In a world striving for sustainable alternatives to combat environmental challenges, Designers Rowan Minkley and Robert Nicoll, based in London, have made an impactful stride by utilising waste potato peelings to create an eco-friendly alternative to single-use materials known as Chip[s] Board. This innovation addresses environmental concerns and presents a viable substitute for commonly used materials like MDF or chipboard while promoting a circular economy.

The motivation behind Chip[s] Board stemmed from a desire to tackle the excessive disposal of Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) in the UK furniture sector, amounting to a staggering 140,000 tonnes per year. Minkley and Nicoll recognized the urgent need for sustainable alternatives and sought to utilise waste materials effectively.

Chip[s] Board is a biodegradable material that is not only suitable but advantageous as a substitute for MDF or chipboard. Unlike traditional sheetboard materials, it's free from formaldehyde and toxic resins, making it a healthier choice for both the environment and consumers.

The innovative material comprises a binding agent derived from potato peels, combined with fibres sourced from potatoes, bamboo, wood, or hops. The manufacturing process involves collecting peelings from food processing, refining them into a binding agent, and subjecting them to heat pressing to form sturdy boards suitable for various applications.

The patented manufacturing process entails pressing under conditions akin to MDF production but with the use of biodegradable binders. This ensures that the resulting boards retain the necessary strength and functionality for commercial use.

The core philosophy of Chip[s] Board revolves around the principles of a circular economy, integrating waste reduction and food waste solutions into their material development. This not only minimizes waste but also transforms it into a valuable resource, reducing the strain on natural resources.

An added sustainability feature of Chip[s] Board is its end-of-life potential. When products made from this material reach the end of their lifespan, they can be composted into fertilizers for agriculture, completing the cycle of sustainability.

Rowan Minkley, one of the co-founders of Chip[s] Board, has received commendation as the UK's "most promising young engineering entrepreneur" from the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub, further solidifying the impact and potential of this revolutionary endeavour.

Looking ahead, the designers are committed to further innovation and sustainability. They are actively working on developing other sustainable materials, with a particular focus on bioplastics, and exploring applications within the fashion industry. This hints at a promising future where sustainable materials may become commonplace, revolutionizing industries and minimising their environmental footprint.

The innovative spirit exhibited by Rowan Minkley and Robert Nicoll with Chip[s] Board is part of a larger global movement toward sustainability. Italian designers have also showcased their creativity by creating ecological packaging for fries using recycled potato skins, echoing the ethos of biodegradability and sustainability seen in Chip[s] Board. These efforts inspire hope and highlight the potential for a more sustainable future by harnessing the power of innovation and waste reduction.

Written by Mia-Honeghan Bates

References: Chip[s]Board (n.d.). Available at: https://www.chipsboard.com/

Images sourced from the company’s website