Final Idea Explained

Finalising Shape and Materials for Edward Bulmer's Paint Pot

Paint Pot

The reason why I have decided to use a Right Isosceles Triangular Prism is simply because we are aware of the fact that triangles use less space compared to a cylinders. Traditionally paint pots are made from steel or plastic cylinder cans. The problem with cylinder cans is that they can easily tip over and roll about when being transported. Plus they take more space when they are stacked next to each other. Therefore, I chose to use a Right Isosceles Triangular prism made from Aluminium. The advantage of a Right Isosceles Triangular Prism is that it has three flat sides to prevent itself from rolling or leave any empty gaps when it is stacked against each other. Another advantage of using two right isosceles triangles is that it creates a square so it won’t need too much space when it store or transported.

Ideally the paint pots would be made from Aluminium as it is a great light weighted, solid and definitely recyclable metal. Aluminium packaging protects the product from light, water and bacteria. This material is most commonly used in food and drink packaging. Hence why I have decided that the paint pots will be made from Aluminium.

Once the paint has been used it can be returned to Edward Bulmer through Collect Plus or free postage. The client also has the option to recycle the aluminium pots. Plus the pot can be used as a flower vase. 

Transport

The transport basket. A simple rectangular prism which narrows down at the bottom. The basket will be made from raw materials such as wicker cane, willow and birch twigs. These baskets are nice and very strong as they can bear heavy loads. They can be used as a shopping basket as it has a handle and a lid that can be easily lifted or taken off. The basket also can be used as a plant pot. 

http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/science-aluminium.html

http://www.aluminiumleader.com/en/around/packing/
http://inhabitat.com/joe-hogans-unconventional-biodegradable-containers-are-made-from-homegrown-materials/joe-hogan-biodegradable-contemporary-baskets-2/
http://www.eco-ethical.co.uk/plasticbag.html
http://www.naturalendings.co.uk/our-coffins/buy-a-coffin/

Prototype FAILED!!

Prototype 1 FAILED!!

1. Measurements are wrong

Research into Drink & Liquid Packaging

Facts

• Food and drinks carton are made from paper-board. 70% of the total package weight includes materials like plastic and aluminium foil
• As a nation we use 57k tonnes of cartons every year that is the same weight of 331 blue whales
• Cartons are made with between 70% and 90% paperboard, a renewable natural product and much of the carton can be reclaimed in the recycling process
• Cartons are baled and transported to a mill in Sweden, where they are recycled.

http://www.recycleforessex.co.uk/FoodandDrinkCartons.html




Green Gate Bio Packaging 

Materials they use 

Paper:  The papers used to manufacture our products are either from recycled or sustainable forest sources ensuring that our forests are not depleted. Paper can either be recycled or, since paper is produced from organic matter, can also biodegrade. 

PLA:  PLA stands for Polylactic Acid which is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable plant resources such as corn starch. The PLA most commonly used in food packaging has a relatively low melting temperature and therefore is only suitable for packaging cold food and drinks. 

PLA food packaging products are generally manufactured through a process of ‘thermoforming’ whereby heat is used to mould PLA sheets into specific shapes. Since PLA has a relatively low melting temperature this means that less energy is required and therefore less carbon dioxide is emitted during the manufacturing process of PLA food packaging products.
 
Green Gate bio-plastic food packaging products are largely made using the NatureWorks LLC brand of PLA known as Ingeo. NatureWorks LLC are at the forefront of PLA production technology and are constantly improving the production process to make it more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. 

Specific forms of Ingeo meet the EN 13432 standard and are certified as compostable. The following image shows how our PLA lined Eco Hot Cups break down in just a few weeks:



PSM:  PSM stands for PlaStarch Material. PSM is derived from the renewable resource corn starch which is modified, rendering it more heat resistant. As with PLA, PSM is largely made using renewable resources thereby preserving the earth’s non-renewable resources such as coal and oil. 

PSM is considered to be a 'Bio-based' material.

Sugar Cane Pulp/Sugar Bagasse:  This biodegradable material comes from the reeds of sugar canes and makes an excellent substitute for polystyrene foam which is often used to make conventional fast food takeaway packaging and takes many years to break down. 

Products made from sugar cane fibres otherwise known as 'sugar bagasse' are not only made from a renewable resource - plants - but also have the added benefit that sugar cane pulp would otherwise be a WASTE product which is now being put to good use. Sugar bagasse products can be used in microwaves and refrigerators. 

Recyclable and biodegradable.

