Liquid Cardboard Series: No.5
During a recent shopping stint at Chapters [the Canadian equivalent of Borders in the U.S.], I couldn’t help but be impressed by the massive display of eco-friendly back-to-school products, which included the modern Liquid Cardboard No.5 by cardboardesign. I had to snatch it immediately. I may not be heading back to school, but I’m definitely back to work here on GDG — and I just can’t resist cool eco trinkets for my home office. It’s futile.
First off, let me just say that Chapters must have a visual merchandising army, as their product displays are constantly evolving throughout the week, and from a Set Stylist’s point of view, they are quite current and make a strong impact. I’m impressed with the amount of planning and work that I know is going into their displays — particularly in their gifts section, which is always packed with unique items from all over the globe.
Back to the eco.friendly No. 5, which I picked up as part of the Liquid Cardboardseries. It’s basically a free flowing “shape shifting” piece that reminds me of the classic Slinky, except that it’s made from totally recycled [and recyclable] honeycomb cardboard. The creative possibilities are endless, allowing you to fashion the object into a vase, bowl, decorative sculpture, business card and/or office supplies holder, etc. You can even mesh two different pieces from their Liquid Cardboard series together to form completely new shapes.
I must say, however, that I had a WTF moment when I got home and opened the box, only to find what appeared to be the antithesis of eco-friendly packaging inside — styrofoam peanuts[?!]. This would have prompted me to return No.5., as it would have just been too disappointing, and frankly, so wrong. Thankfully, I was greeted with a small card floating above the peanuts which read: “Our peanuts are made with cornstarch”, making them totally biodegradable. How cool is that?! No.5’s eco.points immediately soared in my books.
I also love the fact that their glues contain no harsh chemicals or animal products, along with their other green statements, which include: “Not one tree was cut down to produce our furnitureand packaging” and “Not one person or country was exploited in making this product. It is 100% made in America.”
Fun, modern, creative, socially responsible and super eco-friendly — right down to the packaging! These cardboard peeps are brilliant.
No.5 sporting my new eco-friendly business cards [a post on them soon].
Um, yeah, I’ve still got a penguin fetish. Those who know me are not surprised.
Possibly my fave configuration. I like the cylindrical shape for inserting biz cards, photos, etc.
The fully recycled + recyclable box.
The “cornstarch biodegradable peanuts” used in the packaging of No.5.
