Shell Tray

작품의 기능

Shell Tray is a 100% biodegradable container made by upcycling oyster shells. It reduces disposable use and carbon emissions, helps prevent pollution, and can be transformed into a plant pot with a simple push. Shell Tray is a sustainable, all-in-one solution.

영감의 원천

We began by noticing the large amount of disposable waste generated by food trucks at the Osaka Expo. This reflects a global issue where rising food delivery and takeout have increased single-use packaging. Items contaminated with food are hard to recycle and worsen pollution. We asked: “What if packaging could be both reusable and biodegradable?” While exploring eco-friendly materials, we discovered that over 400,000 tons of oyster shells are discarded annually in Korea, often causing odor and high disposal costs. This inspired us to consider turning this overlooked waste into a sustainable packaging material.

작동원리

The Shell Tray’s paper lid includes a perforated section that tears off easily and folds into a utensil. After eating, the container can be cleaned and reused as a Plant pot according to the instructions inside the lid. By pressing the bottom of the container, it transforms into a shape with an ideal angle for drainage. A drainage hole can be created by tearing along the perforated line on either the left or right side of the lower part. The lid itself can also be repurposed as a water tray, making the entire set fully reusable and designed for zero waste.

개발 과정

We identified oyster shells as the primary material and explored their potential for use in food packaging. Through reviewing academic studies, we found that calcium carbonate from oyster shells not only offers resistance to heat and moisture but is also biodegradable. During the degradation process, it stimulates microbial activity in the soil, ultimately supporting the carbon cycle. Inspired by these properties, we envisioned reusing the container as a Plant pot once its original purpose was fulfilled, which would add environmental value. To achieve 100% biodegradability, we formulated a combination of calcium carbonate from shells, starch-based binders, and seaweed fibers, and applied a seaweed-based coating to the surface. To address the inconvenience of recycling multi-material packaging, we developed a structure in which utensils made from the same single material are integrated within the container. A tearable drainage hole was added to the side, and a pushing structure was applied to the bottom, allowing the container to transform into a flowerpot with a natural drainage angle. We experimented with various paper engineering techniques, creating multiple prototypes and continuously improving user convenience and structural stability.

독창성

The key distinction of Shell Tray lies in its eco-friendly material, combining calcium carbonate from oyster shells with starch-based binders, seaweed fibers, and a seaweed-based coating to create a 100% biodegradable composite. Utilizing oyster shells and mixing over 50% calcium carbonate with marine plant polymers gives the material natural antibacterial properties that reduce E. coli penetration and minimize food moisture loss. Shell Tray features a circular structure allowing transformation into new functions. All components are made from a single material: the detachable paper from the body becomes utensils; the bottom forms a Plant pot with a drainage angle essential for plant growth through a pushing mechanism; the side tears open to create a drainage hole; and the lid serves as a water tray. Designed for full reuse, providing an innovative and effective solution from both environmental and structural perspectives.

향후 계획

Shell Tray aims to address these systemic issues through a design-driven approach that enables the recycling of locally collected oyster shells. We aim to build a prototype within our means and take the first step toward reintegrating oyster shells into the natural cycle by collaborating with local small businesses and food trucks. We seek to raise global awareness about the problems caused by excessive single-use products and waste pollution. Ultimately, we hope to encourage more sustainable practices in countries involved in landfill use and waste trade, while supporting global efforts to reduce environmental damage and protect ecosystems.

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