I did not receive the EarthDrive in North American retail packaging. However, it did come in a cardboard box, which I suppose is better than plastic. The front shows off the main features of the drive and it is all presented against a green background to boot! The EarthDrive logo looks oddly similar to the "recyclable" sign seen on many products. I have the 4GB version but it also comes in 2GB and 8GB versions.
The back has the system requirements, and the URL for ATP's website. The "green" theme is made more apparent by the indication that everything has been printed on recyclable paper.
ATP has a for the EarthDrive where I went to get the features and specifications.
Here is their description:
Designed with Recycled Material
The ATP EarthDrive is the world's first recyclable USB Drive, appropriately named the EarthDrive. With years of product development and extensive research, the EarthDrive is designed and built using the maximum amount of biodegradable materials (PLA), resulting in a fully recyclable product. PLA (Polylactic acid) is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn.
American Forests Partnership
In partnership with the American Forests, a portion of all EarthDrive product sales will go towards the planting of trees.
Waterproof for all Conditions
In addition to being one of the most durable USB drives in the world, the EarthDrive is also one of the most versatile. Built with ATP's SIP technology, all vital flash components are completely encapsulated allowing for shock proof, waterproof, and dust proof durability.
Security Protection
The EarthDrive's built in security software allows for password protection of private data.
The ATP EarthDrive is the world's first recyclable USB Drive, appropriately named the EarthDrive. With years of product development and extensive research, the EarthDrive is designed and built using the maximum amount of biodegradable materials (PLA), resulting in a fully recyclable product. PLA (Polylactic acid) is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, such as corn.
American Forests Partnership
In partnership with the American Forests, a portion of all EarthDrive product sales will go towards the planting of trees.
Waterproof for all Conditions
In addition to being one of the most durable USB drives in the world, the EarthDrive is also one of the most versatile. Built with ATP's SIP technology, all vital flash components are completely encapsulated allowing for shock proof, waterproof, and dust proof durability.
Security Protection
The EarthDrive's built in security software allows for password protection of private data.
The specifications:
As you can tell, a lot of engineering went into making the EarthDrive. Most importantly, it is made of PLA, a biodegradable polymer. Also, it is waterproof thanks to ATP's SIP, or System-In-Packaging, technology which encapsulates all the exposed components and points of failure. We will be testing this feature for ourselves soon but before that, let's get our hands on the drive itself.