Ask Ubuntoo

Tom, I regenerate habitat through improved ecosystem process and symbiosis. All based on the Savory/Holistic Management thinking. I do not however focus on agriculture, but specifically conservation. Habitat more so than iconic species.  

Hi Kevin, 

There might have been some misconception of the use of the plastics in different sector and the definition of "sustainability" is also very different: what is perceived as sustainable (for consumers) vs. what actually has low environmental impacts. Here's an open platform for you to evaluate the current environmental impact of your current/future packaging solution (https://tool.open-spice.com/), don't hesitate to play around it! 

Some of the best practices in eco-designing packaging solutions are going for lightweighting and using (recycled) material with existing sophisticated recycling stream to make sure that even if they're not reused, they can be recycled.

And I think the first steps and some low hanging fruits for you might be just in improving your current solution using these practices, talk with your packaging suppliers to see if there's anyway possible to leverage the above mentioning techniques. and also i'm just thinking out loud here, but maybe brainstorm about what additional functionality you can bring to your packaging (if you go for a particle board, can that be upcycled to other components of your table, or even small stools ^^', a great way to bring value to your products, differentiate your brand in a more sustainable way.)

Going back to the idea of reusable packs. There's certainly some logistic challenges, but I think it's also more about finding the right supplier and logistic partner that can help you collect the packaging from with their national or even international presence). Also, check out https://loopstore.com/ to get some inspiration or why not some potential collaboration opportunities? And apparently, it only takes 5 reuse cycles for a packaging of consumer goods to have less impact compared to a single use one, even if you take into account the logistics! 

Of course, the 2 approaches certainly can go hand in hand! 

Hi Eugene,

Not sure you have heard about these companies:

• Be More 3D: From Spain but technology has been used in Africa
• 14 Trees: a joint venture between Swiss-based building material manufacturer, LafargeHolcim, and the UK’s development finance institution, CDC Group.
• Icon (US based but have worked with non-profit New Story to provide shelter in Mexico)
• Apis Cor (designed by Russian engineer Nikita Chen-yun-tai)
• Wasp (Italian based. Might be higher price wise) 
• Not sure if this company could be interesting for your project: Winsun 3D Builders
• This organization thinking huts created a school pilot. 
• Cobod. Europe based

This news article features a list (including some companies mentioned above) of 13 house construction 3D printers.

There are also companies working on building affordable homes with recycled materials. Let us know if you would like to know more.

Best regards,
Isabelle

Another one worth exploring is Compostable and food-safe, fresh produce labels | Ubuntoo Solutions 

Johann Breytenbach this may also be of interest! http://www.in-between-international.com/

Hi Barbara,
Thank you Peter Schelstraete for linking.
Indeed we just started working on a 3 year project "From plastic soup to veggie soup" in the UNESCO Waddensea area. It is focused on reducing plastic use and developing biobased products. The products are designed by regional creative product designers in cocreation with SMEs, students and inhabitants in the region. The idea is to develop nicely looking icon products inspired on regional elements, together with people in the region so people are proud of these products. We work with farmers to enhance the use of rotating crops use for product to help the biodiversity, or use agri waste. We create open source maker industry workspaces, educate smart hands, attract launching customers, advise legal authorities on their policies and set up circular business models.
Our working method is called The Local Value Chain which we developed the last few years working on projects in preserving crafts in Europe, circular design education, bio based design, sustainable design festivals, inclusive design, etc.
Hope this will help a little on how we work, if you would like more info, please let me know!
yrs, Eileen