Biomimetic Design: Zero-Waste Food Distribution

According to the EPA, packaging accounts for 23% of landfilled material in the United States. “Zero waste” or bulk grocery stores are gaining popularity as shoppers strive to reduce personal packaging waste.

But, those stores are focused on the consumer side of the equation—waste is eliminated from the shopping experience because customers fill their own reusable containers in the store. Zero waste shopping is an important step forward, but products are still packaged when shipped between producers, distributors, and retailers.

Inspired by nature's own design solutions and created using the Biomimcry Design Spiral, this design integrates reusable shipping containers into the supply chain for a truly zero (packaging) waste system.