Designing for Biodegradation

Re-Imagining a single use compostable plastic cup

Challenge

Re-imagine singles use plastic articles (plates, bowls, cups, lids) commonly used in Quick Service Restaurants and other Food Service Environments

Constraints

•No wall thickness greater than 10 mils
• No parts thinner than 4 mils
• Utilize the thermoforming process
• Shallow draw ratio no greater than 3
• Article can be transparent or colored

Initial Testing of material

Observations

Blushing

Wrinkling

Flexing

Blowout

Concept Development

Re-imagining a lid so it can be sipped from any side

Prototype

Exploring design for Structural support