Reylsea May K.

David
12- Einstein

A Study on Edible Cutlery: An Alternative for Conventional

Ones
Hemraj Narhar Patil*, Preeti Sinhal**

ABSTRACT
Plastic cutlery is a convenient choice, disastrous to the environment as well harmful to
health. Being a petroleum by-product, the presence of toxins and carcinogens that can
be easily absorbed into human body. Disposal of plastic cutlery has become hazardous
for environment as toxins and carcinogens can leech into food through the natural
ecosystem as plastics are occupying a lot of space and clog the landfills annually. The
recent ban on plastics and due to the threat to environment seeded the idea of
biodegradable cutlery. Although India has seen only one major entrepreneur of edible
cutlery but with time and demand many other suppliers will emerge. This study enables
us to realize that consumers are well aware of the ill effects of the use plastic
disposable cutlery. They prefer to use the conventional stainless-steel cutlery as
compared to the other varieties available. They would also like to see the increase in
the supply of edible cutlery as their prices are currently high and availability is limited.
Keywords:
Cutlery, Edible Cutlery, Disposable
INTRODUCTION
Cutlery has been one of the simplest but very useful devices that has been created and
used world over for consuming food. Who exactly invented these is still unknown? It is
believed that spoons are one of the oldest eating equipment that have been utilized by
human beings and were made with
natural elements like wood, animal bones, seashells. The first documented evidence of
spoons was way back in the year 1259 in England. Spoons at that time were not merely
used for eating but also used in ceremonies to demonstrate wealth and power. By the
turn of the 18th century forks and knives were also introduced for eating food.
Silver was the most preferred metal for cutlery as it was non-reactive to most of the
foods until the introduction of stainless steel. Stainless-steel became the preferred metal
for most of the cutlery as it was easy to maintain, non-reactive and sturdy. With the
introduction of plastics into the market, it brought down the prices of cutlery drastically
and at the same time made its availability very easy. A lot of varieties and sizes were
introduced for people to choose from, like cups, plates, spoons, forks, knives, etc.
Today the cost of the stainless-steel cutlery is much higher
than plastic or edible. The plastic industry is worth 3000-4000 crores in India itself and
as per the Central pollution control board in2016 India produced more than 15000 tons
of plastic waste everyday of which around 9000 terms are recycled and the remaining is
not collected or remains littered. This increased to around 25000 tons in 2017. The use
of this plastics and the problem of disposing them is a way big problem that is being
observed in our country today. Some entrepreneurs are trying to bring in solution
for plastic disposable cutlery by introducing edible cutlery. After a lot of trials one such
entrepreneur came up with complete natural edible cutlery which caught up not only in
India but throughout the world. It is completely biodegradable and does not require any
special conditions to do so. Moreover, it can be consumed at the end the meal. It can be
used to eat all types of food whether itis hot or cold, solid or liquid; one can have a hot
soup with it at the same time cold desserts as well. With the recent Ban of plastic
products in many states of India people are looking out for substitute of plastic

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disposable cutlery full stop many entrepreneurs are trying to foray into this particular
business of developing cutlery that is Eco-friendly. This could possibly lead to replacing
plastic cutlery but not the conventional metal ones.

