OriCarton
The screw-cap gable top
paperboard
milk carton
(what a mouthful!)
Designed to save space on palettes, to maximize on-carton branding space, and to reduce bottle-cleaning responsibility.
Exists for families (mostly with children) and individuals who like to drink milk, juice, and other perishable beverages.
32%
The percentage of milk containers on the market* that are constructed from PLE-impregnated paperboard.
*as of 1990, other reports indicate this has shrunk slightly
Source: Life Cycle Design of Milk & Juice Packaging, Keoleian et al. 1996
2%
The amount of carton material that ends up actually being recycled, primarily due to impregnation of PLE into paperboard. It is difficult to separate and properly recycle.
5
How many years it takes for an average PLE-coated paperboard carton to biodegrade after being placed in a landfill instead of being recycled.
Taking inspiration from modern coffee bean bags, OriCarton is a fully recyclable alternative that saves space in both landfills and your fridge!
How it works:
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Our milk carton imitates the roll-top quality of coffee bean bags while incorporating a flexible plastic skeleton for rigidity and a fully-recyclable plastic design with potential for bioplastic replacement for increased sustainability.
Environmental goals:
Fewer non recycled cartons, less paper/plastic waste in landfills, less particulate matter in environment
Design goals:
A design that increases ease of use, decreases product waste, and allows for the packaging to reflect the actual level of product remaining in the container while saving space in the fridge.
Materials:
Inner plastic: hydrophobic
Outer plastic: hydrophilic
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Opportunities for bioplastics or alternative biodegradable materials
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Structural high-density silicone “skeleton” cage for rigidity & support
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Closure tab is wire enclosed in plastic
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More recyclable, less landfill waste
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If bioplastics used, could be compostable.
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Roll-top design saves space and reflects the amount of milk left in the carton!