Popcorn packaging

[.Spiralling.]

I went into Lush at the weekend and saw that they are using air-popped popcorn as the filler in their gift sets now instead of shredded paper.

The theory is that it is 60% lighter than shredded paper it cuts the energy used to transport it by 10%. It is also completely biodegradable. It takes about the same energy to produce as the shredded paper.

As far as I can see, it's a great idea.

It's got me thinking that this could be a way forward for my business. Instead of filling space in delivery boxes with bubble wrap and other fillers, popcorn might be a better idea. I was also wondering if I could get away with using it as the packing in my CD gift sets, and the new boxed candle range I'm planning.


What are your thoughts on popcorn packaging?

[GiftGirl]

I think it could be good, but wouldn't it make everything you pack it with smell of popcorn? It has quite a strong and distinctive smell and I don't think I'd want to put it with anything that had its own scent.

Apart from reusing what I'm sent, I also use biodegradable packing chips, which I think are made of corn starch or something similar, and they literally dissolve in water (I tried it! So funny), which presumably would be better than popcorn in terms of waste.

[adamscomputers07]

Sounds like a good idea, but popcorn is easily crushed so would it work on heavier items. And, are there any issues with allergies?

[.Spiralling.]

I think it could be good, but wouldn't it make everything you pack it with smell of popcorn? It has quite a strong and distinctive smell and I don't think I'd want to put it with anything that had its own scent.

Apart from reusing what I'm sent, I also use biodegradable packing chips, which I think are made of corn starch or something similar, and they literally dissolve in water (I tried it! So funny), which presumably would be better than popcorn in terms of waste.

well, I would be using it in gift boxes containing CDs and incense - there's no way everything would come out smelling of popcorn with our incense in the box.

In terms of waste, I suppose the idea would be that people composted the popcorn rather than chucking it in the bin.

I can't decide if the idea is genius (I think it is for Lush, but I'm not them), or if it's truly awful lol

[RayB]

What we did is bought a decent shredder and use shredded waste paper for packing - seems a better idea than making popcorn just to use it for packaging?

(Nice novelty factor though)

If you do use popcorn I advise not using the toffee sort - everything will be sticky :)

[.Spiralling.]

If you do use popcorn I advise not using the toffee sort - everything will be sticky :)

It wouldn't you know, because it would never make it to the boxes.

In fact I think that's my real concern about this idea - how much will make it into the gift sets and how much will I eat in the process?

[LisaHoughton]

Just chipping in ... I'm horrified at some packaging! I recently rec'd 1 tiny aeroplane glider in a HUGE box completely packed with plastic! I find laser ink cartridges the worst....
L

[RayB]

It wouldn't you know, because it would never make it to the boxes.

In fact I think that's my real concern about this idea - how much will make it into the gift sets and how much will I eat in the process?

Lol - that would be my problem too - I so love popcorn ;)

[LisaHoughton]

I'm a salted popcorn girl myself! :)

[RayB]

I'm a salted popcorn girl myself! :)

Yuk :p

I like the sweet stuff :)

[fastmower]

The corn starch packaging is actually edible! I can't say I'd want to eat a lot of it, but it's basically a cheezy wotsit or some similar snack without the flavouring and cooking. This was demonstrated to me by a packaging rep many moons ago - and I have since convinced many sceptics by doing the same. You do get some funny looks though - and it's fair to say that at least half of them tend to think you're nuts - but you'll get one or two who will join in and try it for themselves!

Andy

[Cathy]

Definitely salted and buttery popcorn! Though not for packaging.

By the way it's actually illegal to use too much packaging. There have been a couple of successful prosecutions against companies who've over-packed things and apparently (as far as I remember from the article) the government is trying to increase the prosecution level....great when you're packing ceramic teapots!!