DEFINITION
Cutlery
 Cutlery includes any hand implement used in preparing, serving, and especially
eating food in Western culture (https://en.wikipedia.org). 
 Knives, forks and spoons used for eating food (https://dictionary.cambridge.org).
Disposable
 Designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up:
disposable plastic spoons; a disposable cigarette lighter
(http://www.dictionary.com). 
 A disposable product is intended to be
thrown awayafter use (https://dictionary.cambridge.org).
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
J Gasperi, R Dris, T Bonin, V Rocher (2014) in their research paper “Assessment of
floating plastic debris in surface water along the Seine River”. His study is intended to
examine the quality and quantity of fluid floating plastic debris is in river Seine. A
significant proportion consisted of food wrappers containers plastic cutlery probably
originating from voluntary or involuntary dumping. Discharge and surface runoff the
plastic tables in river represented between 0 to 0.8 % and 5. 1 % of total debris is
collected by weight.
KL Thyberg, DJ Tonjes (2014) in their research paper “Degradable Plastics and their
Potential to Affect Solid Waste Systems” study say, plastic waste forms a substantial
part of municipal solid waste and has caused environmental concerns due to persistent
litter. Plastic complicates waste management through poor recycling contamination.
Degradable plastic aim to end of
lifeof plastic product and reduce environment impact. In this paper they have discussed 
how these materials perform in different aspect of solid waste program as recycling
composting incineration landfills ASN to reduce little problem.
NM dana Gopal, P Phebe, EVS Kumar in their
research paper “Impact of Plastic Leading EnvironmentalPollution” (2014) state that The
environmental pollution is defined as the undesirable changes in physical chemical
and biological characteristics of our air land and waters a result of overpopulation rapid
industrialization another human activity like agriculture and deforestation acceptor are
loaded with diverse pollutants. Plastic is now regular material which is been used on
daily basis in packaging industry, construction industry, disposable cutlery or storage.
The increase used in production of plastic in developing emerging countries is a very
much for concern as their waste management infrastructure
may not be developed. Plastic pollution is defined as the accumulation of the different
types of plastic material on land as well as on water bodies. As a community it used on
a large scale it consists of a synthetic polymer that consists petrochemicals which
degrade in around 500 to1000 years all we may not know the actual degradation time.
During manufacturing many hazardous chemicals are emitted which can lead to disease
to human and animal as well.

Brownlee, Chris and Maria (2013) in their research, “Life cycle assessment-expand
where biodegradable cutlery” emphasize that the life cycle assessment
on biodegradable cutlery is done by Brownlee an analyze this study was sponsored by
us UPA seats which aims to address in sustainability challenges on which type of
disposable country is the most sustainable choice . a life cycle assessment was

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performed on disposable and compose table wooden cutlery, the goal of this is study to
help determine cutlery consumption habits and impact when purchasing disposable
cutlery. An assessment is presented in the comparison to plastic cutlery in terms of
greenhouse gas emission and economic cost. The study
will benefit in determining the environmental impact of their products and areas of
improvement

Achyut K. Pandaab R. K. Singha1, D. K. Mishra topic (2010) in their research paper

“Thermolysis of waste plastics to liquid fuel: A suitable method for plastic waste
management and manufacture of value-added products -A world prospective” point out
that the present rate of economic growth is unsustainable without Fossil energy 
like crude oil energy natural gas or coal humankind has to rely on alternative renewable
energy sources like Biomass hydropower geothermal energy wind energy solar energy
nuclear energy etc., as well suitable waste management strategies are the important
aspect of development which is related to the good use increased in generate waste.
Plastic has been the material which has wide range due to acidity and relatively but
creating a serious
environmental problem. The disposal of plastic is increasingly beingcost effective and
there is demand for disposal and
landfilling. The substitute, the non-biodegradable plastic
in application has been in research among the alternative available resources,
reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery of the inherent energy value through waste to
energy insulation and process fuel application which will reduce waist and conserve
natural resources.
Fransisco Razza, maurizio Feschi, Francesco Degli Innocent (2009) in their research
“Compostable cutlery and waste management: An LCA approach” says about the use of
disposable cutlery in fast food restaurants and canteens in the current management
scenario generate mixed heterogeneous waste. This waste is not recyclable and is
disposed without any energy recovery. It says that using by biodegradable and
compostable plastic cutlery and alternative management scenario is possible. The
resulting mixed waste can be recycled through organic recovery.
M Kolybaba, LG Tabil, S Panigrahi (2006) in their research paper “Biodegradable
polymers: past, present, and future” says that by biodegradable Polymers material are
of interest as this is the backbone of plastic material. Many researchers are investing
time into modifying this material to make it more user friendly on a number
of biological materials may be incorporated such as starch and fibre extracted from
various type of plants which will have a positive impact or effect on both environment
and economy.
Author- Catia Bastioli (2005) in his book “Biodegradable material present situation and
future” says biodegradable Polymers constitute from loosely define family of polymers
which are designed to degree grade through the action of living organisms. The main
driving force behind in this technology is the solid waste problem regarding decreasing
availability of landfills little problem and the most important pollution by non-
biodegradable plastics. Thermoplastic starch-based Polymers and aliphatic polyesters
are two classes of biodegradable material with the greatest near-term potentials. This
paper reviews a great variety of properties structure and biodegradation behavior of
thermoplastic starch.
M. Flieger M. KantorováA. Prell T. Řezanka J. Votruba (2003) in their research paper
“Biodegradable plastics from Renewable resources Authors and affiliations”says that
plastic waste disposal is an eco
technological problem and to solve this problem is a development of biodegradable plas
tic. The review summarise values, biodegradable grade ability, commercial reliability an
d production from renewable resources for example materialcan be polyglycolic acid
poly lactic acid polycaprolactone.

