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?

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