Wheat straw dishes. Eco-friendly dishes made from wheat straw - let's take care of our Earth. Ecological tableware in Russia
People started using disposable tableware quite a long time ago. However, mass production of tableware at a time appeared after the invention of the appropriate equipment and materials. Today, the disposable tableware market in Russia looks quite stable. After the economic downturn in 2009, supply and demand have stabilized. Of course, the annual growth of 25%, as at the beginning of the 2000s, is no longer there, but nevertheless, the turnover remains high and the growth was 10-15%. The main factor influencing the disposable tableware market is domestic production. After the introduction of high trade duties (constituting about 50% of the cost of products), the domestic market began to rise by leaps and bounds. Currently, there are about 100 manufacturers on the market, of which there are less than a dozen large ones; the growth rate does not exceed 12% per year. Perhaps in the last three years it has been about 8-10% (some sources say 6-7%). One of the most famous companies, producing disposable tableware on the territory of Russia, is considered to be Huhtamaki (a transnational company with divisions in Finland, Poland, Italy, Germany, and the UK). Its clients include McDonald's, Pepsi and Nestle, etc.
The share of imports of disposable tableware in our country is small. The main importers, in addition to Huhtamaki (share - 18%), are Dopla S.P.A (Poland) and RPC Tedeco-Gizeh Kft (Hungary, Poland) - their shares are 15.4 and 12.1% of imports, respectively.
The main materials for disposable tableware are plastics (polymer materials) and paper. The ratio is 88-89 to 11-12%, respectively (Diagram 1). More than 40% of all disposable tableware are cups. Plates account for about 30%, cutlery for about 22% (Diagram 2).
Over the past 3-5 years, the share of disposable premium plastic tableware has increased significantly. These are original wine glasses, coffee cups and other utensils that differ exquisite design. If at the end of 2009 the share of such cookware in the total market was no more than 3%, then by 2015 experts note its increase to 5-7% (according to various estimates).
Transportation of ready-made disposable tableware is unprofitable, so more than half of the sales accounted for in Moscow 5-7 years ago have been reduced; The market is developing quite rapidly in the regions. However, rising energy tariffs in recent years was a deterrent.
Demand is maintained mainly due to new types of products, which include: straws for cocktails and juice made of hard plastic in a wide variety of colors and shapes, tablecloths, original designs of familiar dishes, dishes with images of fairy tale and cartoon characters (popular among children), as well as dishes with various inscriptions.
Experts note that each type of tableware has its own period of most active sales. For example, polystyrene glasses with a capacity of 200 ml are actively sold from April to September, glasses with a capacity of 500 ml - from May to July. Coffee cups and glasses made of polypropylene are in demand in cold weather
One of the most famous manufacturers of biodegradable tableware is Wasara (Japan). Among the leaders offering biodegradable tableware in Russia, the company Geovita (St. Petersburg) is well known. Its arsenal includes disposable and reusable products (including tableware) made from raw materials of plant origin: wheat straw, bamboo fiber, sugar cane, palm leaves. Today, such products can be purchased in the following chains: Azbuka Vkusa, Perekrestok, Globus Gourmet, Fix Price, etc. Packaging and dishes made from the same raw materials are offered by Picneco (Moscow region) and Ecovilka (Russia). There are quite a lot of manufacturers of plastic disposable tableware, for example, Introplastik (Orel), Atlas (Nizhny Novgorod), Alkor (Magnitogorsk). There are even more sellers, for example, Plast Mix LLC, Trial Market LLC, Pakstar Service LLC, Dezsnab-Trade LLC, etc.
Cost of business for the production of disposable plastic tableware
It is believed that entering the market for a new manufacturer of disposable plastic tableware will cost at least $500 thousand. But in reality, this is just the price of a new high-quality extruder made in Western Europe. If you are content with inexpensive used equipment, the cost of it will be $80-120 thousand. Plus, you need to purchase thermoforming machines (two, or preferably three) - each for $30-40 thousand.
So, the most cheap option will cost from $160 thousand to 180 thousand. But in this case, you will have to constantly incur significant costs for setting up and repairing equipment. That's not all. Theoretically, the extruder and two thermoforming machines should produce about 8 million cups per month. This is enough for a city with a population of 2-3 million people and an income of about $15 thousand. But this is only theoretical. In reality, expenses are much higher and income is lower. In addition, you need to invest in infrastructure and have a financial cushion in case something goes wrong. Typically, these costs are estimated at no less than the cost of the purchased equipment, that is, from $200 thousand to 500 thousand.
From plate manufacturers big problems they are sold nine months a year (except summer), so manufacturers usually also produce food containers, coffee cups or glasses made of polypropylene.
Disposable tableware is actively consumed by:
stationary catering outlets – 42%, people going on picnics – 25%, open cafeterias – 20%, catering companies (lunch delivery) – 5%, restaurants, cafes – 5%, vending companies and salad producers, baked goods manufacturers – 3% (diagram 3).
