- In May 2024, Google advanced its sustainability efforts by piloting innovative solutions through its Single-Use Plastics Challenge, selecting nine companies to test their products in campus cafes and kitchens across the U.S. Among the winners was Incredible Eats, a startup offering edible cutlery made from non-GMO ingredients such as wheat, oat, corn, chickpeas, and brown rice. These utensils are designed to hold their shape for up to 30 minutes in hot or cold dishes, offering a practical and eco-friendly alternative to plastic. This initiative reflects a broader shift toward corporate adoption of sustainable dining practices
- In May 2024, MAGGI added a sustainable twist to its ‘Desh ke liye 2 minute’ initiative by launching edible forks made from wheat flour alongside its Masala Cuppa noodles in major Indian metro cities. Developed in collaboration with Nestlé R&D India and Indian startup Trishula, the forks are designed to be fully consumable, offering a plastic-free alternative that enhances the soupy, slurpy experience of MAGGI noodles. This limited-period offering reflects MAGGI’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility, following earlier efforts such as foldable, compostable forks introduced in 2023, which aimed to reduce plastic waste by approximately 35 metric tons annually
- In April 2024, Frenvi Private Limited was honored as the 2nd runner-up in the Plastic-Free Orders Packathon, a sustainability-focused initiative organized by Zomato in collaboration with Startup India. The event spotlighted innovative startups tackling plastic pollution in food delivery. Frenvi’s recognition stemmed from its development of edible cutlery, a creative and eco-conscious alternative to single-use plastics. Among over 85 participating startups from across India, Frenvi stood out for its functionality, design, and environmental impact, reinforcing its growing influence in the sustainable dining and packaging ecosystem
- In March 2024, KOOVEE, a French startup known for its edible and biodegradable cutlery, launched a temperature-resistant line of utensils designed to withstand hot meals. Made from a blend of flour, rapeseed oil, salt, and natural flavors, the new cutlery maintains its structure for over five minutes in 70°C water, making it ideal for soups and other hot dishes. With a texture similar to crackers and flavors such as natural, almond, and Herbs de Provence, KOOVEE’s innovation enhances both sustainability and dining experience, offering a practical alternative to single-use plastics in restaurants and retail
- In February 2024, Iberostar, a leading hotel chain based in Mallorca, partnered with Gloop, a Spanish startup specializing in edible cutlery, to supply spoons, straws, and coffee stirrers across its 35 establishments in Spain and Portugal. The initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastics and reduce reliance on wood and cardboard utensils, aligning with Iberostar’s broader sustainability goals. Made from rice flour and food industry by-products, Gloop’s cutlery is vegan, gluten-free, and available in flavors such as chocolate, biscuit, strawberry, and mint. This collaboration reflects the hospitality sector’s growing embrace of eco-friendly innovations that enhance both guest experience and environmental responsibility
