Most of the foodservice outlets continue to offer food in plastic ware, in the view of low-cost, durability, and convenience attributes along with upsurge in adoption of throw-away culture. Today, a massive amount of plastic disposable cutlery is disposed into oceans, seas, and rivers, significantly contaminating the water. The ubiquity of plastic in marine environment has not only been a threat to marine species but also to entire human race.
As a result, rising concerns regarding the adverse effects of non-biodegradable plastics are bringing significant changes in the disposable cutlery market. Globally, more than 8 million tons of plastic are disposed of into water every year, estimates the United Nation. Such extreme usage of plastic and the adverse effects of the same promotes the use of cutleries made of biodegradable materials. With an increase in the demand for safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly cutlery, manufacturers will need to redefine their product development strategies.
Non-GMO plant-based plastic materials are currently popping up in the market, as they are highly reusable and biodegradable. These plastics are completely broken down by bacteria or other living organisms in the environment.
Plant-based cutlery products have replaced plastics in the restaurants and fast food joints. Consumers have started to consider non-GMO PLA for its heat resistant and compostable features. Furthermore, the stringent government regulations and laws against using non-disposable plastic cutlery have caused a shift in demand, thereby potentially raising the sales of biodegradable or plant-based cutlery. Lately, Vistara, an Indian full-service airline company, became the first to serve food in oxy-biodegradable cutlery and pouches to its customers. These factors further played a significant role in Westlife Developments Ltd’s decision to replace its plastic disposable cutleries with wooden cutleries and paper cups. These initiatives are reflecting on changing trends in the disposable cutlery market.
Disposable cutlery landscape is witnessing immense development. New trends are taking shape in the light of the global focus centering on plastic-free environment. Edible cutlery is among the major development that has an influence on the landscape. For instance, Candy Cutlery, Canada-based food suppling company, created a sustainable alternative to plastic-based disposable spoons. Made from natural sugar cane, the innovative disposable spoons are 100% recyclable and available in different flavors. Additionally, edible spoons made of millets blended with other grains in India are paving their way in the foodservice industry. These spoons have a longer shelf life, are highly reusable, and can be decomposed in 4-5 days. The foodservice industry is the major consumer of plastic spoons. Millet spoon can convert their businesses into more profitable ones and make them environment-friendly. Thus, the edible cutlery has become a major trend in the disposable cutlery market.
The European Union is set to become plastic-free as the EU legislation has proposed a ban on disposable plastics made of polypropylene or polystyrene. According to the new legislation, the use of bioplastic as cutleries that can be disposed of through organic waste stream will offer a remarkable improvement to the environment.
Use of compostable cutlery is also increasingly favored by the government, as it offers a reduction in greenhouse gas and ensures energy savings. Compostable cutlery can be decomposed in an organic waste stream, avoiding the generation of methane and filling up of landfills. With the new legislation in Europe and the UK, companies adopting bioplastics and plant-based plastics as an alternative to their conventional products should be looking at a period of sustained demand.
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