Experts suggest that the share of consumption of disposable tableware by catering companies will increase, since the catering segment has been developed to no more than a third of its potential capabilities. At the same time, the growth rate is about 15-20% per year (catering is in demand in any season: from January to March parties, gala dinners and other events are popular; from March to the end of May is the period of mass corporate events; in the summer months this can be done add weddings, picnics, outdoor recreation; the autumn months are not the most active period, mainly filled with mass events organized by large companies, such as day trips, sports competitions, excursions, etc.). The highest demand for catering companies occurs in December, closer to the New Year holidays - this, as they say, is a classic.
So, we see a fairly successful development of the market, where almost all traditions and new designs are in the hands of manufacturers of plastic tableware. Today, with all the shortcomings of such utensils, you can find alternative solution very difficult. However, the world does not stand still and more and more often we are learning about the spread of dishes that are considered safe from an environmental point of view and do not cause difficulties with disposal (which, unfortunately, cannot be said about plastic).
The widespread filling of the natural environment with waste polymer products, which persist for centuries, has led to the development of scientific directions that are tasked with creating an alternative to plastic utensils. First of all, we are talking about products designed for the fast food segment and establishments catering(cafe, bistro, etc.). It is this area that is among the leaders in the consumption of food plastics.
A number of manufacturing companies have turned to paper. In this segment, the production leader was the Huhtamaki company (in Russia - Huhtamaki S.N.G. LLC, located in the Moscow region). But, given the cost of wood, the restoration of which on the planet is extremely slow, the price of paper tableware did not suit the majority of buyers. As a result, polystyrene cookware continued to lead in terms of purchase volumes. Unfortunately, in addition to hazardous production and disposal problems, it is not designed for hot food, as well as alcoholic beverages, and cannot for a long time contact with foods containing food acids.
In all of these cases, such dishes release toxic substances into the external environment, which tend to accumulate in the body, and later lead to a fatal outcome. Today, so-called biodegradable tableware is gaining momentum. The raw materials for such dishes are crushed plant fibers, such as bamboo, cork, wood, palm leaves, etc., and starch, such as corn, is used as a binder. After molding and drying such dishes, the resulting products are of sufficient rigidity, which serve faithfully for a long period, and when they become unusable, they can safely (without residues or harmful emissions) decompose in the natural environment.
Distinctive features of the Russian disposable tableware marketTHE TRUTH ABOUT THE ABBREVIATION OF PLASTICSIn 1988, the Plastics Industry Society developed a labeling system for all types of plastic. It consists of three arrows in the shape of a triangle, inside of which there is a number indicating the type of plastic. If there is a number 1 in a triangle on the bottle, and PET is written underneath it, this means that it is made of polyethylene terephthalate.
This raw material is recognized as hazardous for food use. Disposable plastic cups should be treated with great care. If they have the Latin letters PS on them, it means the vessel is made of polystyrene. You can drink cold drinks from it, but you shouldn’t drink hot tea or coffee (with a temperature of +70 °C or higher). The same effect occurs if you pour a strong drink, such as vodka, into a polystyrene container.
Styrene accumulated in the body stimulates the development of liver cirrhosis. Polystyrene is used in the manufacture of thermal insulation boards for buildings, food packaging, cutlery and cups, CD boxes and other packaging ( cling film and foam materials), toys, dishes, pens and so on. The material is potentially hazardous, especially if burned, as it contains styrene.
Dishes made of polypropylene (PP marking) are safer. It can withstand temperatures up to +100 oC. Officially, polystyrene is considered safe for food use. But doctors again do not recommend drinking from “polystyrene” - you can disrupt kidney function and even go blind, which will be facilitated by the phenol released from the glass. Used in the automotive industry (equipment, bumpers), in the manufacture of toys, as well as in food industry, mainly in the manufacture of packaging.
If there is no marking on the plastic, you can distinguish PS from PP by touch: polystyrene crunches and breaks, and polypropylene wrinkles.
PETE or PET– polyethylene terephthalate. Commonly used for mineral water bottles, soft drinks and fruit juices, packaging, blisters, upholstery. Such plastics are potentially hazardous for food use.
PEHD or HDPE– polyethylene high density. Some bottles, flasks and, more generally, semi-rigid packaging. Considered safe for food use.
PVC or PVC– polyvinyl chloride. Used for pipes, tubes, garden furniture, in floor coverings, for window profiles, blinds, bottles detergents and oilcloths. The material is potentially hazardous for food use as it may contain dioxins, bisphenol A, mercury, and cadmium.
LDPE and PEBD– low density polyethylene. Tarpaulins, garbage bags, bags, films and flexible containers. Considered safe for food use.
OTHER or O– others. This group includes any other plastic that cannot be included in the previous groups. Polycarbonate is not toxic to the environment.
