EcoGen Defines Biodegradable Bath Accessories

While surfing the web recently, I was completely intrigued with a line of new, biodegradable bath products made by Design Ideas. EcoGen is an innovative new biodegradable material that will probably redefine how we make any traditionally plastic homegoods, including bath products.

EcoGen is technically a polymer called PHBV. The biodegradable material is made by feeding sugar from corn starch to a naturally occurring bacteria. According to Design Ideas, the bacteria "digest the sugar and store the resulting PHBV much as a human body would store fat."

After being extracted from the bacteria, the PHBV is combined with other biodegradable materials that will allow it to be used effectively in injection molding machines. This new eco-friendly material is then molded into shape much like traditional plastic.

EcoGen products can be disposed of, knowing that they will biodegrade within six to nine months if composted or exposed to certain bacteria. Microorganisms that are found in compost or soil are responsible for breaking down the biodegradable material into carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

The bath products have clean, simple designs, contemporary shapes and very wallet-friendly prices. The new biodegradable bath line will be sold at the Container Store starting in April and other stores in June.