2050 Edible Cutlery

Plastic waste is placing increasing strain on the environment – and one of the key contributors is single-use tableware. That makes it all the more urgent to find a sustainable waste-prevention solution. “2050 Edible Cutlery offers a convincing, well thought-out, circular concept,” was the unanimous verdict of the jury. “Food waste is used to create a fully functional cutlery set that does not contain any artificial ingredients whatsoever. After use, it can be recycled or turned into compost. This ensures a closed-loop materials cycle and that no additional waste is generated or needless energy consumed.” The manufacturing process features only natural raw materials: rice flour curds, soy protein and tapioca starch. They are abundantly available as an agricultural by-product and are not in competition with the production of staple foods. The cutlery set is produced in an energy-efficient hot-melt injection-moulding process without any chemical solvents. The product has a shelf-life of two years in unopened packaging. In use, it can withstand temperatures of up to 55 degrees centigrade for about an hour – plenty of time to enjoy a bowl of soup. As the cutlery is made entirely from food-based ingredients, it is also edible and fully compostable. In moist soil, it will decompose within two weeks. The form, feel and size of the individual pieces of the set have been carefully tailored to user habits following numerous trials. The material development was particularly challenging. Starch-based compounds offer high rigidity but are not very flexible. The precise design of the handle significantly increased the breaking resistance without requiring synthetic reinforcement. A selection of cutlery sets were developed to take account of different global eating habits. In addition, there are chocolate- or vanilla-flavoured versions, as well as gluten-free and plant-based options, allowing for a wide variety of modern dietary habits. With its eminent suitability for everyday use, 2050 Edible Cutlery offers a practical solution for the hospitality sector, takeaway businesses and events, and sets new standards for sustainable tableware.