Fade away

The latest in biodegradable design Home electronics company Pioneer remains true to its name as it develops a biodegradable DVD. It’s made from corn-based starch, and once the disc is mass-produced the company expects it to be much less expensive to make than the current polycarbonate DVD. Might it be the ideal solution for those box office flops? Someone who should perhaps get in touch with the Japanese giant is Hemp Plastics, who produce a 100% biodegradable DVD case. Apparently inspired by the fact that parts of the 1915 Model T Ford were made from wheat gluten resin, the American company is developing a whole range of bioplastic products. Their first cannabis-based musical instrument? A didgeridoo. Back home, the National Trust has created a biodegradable delivery box for selling lamb direct from its farm on the slopes of Snowdon. Meat couriered from Hafod-y-Llan arrives in a box made from recycled and sustainably sourced card and biodegradable plastic film. What could be more appropriate to keep the lamb fresh than the box’s wool lining, gathered from three different types of sheep? Even better, the box comes with a leaflet suggesting second uses for the padding - ranging from a garden kneeler to pipe insulation. - Hannah Bullock

27 January 2005

Hannah Bullock