- The domestic market for plastic tableware, including disposable ones, despite the large number of goods on supermarket shelves, has been developed by no more than 40-45%. - Over the past 2-3 years, there has been an increase in the segment of paper products in the disposable tableware market due to their environmental friendliness and ease of disposal.
- The demand for plastic, including disposable, tableware has a pronounced seasonality, therefore, in order to avoid equipment downtime in the autumn-winter period, various sales areas should be developed (wholesale and retail chains, catering, catering enterprises).
- When choosing disposable tableware, consumers give preference original design(possibility to select sets in one color scheme, thematic images for various holidays, etc.).
- The entry threshold for a manufacturer is quite high. Used equipment is not worth the investment, since constant breakdowns lead to losses and loss of time, which affects delivery times... It is difficult to modernize old equipment due to a shortage of components.
Biodegradable disposable tableware is suitable for both cold and hot foods and drinks. It does not break, does not burn your hands and eliminates repeated use. To make disposable eco-friendly tableware, only natural plant materials are used. Large global companies fast food completely abandoned disposable plastic tableware and switched exclusively to paper and biodegradable tableware. Bioware differs from plastic not only in the absence of harmful effects on the human body, but also in its more aesthetic appearance. It is pleasant to the touch, stiffer and, unlike plastic, does not break so quickly when used hot food It does not heat up so quickly, which means it does not burn your hands.
The disadvantage of such dishes is still the high cost of their manufacture, which primarily affects the price for the end consumer. It should be noted that today dishes made from biodegradable raw materials can not only be used for one-time purposes, but also have multiple uses. For example, the company Drivix offers environmentally friendly, biodegradable, reusable tableware made from bamboo.
The difference between reusable biodegradable tableware and disposable tableware is the manufacturing technology and various additives. Disposable tableware from renewable natural raw materials is manufactured according to a simplified scheme without the addition of a number of components. This leads to a reduction in price.
Considering the types of disposable tableware presented on the market today, it is worth noting that any tableware serves its own purpose and requires the right conditions production, storage, use and disposal. Failure to comply with the requirements leads to extremely unfavorable consequences that affect the environment and the wallet of both the manufacturer and the end consumer.
The prospects for the market are enormous, especially in connection with the opening of a new direction represented by biodegradable products from renewable natural raw materials! Demand for tableware may be higher if the following conditions are met:
- general growth of the general consumer culture (in this regard, manufacturers can remind about proper disposal with direct, visible text on the packaging or the dishes themselves);
- creating new tableware, whose use is slightly dependent on seasonal fluctuations and allows you to comfortably use such tableware at home.
Manufacturers of disposable tableware during periods of decline in consumer demand need to use existing equipment to produce other popular products. Similar methods are used by many manufacturing companies whose product range is aimed at different market segments at the same time.
About the production of plastic tableware
All technologies for the production of disposable plastic tableware can be reduced to two main methods:
molding (mass market class products);
injection molding (premium class).
The raw materials for production are polyester, polypropylene or polystyrene. In some cases, exclusively primary raw materials are used in the form of granules, in others, exclusively secondary raw materials are used in the form of processed powder. But the most common is “waste-free” production, consisting of 70% primary and 30% secondary raw materials.
Molding technology
During production by molding, the material goes through several stages - from pellets or crumbs to familiar products: cups, plates. Initially, the raw material is placed in an extruder, where, when heated and stirred, it acquires a liquid viscous consistency, which then enters the flat slot of the apparatus and is extruded in the form of a web (which is why the extruder is also called a flat-slot extruder).
Under the press, the web acquires a uniform thickness (about 2 mm), a certain width, and then the polypropylene tape is wound onto the shaft in the form of a roll. After this, the reel undergoes preheating in an oven, unwinds, and is placed in special molds. The molding of the dishes depends on the shape of the press, where the film hardens, acquiring a familiar appearance.
Under the pressure of an air stream, the cooled workpiece is blown out of the mold and enters a punching press, where the products are cleaned of excess elements. Waste (based on 1 ton of material, 48% of products and 52% of “cutting”) again enters the slot extruder (having previously gone through the grinding stage) and the production cycle is repeated from the beginning.
And the finished dishes enter the conveyor, where their edges are formed, logos are applied (if necessary), stacks are made, counting and packaging are carried out.
Casting technology
A similar production technology is used for the production of dense disposable tableware: coffee cups, cutlery, food containers, wine glasses, etc. Unlike the previous method, no plastic tape, and the viscous heated mass, which under pressure takes the shape of the finished product, cools and hardens.
Dishes made using this method are thicker and more durable. Accordingly, its price category is an order of magnitude higher than that of molding. If it is necessary to add color to faceless plastic, at the stage of laying the raw materials, 1-2% of coloring substances that are safe for health are added to it.
From time to time, each of us uses disposable tableware. Some do this almost every day (take at least coffee cups from vending machines), others - from time to time, for example, at picnics.