Kraft Paperboard:  The kraft paperboard used to manufacture our leakproof Brown Bio Food Boxesis sustainably sourced and lined with a water-based greaseproof lining which renders the paperboard 100% biodegradable and compostable, as well as recyclable. 

PS:  PS stands for Polystyrene. At Green Gate our aim is to make the switch to eco-friendly disposables as easy and cost-effective as possible. Therefore, where a biodegradable/compostable offering is not yet available, is not fit-for-purpose or is cost prohibitive we seek to offer you the next best alternatives. Whilst this material is made from petroleum which is a non-renewable resource and also not compostable, it can be recycled and we encourage you to do so wherever possible (PS has the plastics recycling group number ‘6’). 

We are currently working to find suitable alternatives for products made from this plastic and hope to be able to remove this section very soon!


http://shop.biogreengate.com/materials_a/252.htm

GreenBottle is a new type of liquid packaging designed as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bottles and laminated cartons. The bottle is made from a paper outer shell with a thin plastic liner inside to hold the liquid. After use, the bottle is easily separable, so that the paper outer can be composted or recycled, and the inner liner recycled where facilities exist. The bottle performs the same in distribution, in the store, and in the home as a regular plastic bottle, but with the advantage of being much better for the environment as it uses much less plastic.

Greenbottle has a much lower carbon footprint than a regular plastic bottle, and has a third of the plastic of a comparable plastic bottle.

http://www.greenbottle.com/about-us/default.aspx

Edward Bulmer "Pots of Paint" Research and Books

Research: Looking through books 

Book 1

Experimental eco-design- architecture/ fashion/ product 

Book 2

Design for Sustainibility- Janis Birkerland

Book 3
The Sustainibility Handbook for Design and Technology Teachers- Centre for Alternative Technology

Book 4 The eco-design handbook: a complete sourcebook for the home and office

Thinking of Designs for Edward Bulmer

Experimenting with shapes

Rough Ideas 

   

More ideas will be posted while I do some more research into materials and Liquid food packaging.

Steel & Plastic Cans for Edwards Bulmer's Packaging

Research:

Materials Used to Make traditional Paint Cans:

Steel Cans - Steel has many advantages along with several disadvantages as well. Firstly with its durability, they are very hard wearing and will stay intact in different conditions. Plus it can be recycled.

However, steel cans can start to rust if it is not sealed properly or the lid can get covered up with dried paint which would make it difficult to close and open the can. There is also a risk of the paint becoming discoloured as the can starts to rust and fall in to the paint. 

Will not be using steel for my design!! 

Plastic Cans - Also has its advantage and disadvantages. Starting with the fact it does not rust or dent like steel. They are lighter than steel and most plastic are made of polyethylene, which can be recycled. It is also good for display as it is transparent making it easier for us too pick the right colour.

There is also a possibility of paint reacting with the plastic can that can lead to damage. However, plastic is not biodegradable meaning it is not possible for the earth to absorb it back into the soil.

Will not be using either of these material as they are not eco friendly and possibly damage the paint.

Questions to ask them:

What are your Paint Pots made from?

My aim is to find a renewable source or a recycled sources that could replace Steel and Plastic Cans for paint. Both of these material have their advantage hence why I like to find something just as good as steel and plastic.

New Eco Pak From Derivan

http://www.derivan.com.au/derivan/eco-pack.html

The video above demonstrates the benefits of the soft plastic recyclable package that   

"Derivan is an Australian company and maker of the finest quality artist materials, including famous Matisse range of professional artist acrylic paints and paint products."

Their new Eco-Pak acts just like an wine cask container. The plastic package container has a flat base, its transparent and it come with a plastic screw cap and nozzle.  

Edward Bulmer "Pots of Paint" Research and Competitors

Edward Bulmer "Pots of Paint"

Website http://www.potsofpaint.com

Notes

About them:

• Started as a project turning powder form Natural Paint into ready mixed paint
• Paint for Ceilings, Cornices, Panelling,Walls and Woodwork
• Developing paints for about 50 years 
• 50 Different Colours on the website
• Create their colours in the UK
• Paints are made from renewable materials of plant origin, animal origin and from minerals
• Paints do not generate CO2 emmissions 
• Lots of information 
• Where to buy: Online and Order by phone
• Prices: Sample £5.00, Colours From £30- £90.00 depending on size and type of paint
• Offer Hand Painted colour charts £10 and A4 Colour chart £50.00
• Pay by Paypal Only 
• Delivery: Shipping cost £10.00 Not enough information on how it is delivered
• Current Packaging: looks like it is traditional plastic or steel possibly 

Questions to ask about is:

