Over 35 billion markers are sent to landfills every year. Now, an Italian design firm has come up with a potential solution.
Italian studio Carlo Ratti Associati, has created the 'Scribit Pen,' a compostable marker pen prototype made from predominantly natural materials. Their goal is for the final product to be 100% compostable, with 90+ percent of it decomposing within six months.
The pen comprises a barrel made from a choice of either wood, bioplastic or anodised aluminium, which is designed for repeated use.
This holds a nib and cartridge made from natural fibres including sawdust, hemp fibres, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) – a polymer that is used to produce biodegradable plastic – and lignin.
The replaceable cartridge would be filled with a non-toxic, water-based ink made from edible ingredients and composted after it is used.
The bioplastic pen outer will be fully compostable, made from the same materials as the cartridge, while the wood and aluminum barrels aren't compostable but are designed to last a long time.
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