Proponents of disposable tableware say: “It’s cheap and convenient!” Opponents: “She pollutes the environment!” We will say the following: “Use disposable bioware!” This article is dedicated to her.
We have been planning to write about bioware for a long time, but somehow we still haven’t been able to communicate with people who could tell us in a simple and understandable form what kind of product it is.
And so, at the Wellness Expo 2014, we met the Geovita company, a wholesale supplier of biodegradable tableware and packaging. From its representatives we learned about all the advantages of bioplastics. We share useful information with you.
Why is ordinary plastic dangerous?
Researchers from different countries continue to talk about the dangers of using plastic utensils. There are several reasons for this, let’s name the main ones.
Firstly, disposable plastic dishes contains potentially hazardous substances. When certain foods (especially hot foods) come into contact with plastic, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in the release of toxins that enter our bodies along with the food.
Their accumulation in the body does not bode well - among the possible consequences, scientists name various shapes allergies, metabolic disorders, reproductive function, hormonal imbalances.
Secondly, plastic has a negative impact on the environment. The period of its decomposition under natural conditions reaches several hundred years - and all this time harmful substances are released into the water and soil.
In addition, plastic poses a danger to living beings: birds and fish, mistaking plastic particles that have entered the environment as food, eat them, which often causes the death of animals.
What are plastic utensils made of?
Regular disposable plastic tableware is made from three main materials: polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene. Let's consider each of them separately.
1. Polystyrene (PS)- white plastic, suitable only for cold food products. If you pour hot drinks into such dishes, the toxin styrene is released, the same thing happens when heated in the oven or microwave.
2. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC/PVC)- one of the most dangerous to human health. When interacting with other substances, it actively releases vinyl chloride, which is a carcinogen.
3. Polypropylene (PP)- most often it is from this that coffee cups from vending machines are made. Dishes made of polypropylene can withstand high temperatures without changing their properties and without causing harm to health.
The downside is that it is easily susceptible to chemical influences. It should absolutely not be used for alcoholic beverages or storing fatty substances, such as sunflower oil or butter.
When interacting with this kind of product, polypropylene is destroyed, releasing formaldehyde and phenol.
Read more about the dangers of these types of plastic on the Geovita website.
Alternative: biodegradable plastics and their benefits
Oil, coal, natural gas- It is from these non-renewable natural resources that 99% of all polymers and plastics are made today. And this despite the fact that back in the middle of the last century, a process for producing polymers from plant materials was invented.
But if back then the method turned out to be unpopular due to its high cost and high labor costs, now the production of plastic from renewable resources, on the contrary, is gaining momentum.
This is explained simply: oil reserves are not unlimited, and for the environment, making plastic from plant materials is much safer.
So, let’s name the main advantages of cookware made from bioplastic:
Safe for the environment. The decomposition period of bioplastics is about 180 days (according to GOST), while plastics made from hydrocarbon raw materials decompose in the natural environment up to several hundred years.
Non-toxic. The process of producing and degrading traditional plastics releases toxic substances into the environment. In this regard, bioplastics are safe for nature and humans.
Helps reduce emissions into the atmosphere. The extraction of raw materials does not require the development of fossil fuel deposits, and production practically does not emit harmful compounds and greenhouse gases.
Easier to recycle. Recycling bioplastics is a more efficient and less energy-intensive process than conventional plastics.
Wide operating temperature range. Bioplastic allows for safe storage of food in the freezer, as well as heating food in the oven and microwave.
Ease of use. Dishes made from bioplastic are durable, light and convenient.
Bioware made from everything: plant materials
You will be surprised, but disposable tableware today is made from the most unexpected materials. At the same time, its quality is significantly higher than that of conventional plastic tableware based on hydrocarbon raw materials.
Bioplastic is used to produce lunch boxes, storage containers, food trays, plates, glasses, cutlery - all this can be used for catering, picnics, restaurants, fast food outlets, schools, etc.
Let's name the most common types of plant raw materials used for the production of bioware.
Corn starch utensils
Corn starch is today one of the most popular types of plant raw materials used for the production of bioware.
This is due to the properties of the material: complete biodegradability, environmental safety, absence of toxins, resistance to very low and high temperatures, grease and water resistance.
In addition, food can be stored in such containers for longer long time compared to analogues made of conventional plastic. Externally, dishes made from corn starch are similar to food grade plastic, but they are more pleasant to the touch, more elastic, and have a light cream color.
Wheat straw dishes
Such dishes look very natural - you immediately understand that this is not ordinary plastic, but eco-friendly. And in terms of properties, dishes made from wheat straw are hardly inferior to those we described above.
The same high heat resistance, absence of toxins and, as a result, safety for health and the environment.
Sugar cane utensils
More precisely, bioware made from bagasse, the fibrous residues of sugar cane that remain after squeezing the juice out of it.
