Roll-Roodles
#Bio-plastic
#Zero-Waste
#Packaging
Redesign single-use instant noodle packaging using bio-plastic for a more sustainable approach.
Overview
Plastic Bag
vs.
Instant Noodle Plastic Bag
Most supermarkets provide plastic bags, which we often reuse as garbage bags or for storing and carrying other items until they are no longer usable. However, instant noodle plastic packaging is a different story. Once the noodle block and seasoning packets are removed, there’s no practical way to reuse the bag, so it typically ends up being thrown away immediately.
So, what material that instand noodles are using?
Aluminized laminated film-BOPP+VMCPP
Recycling aluminized laminated film, such as that used for instant noodles, can be difficult due to the film's multi-material structure and the cost of recycling:
Cost: The cost of processing and transporting the film can sometimes be more than the market value of the film itself.
Separation: The different layers of the film must be separated before it can be reground or remelted. This requires a human or machine to identify the materials in the film, which can be expensive and energy-intensive.
Curbside recycling: Flexible films like aluminized laminated film are not ideal for curbside recycling programs. The film can get caught in the equipment at materials recovery facilities, which can lead to costly repairs.
Polystyrene(PS)/Styrofoam
“Most cup noodles packaging are foam cups which are non-biodegradable (will stay on Earth forever), made with non-renewable resources (fossil fuels) and also produces a large amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and HFCs are accelerate global warming!”
“Instant noodle packaging among worst polluters in Indonesia”
A type of plastic that is widely used in foam packaging materials, disposable food containers.
Problem: Due to the chemical stability and durability of industrial polymers, plastic waste does not easily degrade in landfills and is often burned, which produces carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases.
Cost: It can be expensive to recycle polystyrene, and it's often cheaper to make new polystyrene packaging from oil.
Availability: It can be difficult to find facilities that offer polystyrene recycling.
Policy: Recycling rates vary by country and region, and are affected by regional market factors and policy.
RESEARCH & DATA
“120,210 Million Servings of instant noodles are being consumed worldwide in 2023”- Estimated by World Instant Noodles Association (WINA)
“According to the Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, 99% of polystyrene ends up in landfills or dumps. Because of the strength and chemical makeup of polystyrene it takes thousands of years to decompose and when it does it could potentially release harmful toxins or carcinogens into the environment.”
WHAT DOES instant noodle CONTAINS?
Flavoring Powder
Sauce Pack
Exterior Package
Precooked Noodle Cake
Dry Vegetables
Oil Pack
Are there any other options?
All Food Grade
Plastic-Free Alternative
How to Make it?
Method
Ideation / Testing
Seasoning
Form / Shape
Takeaway
For the exterior packaging, I chose waterproof kraft paper made from virgin fiber material, which is fully biodegradable. This ensures that the entire packaging is plastic-free and leaves no waste behind. The redesign will achieving 100% biodegradable and sustainable packaging, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional instant noodle packaging.