It’s our stance to reject the use of plastic. From now on, we will provide cutleries that are made of corn, which are environmentally friendly and cheap. Post-use, such cutleries are biodegradable, hence furthering our goal of going green!
We also understand that having a set of reusable cutleries to use at the office or home is not practically feasible. Therefore, as a countermeasure, we also provide cutleries that are made out of corn while being extremely affordable. In our fight against reducing carbon footprint even further, this too is a strong and successful addition.
Not simply “degradable”
Environmental protection is a worldwide issue in modern society. Regarding materials, particularly throw-away objects like flatware, the idea of degradability is vital. Still, not every degradable material is produced equally.
Products that can be broken down by natural processes—more especially, by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and algae—under adequate conditions, including the presence of water, suitable temperature, and oxygen, are referred to as “Biodegradable Cutlery”. Under anaerobic conditions, this process ideally produces biomass, carbon dioxide (or methane), and water, from which the environment is not harmed.
One should be able to differentiate several kinds of degradable materials. Although some might just break down over time and still contribute to microplastics, really biodegradable silverware undergoes a whole breakdown process. The cutlery is therefore a more ecologically responsible option after its life cycle since it leaves no poisonous residues or negative consequences.
Advantages of 生分解性カトラリー
Unlike normal plastic cutlery, the biodegradable options assist in safeguarding the environment as well. Here’s how.
Alleviates the plastic pollution menace
Cutlery that is biodegradable aids in combating the pollution caused by plastic. Plastic, in particular, is notoriously known for its staying power. And, the best part about biodegradable cutlery is that it is capable of breaking down within a few years to a couple of months.
Decreasing greenhouse gas emission
While utilizing these renewable resources, it’s evident that biodegradable cutlery will result in emission reduction of greenhouse gases during use, as less energy will be consumed.
Ability to be composted
Many biodegradable cutleries can be owned in a way that reduces nutrient-rich soil depletion and soil erosion. Hence, this method is in alignment with the notion of adopting a circular economy in which cutlery encourages better farming and gardening.
Leaves a positive impact on health
Compostable cutleries remove any chances of traditional chemicals such as bisphenol A or phthalates leaching into the food cutleries are used on, allowing for better health and safety standards.
Encourages agricultural cutlery practices
The use of cutleries that are biodegradable results in the agricultural sector shifting towards an eco-friendly approach, which helps in creating a green economy, further strengthening environment-friendly practices and awareness.
The UK will completely ban the use of disposable plastic
Starting October 1, 2023, England will completely stop the use of disposable plastic tableware to further tackle pollution caused by plastic. To further drive home the point, businesses have been ordered to stop selling the following items:
- Knife, fork, plate, bowl, tray
- Plastic balloon bladder
- Polystyrene drinking containers and styrofoam cups
を使用する。 plastics that are biodegradable, compostable, or recycled, as well as items that are ‘coated’ or ‘lined’, will also fall under the new restraint. Styrofoam food containers – such as takeout lunches where the food can be placed in microwaves or other heating appliances to be pre-baked – have also been banned.
The UK government recommends the affected businesses exhaust their inventories by October 1 and source recyclable or non-plastic disposable items thereafter. Fines will be imposed if the companies supply banned single-use plastics after October 1.
The purpose of this ban is to minimize the irreversible damage plastic pollution brings to the ecosystem and encourage the use of 環境に優しい素材. In this context, Biodegradable Cutlery has become an ideal alternative.
The world is seeing an abrupt increase in the imposition of bans on plastics
The Indian government banned cutlery, straws, plastic earplugs, film, balloon sticks, candy and ice cream wrappers, and even cigarette packaging in August 2022 as they want to switch to eco-friendly materials rather than using untidy disposables. Moreover, Canada also announced that they won’t produce plastic bags and other products such as stirrers and eatables from August 2023, and in the future, the European Union will follow the policy set by Canada.
All these policies demonstrate the efforts being undertaken by countries across the globe targeting the issue of pollution caused by plastic. Pollution caused by plastics is an emerging crisis worldwide.
Crisis of plastic pollution across the globe
The United Nations has made it downright obvious that without immediate measures being implemented, the planet will be faced with a dire crisis of plastic pollution. Last year, a prediction made by the United Nations Environment Program report stated that by the year 2040, it is estimated that 37 million tons of plastic waste will be dumped into swamps and other aquatic systems. Since fossil fuels are the main source of most plastics, single-use products further contribute to climate change as these emit CO₂ and methane throughout their life cycles. The current emissions of plastic almost make it impossible for the tolerance level of an increase in global temperature to even let alone achieve the minimum goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This year, the United Nations Assembly took a commendable step towards this issue, by framing the first plastic pollution prevention regulation, and legislation, and issuing it as a treaty in 2024. The step taken by the United Nations Environment Assembly to combat water and soil pollution, especially plastic pollution, is commendable and will be a first. To summon the over-usage, the agreement proposes more biodegradable solutions and fewer traditional plastics, which will need combined strategies from the industry and the governments.
Market Trends in Biodegradable Cutlery
The biodegradable cutlery market has seen a rise with the recent shifts in the policies for the use of plastic. Research by Data Bridge shows that the market for biodegradable disposable tableware might achieve a growth rate of 2% by the end of 2028. The increasing awareness of biodegradability, shifting mindsets about environmental conservation, and the increasing demand for sustainable products on a global level are the reasons for this increase in demand for biodegradable products.
Products that fall into this category are compostable and have been manufactured so that they can reduce plastic waste and even gas emissions. Examples of these products can include: Bioplastics, such as starch-based bioplastics, PLA, PBS, and PHB. Even pulp and paper can be used as raw materials in constructing these products. These products can be created into anything, such as cups, containers, plates, and cutlery.