Eco Lettuce Package: A Multifunctional Food Packaging

A Sustainable Solution for Growing Lettuce at Home

The Eco Lettuce Package was inspired by the natural growth process of lettuce. Leaf-lettuce has the ability to continue growing and producing leaves if regularly watered after trimming. This unique feature sparked the idea of creating a package that would enable people to grow their own lettuce instead of constantly buying vegetables.

What sets the Eco Lettuce Package apart is its multifunctionality. It is not just a package, but also a container for growing lettuce. After consuming the leaves, users can flip the package, add water and nutrition paper through the holes, and grow the trimmed lettuce. Within a few weeks, they can harvest a second batch of good-tasting lettuce. The wrapping paper of the package is made from recycled paper, which also provides plants with essential nutrients.

The Eco Lettuce Package is made from PLA, a plastic substitute derived from fermented plant starch. This material is environmentally friendly and sustainable. The package is manufactured using vacuum forming technology, ensuring its durability and functionality. With a diameter of 170mm and a height of 175mm, it is designed to accommodate the growth of lettuce plants.

The concept behind the Eco Lettuce Package addresses the issue of food waste and its impact on the environment. Approximately one-third of the food produced globally is wasted, contributing to climate change. Vegetables, including packaged lettuce, are often discarded, further exacerbating the problem. By providing a solution that allows consumers to continually grow and eat lettuce easily, the Eco Lettuce Package aims to reduce environmental pressure and promote sustainability.

The design team, consisting of Ning Sun, Xu Sun, Binjian Liu, Ying Jiang, and Mohan Li, worked on this project from September to December 2018 in Ningbo. They faced the challenge of balancing the packaging and growing functions while maintaining an appealing appearance. Through extensive testing and experimentation, they successfully achieved a design that fulfills both purposes.

The Eco Lettuce Package has received recognition for its innovative and sustainable design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life. The Eco Lettuce Package exemplifies these qualities by incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.

The Eco Lettuce Package is not only a practical solution for growing lettuce at home but also a step towards a more sustainable future. By empowering individuals to take control of their food production and reducing waste, this design contributes to a healthier environment and a better quality of life.