OceanWool
We set out to create a 100% natural and infinitely biodegradable packaging solution to help combat the global addiction to plastic.
Project Information
Client Naturesclip
Industry Consumer Products
Services Environmental Innovation, New Ventures, New Product Development
Key Outcomes
Identified the need for natural packaging.
Developed the concept, materials and processes.
Photography & visual communications.
Overview
Virtuo was tasked with creating a 100% natural and infinitely biodegradable packaging product as an alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
OceanWool® is made through a unique process in which wool is washed, combed, and processed to form a fully pliable medium that can be cut, pressed, formed, and molded to create endless packaging possibilities. Wool is universally biodegradable, and if left in the ocean to break down, is naturally consumed by living organisms as food and by the acidity of saltwater. OceanWool® can be customized to suit almost any application while remaining safe below the surface.
Frame
It's just the tip of the iceberg. Have you ever used bubble wrap? Did you know that the amount of bubble wrap produced annually is enough to wrap around the Equator ten times? What about plastic packaging? Every year, 8 million metric tons of plastic ends up in the ocean. And what about those stupid plastic beer can rings and the net-things sleeved onto your fine alcohol and spirit tipple bottles. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight). Over half of this plastic comes from plastic packaging. It simply does not need to be this way.
Our Approach
Wool for Packaging. Wool is universally natural and biodegradable, and we are the best producers of it in the world. Wool is made of protein (called keratin). In the ocean, wool breaks down and is naturally consumed by living organisms as food and by the acidity of the salt water. This project aimed to reinvent the forever-clever bubble wrap, liquor nets, and many everyday packaging items by creating a new, 100% natural, and infinitely biodegradable packaging solution to combat the global addiction to plastic.
Outcome
Safe for the ocean, OceanWool® is a new packaging platform by Naturesclip® for environmentally conscious brands and consumers who hate plastic. Oceanwool® packaging is made through a unique process whereby wool is simply washed, combed, and processed to form a fully pliable medium that can be cut, pressed, formed, and molded to create endless new packaging possibilities. These materials can be customized to suit almost any application, while also being safe below the surface. Inspired by New Zealand's image and the beautiful colors found in marine coral, we used an iconic kiwi beverage bottle to illustrate the raw potential of this new bubble wool cushioning and consumer packaging solution. Like the famous quote by the founder of 42 Below, Naturesclip wants to encourage everybody to say no to plastic packaging and replace it with a solution like this that is safe below the surface.
The Ellen McArthur Foundation has estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish (by weight). Over half of this plastic is from plastic packaging.
