DISSOLVABLE NOODLE PACKAGING

A biobased solution to plastic pollution.

^{In the current world of instant ramen noodles, there is often more plastic than noodle.}

^{The product can be cooked and eaten in under 10 minutes, yet the packaging can take 8 decades to decompose.}

^{THE SOLUTION?}

An edible, dissolvable noodle pack.

^{The packaging is made from an edible, tasteless starch-based bioplastic, that dissolves in contact with boiling water.}

The packaging becomes the sauce.

^{To eliminate plastic sachets of seasonings, the dried spices and flavourings have been incorporated into the starch-based film at manufacture stage.}

^{The heat sealable bioplastic film ensures the noodles stay fresh.

To further dispense with unnecessary plastic, and for hygiene purposes, the noodle parcels are packaged in a wax-coated paper outer.}

_{THE PROCESS}

_{TESTING THE FILM}

The bioplastic experimentation process resulted in various (mostly unsuccessful) outcomes.

Eventually a winning setting environment and ingredient combination was found.

_{SPEED TEST}

Dissolvable noodle pack
vs
Off-the-shelf pack

_WINNER?

Dissolvable noodle pack

^{The film dissolved completely in less than a minute, and didn’t affect the taste or consistency of the noodles.

The test proved the dissolvable film method to be much faster, with far fewer steps in the process.}

^{The shape was changed to enable more efficient and even cooking.

It also fitted better in a bowl.}

^{ADDING SPICES & FLAVOURINGS}

^{Tests were carried out, setting spices and dried food within the bioplastic.

Larger food pieces
such as dried shrimp, were unsuccessful, while spices and herbs set successfully into the film.}

_{LOOKING AHEAD}

The future possibilities of this innovation are exciting in the fight against single use plastics.

I have explored the use of the dissolvable film in other areas, one of which is portion control.

_{PORTION POUCHES}

Portion pouches allow an accurate portion to be served.

The dissolvable pouch will limit the excessive use of plastic, while reducing food wastage.

_{DEHYDRATED

READY MEALS}

The opportunities for dehydrated ready meals present a promising future, maintaining the next generation’s need for convenience in the kitchen.

I aim to develop this project in the future and create a meaningful contribution to the fight against single-use plastics.

THE END

DISSOLVABLE NOODLE PACKAGING

THE SOLUTION?

The packaging becomes the sauce.

THE PROCESS

TESTING THE FILM

SPEED TEST

Dissolvable noodle pack vs Off-the-shelf pack

WINNER?