We were smitten with the solar-powered VE09 BlisterRadio, which uses PLA (corn-based) plastic packaging to display the radio on shelf; the clamshell then serves as the product housing once the consumer takes the item home. Though just a prototype (a semi-finalist in the Greener Gadgets industrial design competition), the BlisterRadio is a thoughtful concept with a solar panel that recharges batteries so the user can operate the device without ever having to open the pack. (SONIC Design, www.sonicny.com)
