Is sustainable dining the way of the future? The launch of Future Trails by Canadian outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx may hold the answer.
This innovative project, developed in partnership with Melbourne’s sustainable material studio Other Matter and Tasmanian food innovator Rough Rice, introduces the world’s first sustainable, nutritious trail food featuring edible, ultralight, zero-waste tableware.
Set to debut on May 24th as part of Melbourne Design Week on the city’s Southbank, Future Trails aims to change how outdoor enthusiasts relate to and care for nature through thoughtful design and innovation.
The brains behind Future Trails are Jessie French, founder of Other Matter, and Adam James, known as Rough Rice. James, a renowned food innovator, fermenter, and waste management specialist from Lutruwita, Tasmania, combines ancient and modern preservation techniques to create natural, nutritious foods.
“For me, flavour is very important,” he said at a media tasting on Friday. “My background is in food and so flavour is always paramount. Finding that balance of nutritional value and flavour is becoming more and more important for me. I find that if you’re using foods that are naturally flavoursome, it’s just getting the right combinations and you can have both.”
James said sourcing his own food is a must. “Fermentation is something I’ve been delving into for a long time. I eat a lot of pickles, rice… I grow all my own vegetables,” he said. “I do eat meat but I’m very considered about where it comes from. I’d never go to a supermarket; everything comes from local farmers.”
French’s experimental studio specializes in algae-based bioplastics, aiming to explore the possibilities of a post-petrochemical, circular world. “Food packaging is the largest source of plastic waste in our oceans, while over 40% of petrochemical plastics produced globally are dedicated to packaging,” French said.
“The detrimental impact of petrochemical plastics is profound, with accumulating evidence highlighting significant threats to our environment, ecosystems, and human health. Future Trails has been a remarkable opportunity to develop a solution that elevates the food experience for hikes while keeping unsustainable materials off our trails.”
The collaboration leverages Other Matter’s algae-based bioplastics to create edible tableware that eliminates the need for disposable packaging. Coupled with Rough Rice’s locally sourced and fermented provisions, Future Trails embodies circular, zero-waste principles. This project not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the outdoor dining experience with nutritious, lightweight, and sustainable food options.
“Nature is a source of endless inspiration for me. This project has allowed me to bring together my two passions: the natural environment and food innovation. Future Trails redefines what outdoor food can and should be. Natural, nutritious, lightweight, and sustainable,” said James.
Future Trails is more than a product; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable way of enjoying nature. By integrating innovative design with ecological responsibility, Arc’teryx and its partners are setting a new standard for outdoor nutrition.
This initiative not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by traditional food packaging but also enriches the experience of outdoor enthusiasts, aligning perfectly with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and health.
“At Arc’teryx, our core belief is ‘there is always a better way’: a never-ending process of testing and refining, forever focused on the end user. We’re incredibly proud to support this project, bringing sustainable, innovative solutions to the Australian outdoor community,” said Hayden Stevens, Arc’teryx Marketing Manager, AU/NZ.
As outdoor adventurers gear up for their next trail, Future Trails ensures they can enjoy their meals guilt-free, knowing they are contributing to a healthier planet.
With its official launch during Melbourne Design Week, Future Trails is poised to make a significant impact, inspiring a shift towards sustainable practices in outdoor activities worldwide.
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