Circular Gastro System
Our Gastro Circular System is a series of foodware products for closed-loop events, coffee shops and restaurants made from 100% biobased and biodegradable biopolymer blends. The foodware set offers a circular durable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastic cups and bowls for various events. The project merges material science and circular design to bring biomaterials to practice in collaboration with various stakeholders to close the loop.
Despite global strategies for the elimination of disposable synthetic plastic products, their use, especially at mass events, is still significantly evident. In the UK, 100 million+ plastic cups are used every year in festivals and live events, most of which are sent to landfill.
Our Circular Gastro System (CGS) project has several layers which we are working on simultaneously to propose a more systematic design-driven approach to the problem beyond the single implementation of bioplastic materials to the product.
Significantly better material / To develop the material that fulfills all criteria for products used in the gastro industry, was our most difficult challenge. Last year we have finally obtained food contact certification and created our first proof-of-concept foodware product series. Our material is based on a unique biobased material blend. It's durable, withstand temperatures over 100°C and can be used and recycled multiple times before it turns into natural CO2.
Our Circular Gastro System (CGS) project has several layers which we are working on simultaneously to propose a more systematic design-driven approach to the problem beyond the single implementation of bioplastic materials to the product.
Significantly better material / To develop the material that fulfills all criteria for products used in the gastro industry, was our most difficult challenge. Last year we have finally obtained food contact certification and created our first proof-of-concept foodware product series. Our material is based on a unique biobased material blend. It's durable, withstand temperatures over 100°C and can be used and recycled multiple times before it turns into natural CO2.
In crafting plastics! studio, we believe that design-driven biodesign projects can have great positive impact. However, in our experience, many new eco products are often looking at one side od the problem. Based on several years of research, we understand the need for complex an holistic approach. To replace the fossil fuel based material with a better alternative is simply not enough. We can do way more.
CGS is a collaborative, long-term project between material scientists, circular designers, experts on circular economy, event oragnizers, but also people working in waste management. Besite the product itself, we are creating the strategy how to test the closed loops systems on events in Bratislava. This will help us understand, optimize and create the loop for the materials, products and consumers.
Our pilot series of product is planned to be tested by the end of the year on several Christmas markets in the slovakian cities. We hope that eventually we will be able not just offer this solution for other festivals but also create a guidelines for other small or bigger closed loop events for festivals, cities and municipalities.