As the holiday season brings an influx of gifts being shipped worldwide, the issue of packaging waste becomes more prevalent. With the discarded cardboard boxes and plastic foam cushioning, such as Styrofoam, adding to the problem, researchers have now found a solution. They have developed a cushioning foam from cardboard waste, which is not only stronger but also provides better insulation than traditional plastic foam-based cushioning.
Wastepaper is one of the most common types of trash found in households. From newspapers and junk mail to paperboard envelopes and cardboard boxes, the accumulation of paper waste has increased due to the popularity of internet shopping. Researchers have been exploring ways to convert these containers and paper waste into useful materials, particularly sturdy and lightweight mailing materials.
Presently, molded cushioning materials like Styrofoam are used to secure electronics and toys inside a box. However, sustainable alternatives like lightweight cellulose aerogels require multiple chemical pretreatment steps to be produced from wastepaper. Jinsheng Gou and his colleagues sought to develop a simpler method to create a foam material from wastepaper, capable of withstanding rough deliveries.
To create the foam, the team broke down cardboard scraps in a blender, creating a pulp which was then mixed with either gelatin or polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue. The mixtures were poured into molds, refrigerated, and freeze-dried to form cushioning foams. Both types of paper-based foam exhibited excellent thermal insulation properties and strong energy absorption capacities, surpassing certain plastic foams.
In addition, the researchers created a heavy-duty version of the cardboard-based foam by combining the pulp, gelatin, PVA glue, and a silica-based fluid that hardens under pressure. This version of the foam withstood hammer hits without falling apart, indicating its potential use in force-intensive deliveries, like parachute-free airdrops.
The findings of this study offer a simple and efficient method to upcycle cardboard waste, creating a more environmentally friendly option for packaging materials. By repurposing cardboard into foam cushioning, not only is the waste reduced, but a stronger and better insulating alternative to traditional plastic foam-based cushioning is also provided.
This innovation not only addresses the issue of packaging waste but also aligns with sustainable development goals by promoting a circular economy. Instead of discarding cardboard waste, it is transformed into a valuable material, thereby reducing the environmental impact and promoting responsible consumption and production.
As the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, the demand for packaging materials will only increase. However, by utilizing upcycled materials like cardboard waste, the packaging industry can take a significant step towards becoming more sustainable. This research showcases the potential to transform common waste materials into valuable products, highlighting the importance of innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