• Packing 
• Transport 
• Target Audience

Competitors

Little Greene

Website: http://www.littlegreene.com/

Notes

About them:

• Little Greene has been running since 1773 Longer than Edward Bulmer
• British Paint Manufacturer
• Produces high quality paint and Wallpapers
• Roughly 200 different colours
• Prices of paint £17- £90.00 depending on sizes and the type of paint, Samples are £3.95
• 11 different types of paints
• Offer Water-based paints, Oil based paint that have been reformulated using vegetable oil, wallpapers that come from a tree another four is planted the pigments used to print are non toxic and contain no solvent
• Delivery: deleivered by a courier at your door step, dispatch within 24 hours, standard delivery is free, express delivery is £4.50, express delivery over £100 is free, deliveries are made between 8am - 6pm
• videos/blog on the website
• Packaging: Tins are made from 50% recycled steel and can be recycled again.

Marston and Langinge

Notes

About them:

• Glass Garden Rooms, Paint, Collections (Furniture and Blinds to order)
• Where to buy from: they have stores in UK, possibly order by phone
• 84 colours, £ different finishes
• Paints suitable for Wood, Stone, Walls exterior and interior
• Paints avalable in 2.5L/5L 

Farrow & Ball

Website: http://www.farrow-ball.com

Notes 

About them:

• Wallpapers and Paints
• Have over 40 showroom
• Water based paints and wallpapers printed on to FCS assured papers
• Eco-friendly paints with low or minimal VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Paints gives off low odour and quick drying time
• Oil paints are no longer available
• Over 132 colours
• Colour talks and Events
• Advice menu
• Videos contain demonstrations and tips 
• Cost sample £3.95, 2.5L £34.50, 5L £61.00 not accurate 
• Packaging No information found

Auro

Website: http://www.auro.co.uk/

Notes 

About them:

• An internationally trusted eco-paint brand since 1983
• Products contain 99% natural raw materials
• Breathable paints
• Focus on Sustainability
• Oils and Fats used in their products are from controlled organic biological cultivation
• Offer: cleaning and wax care, preparation and tools, wood finishes, paint for interior walls & exterior 
• Cost: Tester £2.30, 2.5L £17.99, 5L £31.99, 10L £31.99
• Packaging: No Information found 

Task 03 Create Roughs for an Eco Paints Container

Task 3

Eco Paint Container

Research:

Coca-cola video

Interesting facts on what happens to every products that have been wrapped and why products need to be packaged. Majority of the waste wrappers and packaging are filling up the land fill sites in the UK. 

Coca cola has developed eco- friendly packing by reducing the amount of aluminium and plastic used. Coca Cola now uses 37 per cent of recycled glass for their glass bottles, and recycled aluminium cans and are increasing the use of recycled plastic in the coca cola bottles. By doing this they are reducing 97 percent of energy needed to manufacture for raw non renewable sources.

Eco- friendly packaging is now becoming more popular in our local supermarkets and now it is more encouraged for Designer to produce packaging that is eco- friendly. 

Normal Paint

Paints are classified into two catergories:

Oil based- is a solvent based paint made from linseed oil, petroleum, alcohols, ketones and gycol ethers. While applying this form it reacts to sunlight and releases VOC’s it also does the same while it dries. It pollutes the atmosphere therefore it harms the environment and us humans.

Water based- also known as latex paint, an alternative to solvent based paints. This form of paint releases less VOC’s and is recommended.

Eco /natural paint

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/feb/09/eco-natural-paints-guide-best

Eco paints are always improving ever since the effects of traditional paints been observed.

Natural paints are free of petrochemical ingredients and biodegradable. Unlike the traditional latex paints natural paint release zero VOC’s.  This is made from raw materials like clay, chalk, marble earth and mineral pigments. There are many different natural paint for example, Lime paint and Casein (milk) paint.

Natural paint relies on the inherent qualities of natural ingredients that can be used as binders (such as casein, a protein glue), fillers (such as marble, which provides opacity and whiteness), and pigments (such as earth pigments that derive natural color from their mineral content). A variety of different unique natural paint types exist, and include clay paint, milk paint, and lime paint. Most natural paints, including the entire line of paints by Unearthed Paints, are 100% zero-VOC and safe to use while pregnant.

