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Posted by: Beth Snyder on: 05/24/2016 03:04 AM
We all know by now that before we throw away plastic six-pack rings we should cut them apart so animals won't choke on them, but that doesn't solve the problem of animals trying to eat them. Saltwater Brewery in Florida has taken a 3D-printed step toward fixing that problem with edible six-pack rings.
An astronomical quantity of plastic six-pack rings ends up in our oceans, even though it's been decades since photos like the one you see here started surfacing, showing how dangerous they are to wildlife. Most of us know to cut them apart before tossing them in the trash (I would hope), but obviously not everyone does it or it wouldn't remain such a large problem. And yes, those plastic rings are required by law to be made of photo-degradable plastic, but that plastic can take up to 90 days to start breaking down. Animals also tend to try to eat them as they float by in the water, and that can be as big or bigger of a problem than them ending up stuck inside one. That plastic cannot be digested by animals, so it just sits there, building up in their digestive tracts, and it ends up effectively starving them since there is no room for food.
Saltwater Brewery is now marketing a product aimed specifically at those folks who spend their time drinking beer on or near the water: surfers, boaters, water skiers, etc., as well as seaside bars. That product is edible six-pack rings, which once they're done serving their purpose as beer can holders are biodegradable in water. Since they're made of brewing by-products (namely wheat and barley) they will do no harm to any animal that may try to eat them. They also serve the purpose of using up materials that would otherwise be cast off as waste, so they are doubling up on their environmental friendliness.
These new edible six-pack rings are 3D printed, which is why you're reading about them here. Saltwater teamed up with a New York-based agency called We Believers to develop the rings, and they are believed to be the world's first of their kind. They were digitally designed, and are strong enough to allow you to carry a six-pack of beer without fear of them breaking and you losing your brews. They initially printed a batch of 500 to hold Saltwater's flagship IPA, but they're working with manufacturers in Mexico with the intent of 3D printing 400,000 of them a month. They're also trying to get other craft breweries on board, with the idea that the little guy can, in fact, make a big difference in the world.
Right now, cost is a little high to produce these rings, which in turn raises the cost of a six-pack a little higher. But those who prefer craft brews tend to be willing to spend a little more for their favourite beverages, and the more breweries that agree to use them the lower the cost will fall. Add in the fact that using them will save countless thousands of marine animals' lives, and it's a pretty good bet we'll be seeing widespread use of them.
Source: 3Ders.org
Saltwater Brewery is now marketing a product aimed specifically at those folks who spend their time drinking beer on or near the water: surfers, boaters, water skiers, etc., as well as seaside bars. That product is edible six-pack rings, which once they're done serving their purpose as beer can holders are biodegradable in water. Since they're made of brewing by-products (namely wheat and barley) they will do no harm to any animal that may try to eat them. They also serve the purpose of using up materials that would otherwise be cast off as waste, so they are doubling up on their environmental friendliness.
These new edible six-pack rings are 3D printed, which is why you're reading about them here. Saltwater teamed up with a New York-based agency called We Believers to develop the rings, and they are believed to be the world's first of their kind. They were digitally designed, and are strong enough to allow you to carry a six-pack of beer without fear of them breaking and you losing your brews. They initially printed a batch of 500 to hold Saltwater's flagship IPA, but they're working with manufacturers in Mexico with the intent of 3D printing 400,000 of them a month. They're also trying to get other craft breweries on board, with the idea that the little guy can, in fact, make a big difference in the world.
Right now, cost is a little high to produce these rings, which in turn raises the cost of a six-pack a little higher. But those who prefer craft brews tend to be willing to spend a little more for their favourite beverages, and the more breweries that agree to use them the lower the cost will fall. Add in the fact that using them will save countless thousands of marine animals' lives, and it's a pretty good bet we'll be seeing widespread use of them.
Source: 3Ders.org
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