Conceptualized, designed, and prototyped in six weeks during a graduate Industrial Ecology course, I worked on a project that, inspired by biomimicry, developed a novel approach to ready-to-eat food packaging. The product is a self-sealing bag that takes advantage of bistability and the physical properties of recyclable plastics.
Using cereal as a demo, the product would contribute to a reduction in food waste and ~20% reduction in the environmental impact of the entire product while minimally impacting the manufacturing process. The analysis demonstrated the product retains its bistability over time and creates a closed system in its closed state.
My responsibilities included need-finding, literature research, concept development, prototyping, product testing, and marketing strategy.
Functioning Prototypes and Bioinspiration Team: Emma Hazard, Hannah Burd (Me), Eliana Ray, Allister Azagidi