Teens’ Kirigami-Inspired Cardboard Packaging Wins Earth Prize, Challenges Plastic Bubble Wrap
Staff Editor New York Teens Invent Eco-Friendly Packaging Solution, Win Earth Prize
Three New York City teenagers have developed an innovative cardboard packaging material called Kiriboard, aimed at replacing plastic packaging in shipping. The invention, which recently won the $12,500 Earth Prize, originated from a damaged shipment of motors for their robotics hobby.
Zhi Han (Anthony) Yao, Flint Mueller, and James Clare, the young inventors behind Kiriboard, drew inspiration from Japanese kirigami to create their sustainable packaging solution. The trio plans to use their prize money to purchase a CNC router for further production and development of their product.
Kiriboard’s lattice-like design allows it to bend and absorb impact, providing protection similar to bubble wrap without the use of plastic. This innovation comes at a crucial time, as plastic packaging continues to contribute to microplastic pollution, affecting ecosystems and human health worldwide.
The idea for Kiriboard emerged when the teens received a damaged shipment of Kraken X60 motors. Drawing inspiration from automotive crumple zones, they designed packaging with strategic weak points to absorb impact during transit.
Initial prototypes were crafted from scavenged cardboard and underwent rigorous testing. The team dropped various objects on the prototypes, with results showing minimal damage and indicating strong potential for Kiriboard’s effectiveness in real-world applications.
Looking ahead, the young inventors plan to refine their designs and test them with actual shipments before pitching their product to potential clients. They have set their sights on major companies such as Home Depot, Amazon, FedEx, and the US Postal Service as potential adopters of their eco-friendly packaging solution.
As the team works towards perfecting their product and pursuing a patent, their invention represents a promising step towards reducing plastic waste in the shipping industry. The success of Kiriboard could potentially revolutionize packaging practices, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic materials.
