The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently released new quality standards for biodegradable food utensils, which cover various aspects such as raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and performance. The new standard, IS 18267: 2023, emphasizes the use of agricultural by-products, such as leaves and sheaths, as preferred materials for making plates, cups, and bowls. The BIS also prohibits the use of chemicals, resins, and adhesives, and recommends appropriate parts of plants and trees for production.
The implementation of this new standard has far-reaching benefits as these utensils are free from harmful additives, ensuring consumer well-being. The standard also creates economic opportunities for farmers and supports sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to rural development.
The demand for biodegradable cutlery is consistently rising, leading to a steady growth in the number of manufacturers involved in their production in India. The rising use of disposable tableware worldwide is driving the global market for disposable tableware. The disposable plate’s market size was valued at USD 4.26 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 6.73 billion by 2028.
The new standard provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacturers and consumers to maintain uniformity in quality requirements across the country, which will benefit both the industry and the environment in the long term.
