Sustainability Series - GoneShells: the potato-based juice bottle that disappears naturally
Published 24th September 2025
A real-world case study for D&T lessons
Tomorrow Machine, a Swedish design studio, has developed GoneShells, a juice bottle made entirely from potato that decomposes like fruit peel. Unlike most biodegradable packaging, it doesn’t require industrial composting. It can be eaten, home-composted or even dissolved under running water, offering a striking example of how design can respond to environmental challenges.
For design and technology teachers, GoneShells provides a tangible, inspiring example to bring sustainability into the classroom. It demonstrates how materials science, product design and creative thinking can combine to reduce packaging waste. Students can examine the life cycle of everyday products and explore how design decisions affect the environment.
Linking to 'Inspired by Industry'
This project connects directly to the 'Inspired by Industry' Bulletproof context, where students investigate the impact and improvement of packaging. Like GoneShells, students can challenge conventional materials, experiment with alternatives such as card, mycelium, timber, or polymers, and explore secondary uses. The project encourages thinking about the 6R’s of sustainability and collaborative problem-solving, giving students the chance to design prototypes that could inspire real-world solutions.
‘Inspired by Industry’ is free for all teachers to use, with additional member-only tasks and activities available for Design & Technology Association members.
Why it matters for the classroom
Although not yet ready for widespread juice packaging, GoneShells shows the potential of starch-based, biodegradable materials for single-use items such as food trays or dry goods. For teachers, it’s a short, engaging case study that encourages discussion, experimentation and creativity, helping students connect classroom learning with sustainable design in industry.
Learn more at Tomorrow Machine.
To support teachers further, a handy downloadable PDF article is available. This resource can be kept in your classroom as inspiration to revisit and share whenever you want to highlight how sustainability and creativity can come alive in design and technology.