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Richard A. Gross, Bhanu Kalra (2002) in their research “Biodegradable Polymers for the
Environment” has studied on biodegradable Polymers are designed to degrade upon
disposable by the action of living organisms. The need to create alternative
biodegradable water-soluble Polymers are extremely important. 
NC Billingham, DM Wiles, B E Cermak (2000) in their research “Controlled lifetime
environmental degradable plastic based on conventional polymer” say that
environmentally degradable plastic product must satisfy at least 2 requirements soil
burial or outdoor exposure. It must lose its Mechanical properties rapidly enough to
disappear visually. The material should be susceptible enough to ensure its complete
conversion to Biomass without any toxic products. One major approach to developing
biodegradable packaging material has been the use of intrinsically biodegradable
polymers. For example, polyhydroxy butyrate poly caprolactone PCL poly lactic acid
these are biodegradable so that the biostimulation is a synergetic interaction between
hydrolysis and biodegradation.
TN Mala, MA Devine, LL Lesher in their Research
paper (1994) “A user evaluation of biodegradable cutlery Journal of environmental
polymer” Is a study on the evaluating the acceptance and performance of disposable
cutlery made from starch based biodegradable polystyrene cutlery. 243 sailors on
board three US Navy vessels at the launch using either biodegradable cutlery made
with raisins or polystyrene cutlery the cutlery was rated on sensory and performance
dimension as well overall acceptability and the resulted that the Sailor rated both
the biodegradable and polyester and utensils are easy to hold.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
 To explore the concept of edible cutlery.
 To identify determining factors of demand for edible cutlery.
 To compare the characteristics of conventional, Metallic, Plastic disposables
and edible cutlery.
 To give the recommendations on development of cutlery for better sustainability.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Data Collection: The primary data required for the research was collected using the
following techniques:
Personal interviews: The researcher conducted personal interview with respondents.
The respondents were provided with samples of edible cutlery before obtaining their
responses.
Questionnaire: A questionnaire bearing straight forward and relevant questions was
drafted and handed over to the sample to obtain their responses.
Sample Technique: This study was conducted with responses of more than 100
respondents between the age group of above 25 to 50 years.
All the samples were selected randomly from the various areas of Pune city.
Apart from the above-mentioned tools the relevant secondary data for the research was
collected from journals, books and internet.
OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR DEMAND OF EDIBLE CUTLERY
Since the factor of reducing the use of plastics has picked up in the last few years and
recently the ban imposed by Maharashtra state government on use and manufacture
of plastics are a couple of the major factors that have set people and manufacturers of
disposable cutlery thinking on what could be the replacement for disposable plastic
cutlery.

