Durvill

Problem:

The problem lies on the single use plastics law in Chile, which prohibits food establishments from using plastic products such as food containers, cutlery, drinking straws and cups. It affects more than 64000 food service companies in the country, which are fined between 65 and 1344 dollars per month for the use of these products. By August 2024, the law will prohibit any material that is not reusable, This has been reflected in a market shift towards a greater demand for biodegradable products.

Idea:

Our product would consist of the development of a biomaterial as a raw material for delivery packaging factories that meets all the necessary requirements such as T° resistance, density and humidity, and can be manipulated under injection or thermoforming processes. Our product will provide the market with a 100% biodegradable and environmentally responsible option, with the highest quality standards and benefiting both users and customers as well as the collectors of these endemic seaweeds.

Main Beneficiaries:

The biomaterial benefits more than 64000 food service companies in Chile, from which more than 50% of the restaurants have adopted a delivery format of their products. It also benefits the local collectors of the seaweeds by providing them with a stable source of income, as well as enhancing the value of their work and increasing the value of the seaweeds. Durvill helps to deal with the waste from the algae industries by using them in the manufacture of the biomaterial. We reduce contamination and replace plastics and environmentally unfriendly materials.

Stage:

Inspiration and ideation

SDG:

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 13: Climate Action

University:

Pontificia Universidad Católica (Chile)