The New Eco: How New Materials are Making it Into the Market

Our addiction to plastic is obvious, as is the impact plastic has on the environment and our health. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to live a plastic-free life, but rather to help you explore some new alternatives beyond totes and water bottles.

Plastic has many positive features including inexpensive, pliable, durable, and lightweight. It makes sense to have products made from plastic; they can be mass produced quickly at a reasonably low cost.

Plastic is easy to discard - which is where the environmental impact begins. We see a plastic item as something temporary that doesn’t hold much value and toss it in the trash. That seemingly harmless act adds up over time.

If you have ever been to the state of California, or have ever read the news, you are acutely aware of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, more commonly known as Prop 65. Basically, it states there are chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer,

birth defects or other reproductive harm. This is now something included as a warning on many products.

Scary stuff, right? Thankfully, many manufacturers are looking for alternative materials to alleviate the environmental burden, but also to protect consumers. Consumers are becoming more aware and want these changes and choose products accordingly. Let’s take a look at just a few new materials that are making headlines.

Avocado Pits

The media likes to poke fun at how many avocados are consumed by millennials, but what a good use for all of those avocado pits. A company based in the heart of avocado production in Mexico is turning the pit into a plastic-like substance which is turned into drinking straws and disposable cutlery. They claim this material, when composted, will degrade after 240 days. It’s only a matter of time before these items are readily available for the promotional products market.

Bring on the avocado toast, folks!

Bamboo Fiber Composites

Bamboo has been used for centuries as a durable material due to its sustainability and renewability. Bamboo fiber, when combined with other materials, can be made into a pliable material that can be turned into a variety of items from toothbrushes to writing instruments. Bonus fact: bamboo, in its natural form, has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. That’s a win-win in our book.

Wheat Straw

Before you get yourself worked up, wheat straw is gluten-free, we checked. Wheat straw was previously considered waste in the harvesting process. In recent years, scientists have developed a way to transform this waste into a useful substance. Wheat straw is a great material for mugs and cookware as it maintains the ability to withstand both high and low temperatures.

The texture alone makes this eco-friendly item a great addition to your kitchen. It’s gritty with a rustic charm while still being modern.

As researchers continue to explore other options, more natural materials will be discovered to replace plastic in everyday items. Being aware of the options out there can go a long way. Only time will tell what the next great material will be made from.

Written by: Reagan K. Hartman