What is Green Cell Foam, and have you heard of it? This is a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam. Is this kind of foam safe for users and does it possess the same advantages as traditional styrofoam? Let's read the article below to find out.
General information of Green Cell Foam?
What is Green Cell Foam?
Made from non-GMO cornstarch, Green Cell Foam is a bio-based packaging foam. This packaging is an environmentally friendly replacement for traditional foams made of petroleum, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and are not biodegradable.
This is an alternative for businesses who want to lessen their impact on the environment and provide their clients with more environmentally friendly packaging options.
What is Green Cell Foam made of?
Green Cell Foam is made from organic materials, specifically from non-GMO cornstarch. Cornstarch is renewable resources that is biodegradable and compostable.
Features of Green Cell Foam
The following are a few physical characteristics of green cell foam:
- Texture: Green Cell Foam has a spongy, soft texture, light and simple to handle
- Color: White or ivory-colored.
- Odor: None to mild starch odor.
- Transparency: opaque. It prevents light from passing through.
- Flammability: Green Cell Foam self-extinguishes after burning slowly.
But there are numerous of differences between these two kinds of packaging, as shown in the table below:
|
Features |
Green Cell Foam |
Styrofoam |
|
Color |
White or ivory |
White, blue, pink, or green |
|
Odor |
Non, or mild, cornstarch-like |
Strong, chemical |
|
Flammability |
Slow-burning, self-extinguishing, non-toxic, produces little smoke |
Flammable, toxic, produces thick smoke |
|
Compressibility |
Compressible, recovers original shape |
Can not recovers original shape |
|
Resilience |
Resilient, absorbs and dissipates energy without deforming |
Not water resistant, absorbs water |
|
Toxicity |
Non-toxic |
Toxic |
|
Water resistance |
Water resistant |
Not water resistant, absorbs water |
|
Chemical resistance |
Resistant to a wide range of chemicals |
Not resistant to a wide range of chemicals, can be damaged by chemicals |
|
Conductivity |
Good thermal insulator, poor electrical conductor |
Good thermal insulator, good electrical conductor |
What is Green Cell Foam is used for?
Because of its physical characteristics, Green Cell Foam is often very applicable and can be used in a wide range of situations, including:
- To protect fragile and sensitive products during transportation and storage: The multi-shock absorption of Green Cell Foam protects items from bumps and shocks. Additionally, it is naturally anti-static, which further shields electronics.
- To insulate homes and buildings: Green Cell Foam is a useful material for insulating floors, walls, and roofs. It contributes to lower energy usage and year-round comfort in homes.
- To soundproof workplaces, recording studios, and other noisy spaces: Green Cell Foam is an excellent material to utilize because it has the ability to absorb sound waves.
- For gardening and landscaping: Green Cell Foam can be used to increase soil drainage and aeration. Additionally, it can be used to reduce plants and mulch plants.
- For arts and crafts: Green Cell Foam can be used to create a variety of arts and crafts projects, such as sculptures, models, and decorations.
Environmental Benefits of Green Cell Foam
As a biobased packaging product, Green Cell Foam has numerous advantages for environment.
Biodegradability
- Rapid decomposition: Green cell foam can fully degrade in a backyard or commercial composting facilities in 60 days, whereas styrofoam takes 500 years.
- No Effect on soil and water: No harmful substances are released into the ground or water when green cell foam breaks down. By incorporating organic matter and nutrients, it can actually enhance the condition of the soil.
Reduction of Waste
Green Cell Foam can help reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills because of its biodegradability and quick breakdown. Using Green Cell Foam will then help to lessen the burden of environmental pollution produced by waste.
Sustainability
- Renewable resources: Cornstarch is one of the renewable materials used to make green cell foam. It can therefore be produced without using up all of the limited resources.
- Less carbon footprint: Compared with traditional foams made of petroleum, green cell foam produces a smaller carbon imprint. This is so because cornstarch is an energy-efficient plant that doesn't require the burning of fossil fuels to grow.
- Green cell foam uses 70% less energy to make. Moreover, it produces 80% fewer greenhouse emissions than foams made of petroleum, such as Styrofoam.
Branding Benefits of Green Cell Foam
Similar to other eco-friendly packaging options, Green Cell Foam offers companies a number of branding benefits, such as:
- Improves brand image and reputation: By using Green Cell Foam, businesses may build a positive brand image and reputation as an environmentally conscious organization.
- Stand out from the competition: A business can differentiate itself from rivals by adopting Green Cell Foam instead of Styrofoam, which is linked to negative environmental effects.
- Using Green Cell Foam can help businesses appeal to a larger range of customers, especially those who prioritize sustainability in their purchase decisions, as environmental consciousness keeps growing.
How is Green Cell Foam Used in Food and Beverage Packaging?
Green Cell Foam is typically utilized as supplementary packing in the packaging sector, more specifically:
- Insulation: Food and drink items can be kept hot or cold during storage and transit by using green foam as insulation. It can be used to individually wrap food items or to build insulated shipping containers and coolers.
- As a lining for food and beverage containers: Trays, bowls, and cups are just a few examples of the objects that green foam can be used to line. This keeps food and beverages fresh and guards against contamination.
- Use green foam as a cushion: Food and drink items can be cushioned to prevent damage during storage and transportation. It can be used to line shipping boxes and coolers, or it can be used to wrap individual food products.
Things to consider if you want to switch to Green Cell Foam
- Your business's environmental commitment: Green Cell Foam is an obvious choice if your business is dedicated to sustainability.
- Products you ship: Since Green Cell Foam offers superior cushioning protection, it's a good option for transporting delicate and fragile goods. Because it is a good thermal insulator, it is also a useful option for items that are sensitive to temperature variations.
- Your budget: The cost of Green Cell Foam is generally higher than that of regular Styrofoam. However, the advantages Green Cell Foam offers in terms of the environment and extra protection can make the cost difference worthwhile.
- Your customer base: Customers who are ecologically conscious may be more likely to enjoy the use of Green Cell Foam. You might get a competitive advantage from this.
Frequent Asked Questions
Is green cell foam edible?
Green cell foam is not edible. This is a packaging material, and it is not intended to be eaten.
How long does Green Cell Foam last?
Green Cell Foam is 100% at-home compostable, and will biodegrade within 60 days
Can Green Cell Foam be recycled?
Green Cell Foam is NOT a recyclable material. But this material is biodegradable, backyard and industrial compostable.
How to dispose of Green Cell Foam?
Green cell foam can be disposed of in three ways:
- Dissolve it: The foam is the only product available that dissolves in water, making it safe for septic tanks and drains.
- Burn it: Because the foam burns cleanly and safely, it is ideal for use as kindling in a fire pit or fireplace.
- Put it in the compost: Green Cell Foam decomposes in 60 days and is 100% compostable at home!
In short, above is the information about Green Cell Foam. This type of sustainable packaging is completely safe to use as a alternative to traditional foam such as Styrofoam.