Characteristics: durable, resistant to deformation, easier to dispose of (can be used as compost in the country), resistant to temperature changes, highly moisture-proof, breathable, does not emit carcinogens when in contact with food or released into the environment.
Sugarcane tableware is white in color, the material is paper-like and pleasant to the touch.
Bamboo fiber dishes
Bamboo cookware that is different bright design(dyes are extracted from vegetables and plants) can easily replace glass and ceramic.
It is light, durable, environmentally friendly, safe for nature and human health, both during use and after disposal. In addition, the production method does not involve chemical treatment: leaves, bark, and bamboo shoots are pressed to give them the desired shape, after which they harden.
Bamboo dishes have antimicrobial properties, are resistant to temperature changes and will last a very long time with careful use and proper care.
Where to buy bioware?
In our country, bioware has not yet become widespread. But this does not mean that it is impossible to buy. On the contrary, there are enthusiasts, such as Geovita, who are bringing this still curiosity to the Russian market.
You can buy bioware in large supermarkets: “Azbuka Vkusa”, “Globus Gourmet”, “Green Crossroads”, Super Babylon. According to representatives of the Geovita company, the list of sales locations will constantly expand.
Production of disposable ECO-TABLES from straw and fallen leaves.
Any polymer material, from which the most modern disposable tableware is made, is practically incompatible with the environment. It decomposes over decades, releasing harmful substances, disrupting the balance and ecology of the soil. Until recently, environmentally friendly disposable packaging containers and utensils were rare and not found in everyday use. Today they are opening everywhere serious production eco-friendly dishes and packaging materials - trays and containers that are supplied to the market on an industrial scale.
Thanks to modern technologies and the development of production capacities, the emergence of equipment for the piece production of such products on a small scale, it became possible to freely purchase environmentally friendly tableware at an affordable price. Today, ordinary wheat straw, which remains in the fields after harvesting, is used to obtain a new source material used for the manufacture of disposable tableware.
Advantages and characteristics.
The main advantage of this material is the complete absence of chemical additives and substances harmful to the human body. Increasingly, reputable restaurants, cafes and fast food chains that care about the health of their customers and the state of the environment are adopting just such disposable tableware and cutlery.
Firstly, dishes and packaging made from wheat straw are very easy to work with: the problem of reuse is solved, because ordinary plates need to be cleaned and washed. Secondly, the cookware has high performance characteristics: it can be used for freezing food and semi-finished products in freezers, used to heat food in the microwave, serve hot tea and coffee, and so on. And thirdly, eco-friendly dishes are easy to recycle.
The advantages of environmentally friendly tableware were also appreciated in service centers, as well as in transport. Modern disposable tableware from wheat straw is made in such a way that finished goods They have significant strength, are resistant to mechanical stress and accidental damage. In addition, the use of eco-friendly utensils in any public catering establishment, as well as on airplanes and trains, allows us to strictly comply with sanitary safety and hygiene requirements.
A significant advantage of dishes and containers (trays) for storing food products is the absence of harmful environmental consequences when disposing of them. Once in the soil, the material can completely decompose within six months, without releasing any harmful compounds or toxic odors. Eco-ware completely turns into fertilizer, and it is organic, natural for nature.
Manufacturing technology.
The raw materials are prepared by thoroughly grinding wheat straw (sometimes other cereals can be used as starting material) and mixing the mass with other natural ingredients. The result is a homogeneous cellulose mass, which is then distributed into molds and pressed under pressure. As a result of molding, a finished product is obtained, in which the irregularities along the edges are trimmed. Using a press allows you to achieve high strength products that retain their given shape for a long time.
When producing eco-friendly dishes, no chemicals are added to the straw crumbs. active substances and other harmful components. Production completely eliminates the use of GMO raw materials. The production is also environmentally friendly: even the water used circulates in a closed circuit and is not drained into the sewer. This both reduces its consumption and leads to the discharge of wastewater to almost zero level. The technology is economical and energy saving.
Dishes made from leaves.
Packaging materials and tableware made from leaves are completely natural and do not contain any chemical impurities or other harmful substances. The production method is energy efficient and quite simple, so the finished products are not very expensive, but have good quality indicators.
Food that is served or packaged in such containers, trays, plates retains its natural taste and does not lose its olfactory qualities. One of the main advantages of products made from leaves is their rapid biodegradability under any disposal conditions. The raw materials from which these biowares are made completely disintegrate in just a few months. It can be made into compost and used as an effective fertilizer that increases the growth of cultivated plants and crops.
Production.
The process is simple, but requires certain skills and accuracy. Its main stages:
·Collecting fresh fallen leaves, transporting raw materials to production;
Prepared leaves are soaked in clean water several hours, then thoroughly dried;
·The finished dry leaves are placed in a hot molding press, where they are given the desired shape;
After drying, the leaves are treated with special biological drugs, disinfected;
·Finished products can be coated with food paints and varnishes;
·Products are packaged in paper or cardboard prior to sale.
