(PRESS RELEASE) Morplan in the United Kingdom has introduced 100% biodegradable mannequins, the first of their kind. Traditional mannequins are made using resin and fibreglass which can become toxic to the environment and take centuries to break down. However, the bio-resin, raffia paper and rice powder in these eco mannequins will start to break down within the first 12 months of being landfilled. This is caused by the lack of oxygen, the humidity and pressure (thanks to the soil). The metal fittings can be broken away from the main body and fully recycled, alongside the recyclable glass stand and all packaging (boxes, void filler, packing paper and foam).
Corn crops that are produced in large quantities for human, animal and industrial uses (such as biomass feedstock used in a biomass power plant), is put under a fermentation process to produce glucose. The glucose is processed using metabolic engineering to extract 99% of the available bio-resin. This bio-resin is called “1,3 Propanediol (PDO)” and is an alternative to a wide range of glycols. Glycols are used in ordinary resin, which is made through the industrial refinement of oil – a non-renewable resource. The raffia paper is used as an alternative to fibreglass, as it provides strength to the final piece but is also biodegradable. The raffia is mixed with rice powder, which is then twisted and worked into a lattice. The bio-resin “1,3 Propanediol (PDO)” is then applied, which causes the lattice to expand and flatten out leaving a smooth finish with no holes. Extra raffia is placed around all the joints (and areas that may become weak) for extra stability. Instead of using standard acrylic or oil-based paint, the mannequins are covered with a matt water-based paint (certification can be provided) and are sprayed with a water-based clear lacquer to produce the effect of a gloss finish. They come in white or left natural .
But being environmentally friendly doesn’t stop there, they are packaged in 100% recyclable boxes. The boxes are printed with water-based ink, filled using 100% recyclable void filler, and packed using paper and foams that are also recyclable. The mannequins include joints, a foot fitting and a calf fitting – all made from 65% recycled metal and a stand made from 100% recycled glass. Cardboard pallets are also an option.
This is a big step for retailers to become more environmentally friendly.
More information available from Morplan.com
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