Eat the food, eat the packaging
WikiCells is an edible packaging technology that allows consumers to eat and transport food without plastic. Developed by Professor David Edwards at Harvard University WikiCells imitate natural packaging by enclosing food and liquid in an edible membrane.
The membrane emerged out of an idea funded initially by the Wyss Institute and consists of a natural food membrane, held together by electrostatic forces, containing a liquid, emulsion, foam, or solid food substance – possibly within an edible or biodegradable shell. A variety of different platforms have been developed. These include : a tomato membrane containing gazpacho soup that can be poured over bread; an orange membrane filled with orange juice that can be drunk with a straw; a smaller grape-like membrane holding wine; and a chocolate membrane containing hot chocolate.
“People in a village in Africa could become plastic bottle-free and make things for themselves,” claims Professor Edwards.
In addition WikiCells could be produced and delivered to places in the world where recycling and disposal of plastic products is a major human and environmental hazard.
The commercial arm of the project, WikiCells Designs has recently received a substantial investment from venture capitalists to roll out yoghurt, ice cream and cheese product during 2013.