Basic properties
After processing under a hot press, the feedstock acquires high mechanical characteristics. Steamed and pressed leaves become light and durable; they can withstand fairly high mechanical loads, as well as prolonged contact with oily liquids and water. The products retain their qualities and mechanical characteristics well under the influence of high or low temperatures, and also do not lose their basic qualities when there is a sharp change in temperature (for example, during rapid defrosting).
All products made from leaves undergo special processing, therefore they have a high degree of protection against bacteria, and also ensure complete safety from a hygienic point of view. Since in the production of such eco-friendly dishes the use of chemically active substances and other harmful components, adhesives, varnishes is absolutely excluded, the dishes can even be used in the oven at temperatures up to 100 degrees.
Packaging and utensils made from leaves perfectly resist the effects of hot drinks and food. The products have proven themselves well in fast food outlets, various cafes and restaurants. Eco-friendly tableware made from leaves is also widely used in grocery stores and food chains where semi-finished products are sold.
It is very important that in the manufacture of such environmentally friendly and convenient products, significant savings in energy resources occur. Any disposable plastic tableware costs manufacturers much more, and the production technology itself involves the use of “chemistry”.
For production you will need a washing bath, a container for mixing the mass, trays for drying raw materials, a press, molds, and a drying chamber.
Vitaly and Olga Koval are looking for an investor who is ready to invest 500 thousand dollars in the creation of a plant in Ukraine for the production of environmentally friendly products
— My wife Olga and I often travel around Ukraine and see how much straw, rolled up by combines during grain harvesting into huge rolls, rots in fields throughout the country,- speaks entrepreneur from Kyiv Vitaly Koval, who, together with his wife, recently presented ready-made samples of disposable tableware made from straw and starch at the Greencubator competition for environmentally friendly technologies. — About a year and a half ago, I had the idea to start producing disposable cups and plates made from straw and starch.
I am an economist by training, I do business, and I have no inclination to invent. So I can’t call myself the author of environmentally friendly dishes. The technology of its production is as old as the world - fill the straw with water. When the liquid evaporates, the stems become compressed. My idea was to help the country solve the problem of plastic pollution and make money from it.
I started looking for a suitable and affordable press, then for a mold manufacturer. During the search, I came across one foreign company, whose representatives suggested: “Let us build you a turnkey plant. After all, in addition to presses, you will need a processing line, a separator, a straw grinding machine and much more. We will develop all this especially for you.” I was interested in the proposal, I sent it to the company terms of reference. In response, they sent me ready-made product samples. Here they are (Roman put a glass and plates of different shapes out of the box onto the table). The lighter ones are made of starch, the darker ones are made of straw. By the way, the foreign company that manufactured them specializes in creating factories for the specific needs of the customer. In Ukraine, unfortunately, they have not yet learned how to work this way.
Now it’s a matter of money: I need from one hundred to 300 thousand dollars to order and buy a plant. Its cost will depend on what configuration and equipment performance I choose. Considerable funds will also be needed to purchase land to locate the future enterprise, construction, connection of communications, and purchase of two tractors. In total, according to my calculations, it will be about 500 thousand dollars. I am looking for an investor who is ready to invest such funds on the terms of providing him with a certain percentage of shares in the future enterprise.
When I told friends and acquaintances about the idea of producing dishes that are harmless to the environment, everyone unanimously advised me to abandon it: they say, nothing will work. But I don’t lose optimism. My wife Olga strongly supports me in this endeavor, so the idea of eco-ware became a family one. To find out about it as much as possible more people, we have written applications for participation in several innovative technology competitions. We received an invitation to one of these projects - Greencubator. After we presented the dishes there, information about us spread across the Internet. Journalists started calling. Today, for example, in addition to the interview with FACTS, we have a recording on two TV channels.
— Have you tried this dish at picnics?
— Tests were carried out, but not in nature, — answers Olga Koval. —On the street they asked a guy who operates a coffee machine to pour boiling water into a starch cup. We brought water home. She was in the glass for seven hours. The dishes passed the test. We had water in a straw plate from nine in the morning until seven in the evening. And in this case, the experiment was successful - the dishes even became stronger.
One airline company took a small batch of our cookware to evaluate its suitability. The aviators were pleased and expressed their desire to buy eco-friendly cups and plates when we start producing them.
— What is their cost?
— Three American cents,— Vitaly answers. — I link the price to currency, since the plant equipment will be purchased for dollars or euros. In addition, I intend to export our natural products abroad. In the USA, similar cups sell for 25 cents - eight times more expensive than ours. So there is a real chance to break into the markets of developed countries. One company from Canada already wants to purchase four containers of our dishes.
Three cents is 75 kopecks. Plastic cups They are not much cheaper in Ukraine - 40-50 kopecks. So here, too, there are real chances to achieve success, because people understand: it’s time to give up plastic. Therefore, they will go towards additional expenses. In addition to cups and plates, it makes sense for us to establish the production of environmentally friendly containers for dispensing milk and dairy products, containers for vegetables and fruits.
