Revolutionizing Food Packaging: Felix Pöttinger's Biodegradable Innovation

POC: A Sustainable Solution to Food and Plastic Waste

With approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of food waste and 15 million tonnes of food-related plastic waste produced annually, the need for sustainable solutions is more pressing than ever. Felix Pöttinger, a designer committed to addressing these societal threats, has developed POC:, a biodegradable food packaging material designed to extend food durability and reduce waste.

POC: is unique in its composition and functionality. Made from sea grass fiber and a binder extracted from the fiber itself, this innovative material not only integrates seamlessly into industrial processes but also enhances food longevity due to the antibacterial properties of sea grass. The result is a completely biodegradable packaging solution that reduces both food and plastic waste.

The production process of POC: is as sustainable as the material itself. The sea grass fiber, a waste product collected from the beaches of the Mediterranean, is combined with the extracted binder, pressed into a metal mold, and baked until completely dried. This process results in a bio-composite material that is ready for use in food packaging.

POC: is designed to fit into existing food packaging forms, enabling food producers to transition from plastic materials to POC: without the need for new machinery. This ease of integration is a key strength of Pöttinger's design, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices within the food industry.

Despite the challenges faced in finding a suitable binder that would maintain the fiber's beneficial properties, Pöttinger's determination and extensive material research led to the successful creation of POC:. This innovative material has been independently tested and proven to possess good antibacterial and structural properties, making it a viable replacement for plastic food packaging that does not harm the environment.

POC: has been recognized for its innovative and sustainable design, winning the Silver A' Sustainable Products, Projects and Green Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, creativity, and innovation, and POC: certainly fits the bill. With its potential to significantly reduce food and plastic waste, POC: is a testament to the power of design in addressing societal issues.