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It is observed that the consumers are aware of edible cutlery being eco-friendly and also
that they are biodegradable hence could bring a change by not using disposable plastic
cutlery in day to day life. Many of the consumers feel that they would like to buy edible
cutlery but not on regular basis but for trying out something newer fancy that is available
in the market. It is observed that edible cutlery could become an option or an alternative
for disposable cutlery for which a lot of manufacturers need to start mass production
in order to reduce the prices and making availability of such edible cutlery easy for the
consumers. The consumers also feel that edible cutlery cannot be an alternative for that
metal cutlery that is being used currently in all the households owing to the life and
durability of metal cutlery. Consumers still have a doubting their mind regarding the
ease in handling and using edible cutlery as it is new in market and most people not
using it on regular basis. Although edible cutlery that is available currently is durable to
consume any type of food like hot soups to bhel puri, salads to ice-cream, it does not
wear down easily. They also believe that it is a matter of time that the doubt of durability
may also minimize.
DETERMINANTS CONSIDERED BEFORE SELECTING CUTLERY
 Aesthetics and Variety
 Plastic cutlery may be available in various 
colorant sizes but they are not available in variety of designs whereas edible cutlery is
very simple and plain structure without much of designs but they do have more of a
rustic look. The consumers feel that metal cutlery is available in more variety in the form
shapes, sizes and wonderful designs in the market. They also mention that different
metals are also used to add to the aesthetics of this type of cutlery.
 Cost and Life
 Plastic cutlery is available at a very low price hence people prefer using it for most
of the occasions as they need not collect it, wash it and store it again They just need to
put it into the trash. This type of plastic waste gets accumulated and piles up into
landfills which will take hundreds of years to de-compose. Edible cutlery on the other
hand that is slightly costlier and it will take some time for people to get used to edible
spoons. Being biodegradable in nature edible cutlery if thrown away gets completely
decomposed in a very short time. This edible cutlery also provides nutrition and can be
eaten as a snack
as it also comes in different favors. Metal cutlery
owing to its use life span is preferred by people. Although their cost is on the higher side
than other cutleries, still consumers buy and utilize them in their day to day lives full.
 Durability and Availability
 Metal cutlery is a highly durable and is also avail-able easily in the market. Plastic
disposable cutlery is readily available at every nook and corner shop but durability is a
question. May be a couple of varieties do provide some sturdiness but most varieties
are not. Consumers still have their own limitations about the durability of edible cutlery
and they very clearly indicate of its limited availability and hence cannot buy it very
often.
After the recent ban of plastics mentioned earlier itis found that people are trying to
switch over to metal cutlery and looking out for other options. But before
this ban, use of disposable plastic cutlery was rampant in many sectors of the food
industry. With the introduction of edible cutlery people have started to compare and feel
that edible cutlery is much more costly as compared to disposable plastic cutlery.
Hence, they used to prefer to buy disposable plastic cutlery as against edible cutlery. In
addition, the consumers felt that the texture of edible cutlery being a little on the harder
side might make it
difficult for some people to eat or consume this cutlery. The consumers also
emphasized that due to the availability of edible cutlery being restricted they are not
able to switchover to edible cutlery easily. If given a chance consumer are ready or

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willing to further recommend others the use of edible cutlery to other people and also
bringing awareness of the harmful effects of plastic cutlery.

FINDINGS
Analysis of data is done from results obtained from more than 100 respondents from
various areas of Pune city. The result obtained from this is represented graphically.

Fig. 1 shows that consumers are aware that edible cutlery are bio-degradable and eco-
friendly. It further determines that consumers are still not comfortable to eat with edible
cutlery and cannot be an alternative for metal cutlery.

Fig. 2 indicates metal cutlery is favored by most of the consumers. Disposable plastic
cutlery is preferred due to its low cost and ease of availability whereas edible cutlery
has less variety and not available easily.

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RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTION
 It is suggested that the more manufactures can foray into the manufacture of
edible cutlery to enable re-duce the prices and easy availability in the market.
 The consumers and catering establishments should reduce the use of plastic
disposable cutlery and try to adopt edible cutlery.
 The study is conducted in the current scenario and sample presented; the
opinions, perception and expectations of the respondents may differ with time and does
not differentiate respondents on basis of their demographic factors which may have an influence
of their perception thereby identifying scope for further research.

CONCLUSION
The results presented here reveal a simple but essential fact that the popularity of metal cutlery
is still on a high note and respondents and the use of metal cutlery the best in their day to day
life. Respondents also feel that metal cutlery is more durable and easier to maintain. Plastic
disposable cutlery being economical and easily available, are used almost for every occasion
and function. They use of edible cutlery is very rare as its availability in the local market is
unknown.
Respondents are aware of the fact that the plastic disposable cutlery is not bio-degradable and
is adding pressure on the ecosystem of nature. But owing to itsconvenience and price they
prefer to buy it. They are also aware of the availability of edible cutlery but it is restricted to
buying it online and from a few enthusiasts who are trying their own methods for replacing
disposable plastic cutlery. Most respondents feel that it can be consumed by all and
they wouldn’t mind spreading the message of using disposable cutlery.

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DOCUMENTATION

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