EarthShell Corporation Completes Design Phase for McDonald's Big Mac Containers

EarthShell Corporation, a development-stage company focused on licensing and commercializing a proprietary composite material for the food service industry, has announced the completion of the design phase for its project to build three production lines for Sweetheart Cup Company to manufacture EarthShell hinged lid sandwich containers for McDonald's Big Mac sandwiches. The design phase, which began in November, was completed ahead of schedule, with production line components being ordered and manufacturing equipment already being delivered to Sweetheart's Owings Mills, Maryland plant site. The first of the three production lines is expected to be completed and in operation by the end of the year, with full production capacity online by the end of the first quarter of 1999.

Key Takeaways:

• The Design Phase of the project was completed slightly ahead of schedule, demonstrating EarthShell's ability to manage complex projects efficiently.
• Sweetheart Cup Company is the first licensee to commercialize EarthShell's composite material technology, securing a supply agreement to produce Big Mac sandwich containers for McDonald's nationwide.
• EarthShell is working closely with Sweetheart to integrate its products into established marketing, manufacturing, and distribution operations.
• The new EarthShell composite material has superior functional and environmental characteristics compared to traditional food service packaging materials.
• The company expects the first production line to be completed by the end of 1998, with full production capacity online by the end of the first quarter of 1999.
• The EarthShell composite material is made from commonly available raw materials, including limestone, starch, natural fibers, and functional coatings.
• EarthShell's licensing and commercialization efforts have generated significant interest worldwide, with the company exploring additional applications for its products.

Statistics:

• The design phase of the project was completed ahead of schedule, with the project timeline being:

+ November 1997: Project began

+ July 1998: Completion of Design Phase

• The first production line is expected to be completed by the end of 1998, with full production capacity online by the end of the first quarter of 1999.
• The three production lines will have a total production capacity of:

+ End of 1998: 1 production line operational

+ End of first quarter 1999: 3 production lines operational (total capacity)

• The new EarthShell composite material has a superior environmental profile compared to traditional food service packaging materials, with a:

+ Estimated material reduction of 50% compared to paperboard

+ Estimated energy savings of 75% compared to polystyrene

Sources:

• PR Newswire
• Company press release dated July 9, 1998