Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London
Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London
Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London Super-Synthetics by Maria Idicula Kurian, London

Is rice starch a sustainable alternative to plastic?

04 : 07 : 2017 Sustainability : Packaging : Design

London – Maria Kurian has re-engineered ecological materials to create alternatives to plastic that only last for as long as they are used.

The manufacturing, processing and disposal of packaging materials such as plastic, thermocol moulds and foams releases harmful toxins that are environmentally damaging. Ironically, most of the synthetic objects that we use for the shortest time, such as plastic drinking cups, are often made from these materials.

‘Objects that we use sometimes for just seconds can take many thousands of years to break down,’ explains Kurian. The Central Saint Martins graduate’s Super-Synthetics project was designed to challenge this wasteful practice of creating short-lived objects from these harmful materials.

Kurian created a plastic cup alternative that disintegrates after 10 minutes of use by layering rice starch. Gelatin was also re-engineered to create a shot glass that is ideal for use in a marathon or medical setting where cups only need to last for a few seconds. More substantial objects such as a pint glass and a water bottle that could potentially last for two days were also made by increasing the number of starch layers in the manufacturing process.

The Big Picture

  • Rethink materials and supply chains from a Whole-system Thinking perspective, taking into account a product’s entire journey
  • Brands need to commit to developing solutions that will have a positive environmental and social impact. For more, download our free Sustainability Summit report
Discover More Daily Signals
Rosewood leans into modern luxury with refreshed brand identity

Daily Signals

Rosewood leans into modern luxury with refreshed brand identity

Luxury hotel group Rosewood is repositioning itself as a lifestyle and cultural leader, with a focus on storytelling and experiential travel.
Luxury : Hospitality : Rosewood
Foresight Friday: Olivia Houghton, insights and engagement director

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Olivia Houghton, insights and engagement director

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, insights and engagement d...
Culture : Beauty : Fashion
Stat: Study shows decline in social media use among younger adults

Daily Signals

Stat: Study shows decline in social media use among younger adults

Adults are spending less time on social media, following a peak three years ago. By the end of 2024, those aged 16 or older were spending an averag...
Media : Technology : Statistic
Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Daily Signals

Ulta Beauty opens UB Marketplace to 100 emerging brands

Ulta Beauty has launched UB Marketplace, a new online platform introducing more than 100 emerging beauty and wellness brands to its website and app...
Beauty : Retail : Ecommerce
Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Daily Signals

Travel platform Curated Spaces is powered by trusted tastemakers

Travel start-up Curated Spaces has launched a booking platform that puts personal style, trusted recommendations and curated experiences at the hea...
Travel : Hospitality : Digital
Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

Daily Signals

Stat: Gen Z women are shaping a new liberal majority in the US

New polling highlights a sharp political gender gap within Gen Z, positioning young women as the most liberal demographic in the US, according to a...
Youth : Politics : Gen Z
Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Daily Signals

Heineken transforms Seoul’s rooftops into social sanctuaries

Heineken is transforming Seoul’s empty rooftops into vibrant social spaces as part of a new campaign combatting urban loneliness and removing barri...
Culture : Drink : Loneliness
Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Daily Signals

Feeling introduces transdermal energy patch to combat daily fatigue

Manchester-based wellness brand Feeling has launched a transdermal energy patch designed to address persistent fatigue in individuals who maintain ...
Health : Wellness : Supplements
Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

Daily Signals

Stat: Gift cards become inflation-era solution for festive shoppers

As inflation continues to put pressure on spending, gift cards are set to dominate this year’s festive period in the US. According to Blackhaw...
Retail : Consumer Spending : Inflation
Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Daily Signals

Yōjō harnesses vagus nerve technology for everyday wellbeing

Yōjō is a new wellness eco-system using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), biofeedback and human coaching to help people calm their bodie...
Health : Wellness : Technology
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN