PROBLEM & OUR GOAL
PROBLEM
RECYCLABILITY
Traditional cardboard pizza boxes undergo a recycling process by which cardboard sheets are shredded and fed through a pulping machine. During the pulping process, shredded cardboard is broken down into fibers using water and chemicals. Then, the fibers are collected and dried to create new corrugated cardboard.
However, contaminated cardboard cannot be recycled. Cardboard packaging for pizza increases the possibility of contamination by pizza grease. Devoid of adequate protection against contaminants (parchment paper cannot provide complete protection), the amount of unrecyclable cardboard waste will continue to increase. Moreover, the mixture of oil and water during the pulping process will leave oil splotches in the new cardboard product—unsuitable for versatile reuse.
GOALS
OCTAGONAL BOX
To modify the shape of the traditional rectangular cardboard pizza box, while increasing compatibility, an octagonal-shaped box minimizes void space and prevents the pizza from mobilizing in the box.
BIOPLASTIC FILM
A bioplastic film in lieu of parchment paper that is subtle yet envelops the surfaces of the box enables greater protection against contaminants.