Following the ban on fish-shaped soy sauce droppers in South Australia, sustainable design studio Heliograf has launched a plastic-free, compostable alternative.
After five years of highlighting the problem of soy fish with their award-winning recycled lamps and searching for alternatives, Heliograf has delivered a solution.
The fish-shaped soy dropper is made from bagasse pulp, a natural, renewable plant material that is plastic-free, home-compostable, and compliant with plastic bans in all Australian states.
The small plastic fish, beloved for their convenience, serve their purpose for only a few minutes but persist for centuries. If they escape into the environment, they can harm marine life and degrade into microplastics that may end up in our food supply.
“It’s a small change, but we truly believe every drop matters,” said Heliograf co-founder Angus Ware.
“We wanted to show that we can still create moments of joy when being sustainable.”
Collaborating with award-winning industrial designers Vert Design and leading sushi restaurants, Heliograf has created a practical, planet-friendly alternative that retains the familiar joy and function of the original soy fish, without leaving microplastics in its wake.
Instead of being filled in a factory far from the restaurant, Holy Carp! droppers are filled fresh in the store. Switching allowed Heliograf to select a more easily compostable material, and means the soy is fresher. It also gives stores the flexibility to choose which sauce (or sauces) they offer.
Holy Carp! is also larger than a typical plastic soy fish. The designers observed that many customers grab a handful rather than just one, adding even more waste and plastic pollution.
The container has been carefully designed to resist spills and leaks and can be optionally sealed with a compostable sticker for trips on ‘stormier seas’. It safely holds soy for 48 hours.
Designed to comply with plastic bans and inspire others to voluntarily make the switch, Holy Carp! offers sushi lovers and restaurants an easy, sustainable swap with a feel-good message.
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