Simone Caronni, Pietro Gaeli and Paolo Stefano Gentile, three product designers from Milan, have created a new zero-waste, sustainable packaging alternative made entirely from potato peels. 100 percent biodegradable, the team aims for the packaging to be produced at large scale for a range of uses.
The idea, called Peel Saver, was created through a material experimentation process and was initially planned to combine with other materials. However, the designers discovered the peels alone provided enough solidity for use.
“We conducted several experiments, using different methods of maceration and drying, in order to obtain the right texture. We are satisfied with the process especially from the point of view of simplicity of concept, and the sustainability it offers. This project is proof of how much can still be done in this project direction,” said Simone Caronni.
The material created by the peels hardens and bonds into various shapes after being softened and dried – ideal for a range of food packaging purposes, including chip cups. When being disposed of, the packaging is suitable for use as animal food or as a fertiliser.
“With this new packaging, chips are served inside the same peel that originally contained and protected the potato, returning to the ideal and natural state that it was in before. Peel Saver shows a different point of view, a return to simplicity and to what nature already designed for us. We were inspired by nature.”
The business is currently a concept design; however, following investment, the designers are confident their product can become used for packaging across the world.
