Environmentally aware shopping site EcoCentric has just launched a chopping board made entirely from recycled cardboard. Made from layers of compressed packaging, the finish is apparently ‘slate-like’ and meets health and safety guidelines (for the home at least, I wonder if it’s restaurant friendly? I’ve asked the PR, along with a question about what the manufacturing process specifically entails and if other materials are used – the release says not) It’s certainly tough for a paper-based product, reckoned to be heat resistant to 175 degrees Celsius and dishwasher proof.
EcoCentric claims that the production process, aside from using no raw materials in the board or packaging, consumes around 70% less energy than manufacturing a board from new.And, of course, at the end of its life you can just recycle it again – although I’ve never thrown away a chopping board in my life I don’t think. Do they actually wear out?
Makes me a bit angry that the local council simply composts all our cardboard. Think of the things you could make with this stuff.
I’m a big fan of EcoCentric’s products – I looked at one of their laptop bags made from old leather belts and recylced jackets last year for a feature in Stuff and it was absolutely lovely. Higher quality feel than most new bags, in fact.