The Flamio container is a biological alternative to the commonly available petrol-based version entirely made of natural wax. Wax has for centuries been used to preserve food. It is compostable, biological, non-toxic, reusable and can easily be mass produced. This project took its lead in trying to find an alternative to single-use plastic. Apart from sourcing an eco-friendlier material, the aim was to give a "second use" to packaging instate of directly filling our trash. As a more playful alternative, consumers can wind the wick, first used to open the container, around the container and light it like a candle. Else, one can either compost it or even reuse it, as it is a valuable and versatile material.
The idea first came while experimenting with different types of material. I was looking for something biological, durable, reusable to some extent, protective and non-toxic to food when in direct contact. It was not easy to find such material but after extensive research I came across wax. An amazing material used for centuries to preserve and store food long before fridges excited. Today, most might know it from the cheese industry, but it can be applied much more than just dairy.
Wax was a perfect match to all the needs I was looking for and can be produced from various sources: sunflower, rape, bees, animal waste and more. My idea of packaging evolved, and I wanted to make something people would remember. Something fun. Something they had never seen before. But more importantly, I wanted this packaging to have more than one use; a second purpose. In fact, when we look at most food wrappings on the market today, most land in the trash within seconds after being unwrapped. Some are even so poorly designed that they do not fit in any trash can end up filling it entirely…
With this in mind, my product was designed in such way that that after the consumer had consumed what was inside of it, one would not have to throw it away. As a more playful alternative, consumers can wind the wick, first used to open the container, around the container and light it like a candle by following these simple steps:
(1) Open the upper cap by pulling and unrolling the at the top
(2) Unpack and enjoy
(3) When done, wind the wick around the container using the intended rail
(4) Place the container on a stable and heat resistant surface
(5) Light the wick
The shape and dimensions have been chosen to allow the packaging to fit inside any standard "tea candle" holder. In addition, its squarish shape provides is to roll away while laying horizontally.
Alternatively, one can either compost it or even reuse it, as it is a valuable and versatile material.