and waste cooking oil, which can withstand high temperatures. The handles are made from a plant-based, natural rubber material and the lid is made from cellulose fibres extracted from pineapple leaves.

In addition to being made from all-natural and fully recyclable materials, the Zero set is also designed to be attractive, so that people want to use it. The bento box design of the containers instantly halves the amount of packaging required, by removing the need for lids.

Jo Rowan, Associate Director of Strategy at PriestmanGoode explains the thinking behind the design: “We wanted to re-think food delivery and takeaway in a bid to minimise the environmental impact of convenience culture […] We began this project […] with a goal to design takeaway packaging as a desirable object; create something that customers would value and that would lead to positive changes in behaviour. This has become even more important now, as there has been a rise in at-home dining”.

At Springwise, we have seen a large increase in the range of circular packaging solutions. These include many innovative uses of bio-materials, such as edible coffee cups for airplanes and reusable and universal metal takeaway containers.

Written By: Lisa Magloff

Explore more: Food & Drink Innovations | Sustainability Innovations