Eco-Innovation: Corn Stover as the Biomaterial in Packaging Designs

Yu Duan, Linli Zhang (), Hang Su, Dongfang Yang and Jinhui Xu
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Yu Duan: Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London E20 2AR, UK
Linli Zhang: Imagination Lancaster, Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts (LICA), Lancaster University, Lancashire LA1 4YW, UK
Hang Su: Design Department, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Dongfang Yang: Design Department, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
Jinhui Xu: Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, London E20 2AR, UK

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-23

Abstract: Shandong, China’s largest agricultural province, generates a massive amount of agricultural waste each year, with corn stover being the predominant type. Although current agricultural waste management primarily involves sustainable practices carried out by professional companies, this study seeks to explore a simpler, more accessible method of handling stover waste. Guided by positivist theory and several experiments, a formula was developed, primarily composed of corn stover powder and natural substances such as glycerin. In this process, we designed and implemented four control experimental groups with water as the quantity used to investigate the influence of different material content in the formula. The resultant material was then subjected to property analyses, including tests on colouration, toughness, etc. Ultimately, the material was applied in a small-scale test as a raw material for an agricultural product packaging design. The study, rooted in sustainability, environmental protection, and the establishment of a local circular economy, fills the gap in current research of lacking design knowledge interventions.

Keywords: bioplastics; packaging design; sustainable design; corn stover; agricultural wastes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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