Eco Packaging Ideas for Little Greene 

Task 02 Sustainable Design/Packaging Related

Task 02 Sustainable Design/Packaging Related

Topic: Vegetable Ink Printing



Traditional Ink Printing is petroleum based as it contains dangerous chemicals which can be harmful to the human health and cause environmental pollution.The petroleum based ink is also used with alcohol based solvents which speeds the drying process, allowing documents to be printed in time. An obvious disadvantage of Traditional Ink Printing is that it is more difficult to de-ink when recycled, therefore it results in toxic waste. The main problem with normal ink printing is as the petroleum and alcohol evaporate Volatile Organic Compounds, this then reacts with nitrogen oxides in sunlight to create pollution in to the atmosphere. It releases up to 30% VOCs. 

I have already previously covered the importance of crude oil where petroleum comes from it is an non renewable source and we will run out of oil some day. Hence, why we need start looking for other possible options.

Vegetable Ink Printing is the solution to VOC's as it is an environmentally friendly alternative. This is made from a variety of vegetable oils like corn, walnut, coconut, canola and soy bean. The advantage of using Vegetable based inks is that it comes from renewable sources . It is also easier to recycle when we de-inking from paper and it is a less hazardous. The only disadvantage is that it take longer to dry but release 2-4% Volatile Organic Compounds in to the atmosphere.

Vegetable inks are just as expensive as petroleum based ink.



HP Green Tips for those who have a printer at home 

Vegetable Ink printing covers the following points:

4. Design to enable the separation of components of the product/material or service product at the end of life in order to encourage recycling or reuse of materials and/or components.

5. Design to exclude the use of substances toxic or hazardous to human and other forms of

life at all stages of the product/material/service product's lifecycle.

7. Design to use locally available materials and resources wherever possible (thinking

globally but acting locally).

14. Design to create more sustainable products/materials/service products for a more

sustainable future.

Task 01: Global Warming & Climate Change

Task 01 Global Warming

In this task I will be expanding my knowledge based on the Oil Industry and how it causes Global Warming and Climate Change. 

Lately we have noticed a major change towards the atmosphere of our planet. The Earth is now hotter than it was ever before as the temperatures of the colder countries are rising and hot countries are getting colder.  We have already experienced many events that is claimed to be the result of Global Warming and Climate Change for example;

“Summer ice is melting 10 times faster in the Antarctic than it was 600 years ago, with the most rapid melt occurring in the past 50 years.”  Daily Mail 15^th April 2013.

Europe floods, Hungary Danube set for record high “the water level is already above the highest level ever measured," PM Viktor Orban, BBC news 7^th June 2013.

“In 2005, at least 1,300 people died as a result of Hurricane Katrina, which hit the U.S.” World Resources Institute.

These types of events are now happening in many parts of the world. The main cause of these terrible events is 95% related to Human Activity. This is portrayed in the film “The Age of Stupid” that us human have been causing Global Warming and Climate Change.

We are always taking advantage of our natural sources without giving anything back to the Earth. To gain these natural sources several countries have been to war for animals, water, shiny things, and people for cheap energy which was slavery, this was the key element until oil was discovered.

Throughout our daily lives we consume a huge amount of oil, even when we are aware of the fact burning natural fuels causes’ pollution.  Yet, we are still burn fossil fuels and oil without realising.

The Oil Industry became huge business in the 19^th Century as it changed our lifestyles. The Iron and Steel Industry got together constructed new materials and created railroad’s to connect to other countries to provide this new source of fuel. This was the beginning of the Oil Industry. Within the 19^th Century oil companies grew and became the dominant fuel of the 20^th Century.

Most countries now depend on oil and will go to great lengths to get hold of oil. USA, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, China, UK and Japan heavily depend on oil.

These countries consume a huge amount of oil every day. Millions of barrels are constantly being distributed to these countries as it is always on demand. The Biggest oil producers are the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia and North America were big oil producers as well. However, Europe and U.S no longer produce enough oil; therefore oil is being exported from the Middle East.

By looking at the amount we are consuming every day in the UK and U.S there might a real danger of us reaching peak oil. Eventually we will run out of oil, since crude oil was a process of mass extinction of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures making it a nonrenewable resource­. 

Since oil has always been on demand and now in 2013 there is a possibility that we may be over peak as it explains in the film “The End of Suburbia”.  However, we can find solutions and save ourselves from a full-blown Global Warming and Climate chaos.

Over the past few years we have noticed an increase in price especially, higher prices for all forms of travel, an increase in food prices, general retail price and Utility bills for heating and power. Oil plays a huge role in all these areas therefore it is important for us to start searching for alternatives.

If we hope to maintain a stable climate and global warming, the government needs to do something about the issues that are now rising and so does the public. The world no longer can afford to burn oil any more.

For example, to prevent using public transport and cars we can make everything a bit more local, so it’s more of a walking distance. 

The End Suburbia - Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream