eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

Fact Sheet

Facts About Packing Peanuts

Contributor
By Diane E. Burdick
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Packing peanuts are a type of loose-fill padding used to fill the empty space in boxes. Commonly used for storing, moving and shipping fragile items, packing peanuts are widely available for purchase at shipping and office supply stores.

    History

  1. Hay, peanut shells and used newspapers were among the first forms of padding used for shipping delicate items. Today's packing peanuts are typically made of either Styrofoam or biodegradable cornstarch.
  2. First Peanuts

  3. In 1965, the Dow Chemical Company introduced the packing peanuts you see today. They are typically shaped like an S, a peanut or a half dome.
  4. Environmental Impact of Styrofoam Peanuts

  5. While Styrofoam cannot be broken down, GreenNature.com notes that the traditional packing peanuts are typically reused up to ten times before being thrown out. Additionally, most shipping stores will gladly accept donations of peanuts for recycling.
  6. Cornstarch Peanuts

  7. In 1991, the Evergreen Company introduced the biodegradable cornstarch peanut to the market. Various colors are available, and some people even use them in crafts.
  8. Environmental Impact of Cornstarch Peanuts

  9. Cornstarch peanuts can be reused for shipping, immediately broken down by adding water or added to a compost heap.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

Related Ads

Get Free Business Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Business
eHow_eHow Business and Finance