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FoldFlat food containers bend like origami for smarter storage

By Nick Lavars
November 02, 2015
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Each end of the FoldFlat container is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
UK inventor Ben Strange is hoping to tidy up your cluttered kitchen cabinet, with a plastic box that folds up flat inside its lid for smarter storage
When needed again, simply removing the lid sees it pop back up to its full-size
Each end is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
Strange says the BPA-free tupperware is watertight and microwave dishwasher safe
Simply dubbed FoldFlat, Strange's clever container has a capacity of 1.6 L (54 oz) and is 65 mm (2.55 in) deep
Each end is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
When flat-packed, the container measures only 21 mm (0.82 in)
Each end of the FoldFlat container is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
When needed again, simply removing the lid sees it pop back up to its full-size
Each end of the FoldFlat container is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
Each end of the FoldFlat container is fitted with strategically placed folds that allow it to be squashed down to a slim package when not in use
UK inventor Ben Strange is hoping to tidy up your cluttered kitchen cabinet, with a plastic box that folds up flat inside its lid for smarter storage
View gallery - 12 images

Plastic food containers like Tupperware are great for storing leftovers, but when it comes to stowing away the containers themselves there is no avoiding wasted space and misplaced lids. So UK-based inventor Ben Strange is hoping to tidy up your cluttered kitchen cabinet with a container that folds up flat inside its lid.

Simply dubbed FoldFlat, Strange calls his clever container a coming together of Tupperware and origami. It has a capacity of 1.6 L (54 oz) and is 65 mm (2.55 in) deep, but each end is embedded with strategically-placed folds that allow it to be squashed down into a slim package when not in use. When needed again, simply removing the lid sees it pop back up to its full-size.

When flat-packed, the container measures only 21 mm (0.82 in) from top to bottom, which is no thicker than a typical paperback, so it should be easy to slot away inside a cupboard or a bag once you're finished chowing down on its contents.

UK inventor Ben Strange is hoping to tidy up your cluttered kitchen cabinet, with a plastic box that folds up flat inside its lid for smarter storage

Strange says the BPA-free container is watertight and microwave- and dishwasher-safe. He has filed patents and developed working prototypes of FoldFlat, and is now looking to crowdfund its commercial production.

With an Indiegogo campaign kicking off on November 3, Strange is looking to raise £70,000 (around US$108,000). Available with white and turquoise trimmings, early pledges will start at £13 (US$20) for a single container.

You can hear from Strange in his pitch video below.

Source: FoldFlat

View gallery - 12 images

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Around The HomeKitchenStorageTupperware
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Nick Lavars
Nick has been writing and editing at New Atlas for over six years, where he has covered everything from distant space probes to self-driving cars to oddball animal science. He previously spent time at The Conversation, Mashable and The Santiago Times, earning a Masters degree in communications from Melbourne’s RMIT University along the way.
2 comments
Bruce H. Anderson
Oh please. Rubbermaid containers nest, as do the lids. Very little space lost in storage, and they provide a super seal. I especially like the Premier line; crystal clear container with a tranparent section on the lid. This seems to be a solution looking for a problem.
benfoldflat
Bruce, good to hear your thoughts, many of which we've reflected upon during the development of the product.
If I may, I'd liked to offer up an answer to your critique: Customer research told us very early on that nesting, whilst an excellent idea in principle, just didn't play out well enough in reality. The requirement to disassemble for access and then reconstruct on the return soon became a nuisance.
Whilst you may not have intended your comment as feedback for me it is very much appreciated and I thank you for taking the time to leave it. Our aim was to improve the ergonomics associated with this product and it is very interesting to now watch and learn as the world reacts.
Kind regards,
Ben Founder FOLDFLAT
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