May 13, 2011 - Tech giant Apple is collaborating with a Swedish research institute to tackle plastic pollution with a promising new bio-based foam material. This innovative solution is in line with both companies' commitment to a sustainable future.
This low-density cellulose foam comes from reliably sourced wood pulp, the same material used in paper products. The newly developed cellulose foam has several key advantages. It exhibits excellent properties such as compression resistance and a homogeneous pore structure that makes it aesthetically pleasing. Most importantly, this bio-based material is fully compatible with existing paper packaging recycling streams. This not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels, but also simplifies the recycling process.
While the initial focus was on replacing plastic foam in packaging applications, the potential uses of this cellulose foam go far beyond that. It promises to be a sustainable alternative to insulation and lightweight composites for a variety of industries, including construction. The development of this bio-based foam marks an important step towards a more sustainable future. By replacing fossil plastics with renewable and recyclable materials, Apple and RISE are setting a positive example for the entire industry.
