Is it possible to manufacture a container that works like conventional plastic, but that decomposes naturally at the end of its life cycle? Shellworks says it is.
The British startup has developed a biomaterial it calls Vivomer, which it says offers an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics that does not generate microplastics.
Founded in London in 2019, by Insiya Jafferjee and Amir Afshar, Shellworks developed Vivomer via a microbial fermentation process. Unlike conventional plastic, Vivomer is designed so that, once discarded, it can biodegrade without leaving behind microplastics, reducing dependence on complex recycling systems.
Vivomer’s design allows microorganisms present in the soil to recognize the material as organic matter and to break it down. Vivomer does not biodegrade unless it is in contact with the soil, with specific conditions, for an extended period of time.
The result is a biomaterial compatible with existing industrial infrastructure, allowing brands to incorporate it into their manufacturing processes without the need for large investments in new production lines.
Its applications cover a wide variety of packaging for the cosmetics, personal care and food industries. It is already being used for bottles for creams and serums, lids, rigid containers and reusable or refillable solutions. Brands like Wild Hair by Sam McKnight and Sonsie have incorporated Vivomer into some of their products as part of their sustainability strategies.
In addition to its biological origins, the material offers a life cycle of more than three years in storage, withstands temperatures between -4 °C and 50 °C, is suitable for contact with food, and is free of BPA, PFAS, phthalates and microplastics.
Rather than developing new packaging, Shellworks proposes reconsidering the entire life cycle of materials: designing materials to fulfill their function and safely return to nature when they are no longer useful. This innovation vision seeks to bring the packaging industry closer to a truly circular model.
Source: Shellworks