There are no chemicals in our dishes at all, which, by the way, cannot be said about disposable cups and plates made of paper - they are covered with the thinnest layer synthetic material so as not to get wet. In addition, glue is used in its production.
Under certain conditions, our cups and plates turn into fertilizer in just three months. Whereas plastic takes at least 150 years to decompose. At the same time, toxic substances are released from it, polluting the air, soil, and water.
Photo by Sergei Tushinsky, “FACTS”
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Sugar cane and tableware made from it: ecology and beauty! - Eco-friendly dishes made from corn starch
Eco-friendly dishes made from corn: modern environmentally friendly technologies - Eco-friendly dishes made from wheat straw
Wheat straw is an excellent raw material for modern disposable tableware! - Convenient tableware made from palm leaves
Palm leaves are an excellent material for making eco-friendly tableware - Eco-friendly bamboo dishes
Bamboo cookware is conquering the restaurant market - Dishes made from natural materials
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Advantages and varieties: reasons for popularity - Eco-friendly tableware - know-how of the 21st century
A modern way out of the environmental situation - Reed utensils on your table
Practicality and ecology - Distribution of eco-ware around the world
Plastic replacement is inevitable - Cornstarch: Inexpensive and Safe
Eco-friendly dishes made from corn starch - Palm leaves on our table
Eco-friendly dishes made from palm leaves - Bamboo for food
Features of bamboo cookware - Eco-ware: classification and market prospects
Decoding "ECO": name and essence - Need good cookware!
How not to ruin a picnic - What are ecological dishes made of?
Ecological component of eco-ware - Eco-ware in modern life
Scope of application of eco-ware - Natural materials for making eco-ware
Dishes made from environmentally friendly raw materials - Eco-friendly tableware issue in Japanese style
Implementation of Japanese style in an establishment - Natural disposable tableware
Eco-friendly dishes made from natural materials - Edible tableware – a myth of the past or a modern reality?
Creativity in solving environmental problems - Disposable tableware for a picnic
Such different disposable tableware - Disadvantages of disposable plastic tableware
Sectional view of plastic disposable tableware - Bagassa
Versatile natural material - Bamboo
A unique natural material for construction and decoration - Eco-friendly dishes with benefits
Ekofriend updates prices while keeping them affordable. Our offer is the most profitable in Moscow today. - How does a folding spoon increase sales?
What should a folding spoon be like? - Folding spoons - a new use for a familiar product
In which industries is it advisable to use this product and why is it so useful? - Camping folding spoon - a small tourist assistant
What do you need to take with you on a hike? - Sugarcane utensils are a healthy alternative to plastic!
Let's figure out what is better - disposable tableware made from sugar cane or plastic products that we are all already accustomed to? - Cane dishes - exotic or necessary?
Why can tableware made from cane be a worthy replacement for plastic counterparts? - Original dishes - made from palm leaves
How to show originality and environmental responsibility with tableware? - Disposable tableware can be harmless
Sugar cane is an ideal material for eco-friendly tableware! - Unusual, but so convenient - bamboo dishes
The advantage and convenience of bamboo cookware - Folding spoon – a universal “soldier”
The “universal soldier” on any campaign is a plastic folding spoon! - Eco-friendly dishes are on trend! New initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources to ban plastic tableware
In light of the latest news from the Ministry of Natural Resources, “natural tableware” may become mandatory for use in public places. - Cost of beauty packaging
Cost of beauty packaging - Cost of paper bags
Cost of paper bags
Cost of wrapping paper and twine- Corn starch cookware cost
Corn starch utensils - Fashionable trend - dishes made from palm leaves
Now a new trend is gaining popularity - eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves. Let's figure out how she won such recognition. - Eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves: an effective solution for a restaurant
In the capital and major cities countries, a global trend – environmental friendliness – is gaining popularity. Most effective solution To demonstrate eco-style, stylish, revealing details become available - for example, environmentally friendly restaurant tableware made from palm leaves. - Dishes made from palm leaves - serve with taste!
Are you looking for ecological disposable tableware that is safe and at the same time has its own aesthetics? Eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves is a chic option for setting the table, delivering food, or going on a picnic. - Exclusive: eco-friendly tableware in the form of your products!
How can a plate become a “business card” of a brand? We offer exclusive eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves of any shape - plates in the form of your products or themed models, we will bring your brightest ideas to life! - Palm tableware VS plastic
How can you demonstrate your environmental commitment to your clients and win their love and respect? There is only one answer - eco-friendly dishes made from palm leaves! - How is palm ware made?
Dishes made from palm leaves are a new generation of disposable tableware bearing the eco label. Many people still mistakenly believe that plastic tableware is stronger and easier to produce. Actually this is not true. - Palm tableware for outdoor events!
