Kodiakooler - Eco-friendly temperature sensitive packaging
The Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative is committed to the values of aloha ʻāina. From the beginning we knew that we wanted to package our products in the most sustainable and responsible way possible. In order to ship our frozen ʻulu, starches, and value added products we needed an alternative to extruded polystyrene also known as Styrofoam.
Polystyrene can easily blow out of trash bins or landfills by wind and small pieces are often mistaken as food by marine animals. Styrene which is a by-product of polystyrene can leech into the ocean, our waterways, and soil.
After extensive research we have found that Kodiakoolers insulated with recycled cotton fibers does an amazing job at keeping our temperature sensitive products chilled during transport. Our customers have the choice to reuse or recycle the packaging and it can be repurposed for:
- Composting (Cotton fiber insulation will biodegrade in 27 weeks)
- Mulch for trees and gardens
- Bedding for pets and animals
- Cushion filling
- Reuse it for shipping or shopping
If you’ve already received a package from us, please share with us how you chose to recycle our packaging in your own unique way. Mahalo for helping us minimize our collective impact to the ʻāina.