Are you looking for a worthy replacement for disposable plastic tableware? Here you can buy eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves! It is aesthetically pleasing, environmentally friendly and very convenient. - Eco-friendly palm tableware for presentations, exhibitions, buffets! Serve with taste!
What is so good about tableware made from palm leaves, where to buy and how to use it? In addition to fast food restaurants, take-out food and ready-to-eat delivery services, such tableware is always very useful at corporate events. - How to find eco-friendly disposable tableware? Corn starch bowls
From us you can buy disposable tableware made from corn starch - a Western trend with concern for nature. It's aesthetically pleasing, functional and environmentally friendly! - What is the most environmentally friendly tableware made from? Sugar cane!
If you are looking for where to buy disposable eco-friendly tableware, pay attention to products made from sugar cane. This is an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tableware. - Eco-friendly tableware for children made from palm leaves
- Eco-friendly disposable palm leaf tableware
Eco-friendly disposable tableware is not the last point in preserving the environment. Buy biodegradable tableware made from palm leaves! It's beautiful, environmentally friendly, convenient. - Biodegradable tableware made from corn starch. Where to buy?
Custom-made eco-ware is not a luxury, but a completely familiar equipment for cafes, fast food restaurants, points of sale and delivery of prepared food, and even home use. This is a safe, healthy dish that does not cause harm. environment. - Eco-friendly tableware for children made from palm leaves
Eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves is not just about taking care of the environment, it’s about taking care of your own health. This is especially important when it comes to children. When kids start using “adult” dishes, they should not release any harmful impurities into the food. - Where to buy eco-friendly disposable tableware?
A truly pressing issue for environmentalists and companies creating an eco-image for themselves. But there are also a lot of options: for example, now the trend is dishes made from palm leaves, which are environmentally friendly, durable, and beautiful. - Palm tableware for exhibitions, master classes, conferences
Eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves is an ideal solution for organizing a buffet or coffee break at any event. - Have a picnic with palm eco-friendly dishes!
Summer is the time to buy disposable eco-friendly tableware for picnics and outdoor events! - Figured eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves
We offer our customers the most environmentally friendly biodegradable tableware made from palm leaves, including exclusive shapes. - Eco-trend: disposable tableware made from corn starch
Among eco-friendly tableware, products made from corn starch occupy a prominent place: it is a biodegradable product, aesthetically pleasing, inexpensive and durable. - Eco-friendly bagasse tableware vs plastic
You can buy tableware made from sugar cane from us. Eco-friendly disposable tableware for sale and business! - The most environmentally friendly tableware: what is it?
From us you can buy disposable eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves for exhibitions, conferences, serving fast food outlets and selling in stores.
Since the last century, the use of disposable tableware has become widespread, mainly when organizing outdoor parties, picnics and barbecues.- How is palm eco-friendly tableware different from wooden?
From us you can buy disposable eco-friendly tableware made from palm leaves in bulk. Many people compare palm utensils with wooden ones in terms of environmental friendliness and properties. - Biodegradable wooden utensils: spectacular presentation and unique eco style!
Disposable eco-friendly wooden tableware is a real decoration for the event and a sign of sophisticated style. Serving food in plastic is only suitable for coffee breaks and snacks, and how much harm this causes to the environment is difficult to imagine on a general scale. - Biodegradable wooden tableware: spectacular presentation and unique eco style!
Disposable eco-friendly wooden tableware is a real decoration for the event and a sign of sophisticated style. Serving food in plastic is only suitable for coffee breaks and snacks, and how much harm this causes to the environment is difficult to imagine on a general scale. - Disposable tableware made from sugar cane.
The birthplace of sugar cane is Mexico. This plant was used in ancient times to produce papyrus. The pulp of the cane is sweet, it is not for nothing that it is called sugar, and sucrose is extracted from it. - Palm leaf as a raw material for disposable eco-friendly tableware.
Since the last century, the use of disposable tableware has become widespread, mainly when organizing outdoor parties, picnics and barbecues. - Wooden utensils made of birch - eco-trends at your event!
Plates, containers, lunch boxes and cutlery are made of birch; it is a lightweight material with a unique natural texture, which itself serves as a table decoration - Eco-friendly wooden tableware: how to decorate your event?
Are you planning a buffet, corporate barbecue, exhibition, culinary master class - any event where you can’t do without catering services? Then we are ready to help you with elegant table decoration using wooden disposable tableware.
From us you can order eco-friendly disposable tableware made from palm leaves for organizing a buffet table, coffee break or barbecue. - Biodegradable tableware made from sugar cane: beauty with care for nature
From us you can buy eco-friendly tableware made from sugar cane for decorating events, delivering food and serving dishes in open areas. - Folding spoons for soups in supermarkets and cafes
From us you can buy disposable folding spoons for soups: compact, light, convenient. An indispensable device for business in the food sector: cafes, fast food, catering, yoghurts and desserts, instant soups.
