October 16, 2010

Starchy food

Before I continue with my series on the Ateneo School of Management Business Accelerator (SOMBA) Program fair, I think I need to clarify one point. These students are Management majors; they are not food technologists or materials scientists. Therefore, the products that they develop are not necessarily new; in fact, they have to use existing technologies if they wish to finish their project within the stipulated year. Their mandate is to develop commercially-viable products for a specified target market. The environmental and social enterprise focus are additional, in the hope that these young men and women will mature into socially-responsible adults and entrepreneurs. That said, let's go on to the next company (just two more since I wasn't able to take photos of all the products at the fair). We all know how disposable, plastic tableware is bad for the environment; but no one can deny that they are very convenient—for parties, take-out (take-away, to-go or however you call it in your country) food, picnics, and such. A solution: disposable, starch-based eating utensils. They're not just biodegradable; they can actually be added to compost heaps. The stuff in the bowl are the starch pellets which the spoons and forks are made of. This particular product is made by a Gawad Kalinga community; this and its environmental focus defines Bioware as a social enterprise. I forgot to ask the kids though: won't the spoon melt if it's used for stirring hot drinks or eating hot soup?

Bioware starch-based disposable, biodegradable tableware

Me bad. I wasn't able to get their business card so I don't have Bioware's contact information, but the SOMBA Program office should have it. Their number is (63-2) 426-6001 extension 5532.

3:20PM UPDATE: Thanks to Joey Oliver, I can now direct you to Bioware's Facebook page. Bioware is the brand and the company is called Greenature Cycle Incorporated.

13 comments:

Photo Cache said...

the idea is brilliant, though. there are many biodegradable throw-aways in the market nowadays. it's the only way to go.

unless of course we all want to bring our own utensils and containers.

Kaori said...

Great idea! Love the packaging! :-D

Anonymous said...

You continue to amaze with many new ideas of things in usage for already long a time.

May time and life continue to treat these fine students kind.

Please have a good weekend.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Wouldn't it be great if this product would take hold? The earth needs it.

Leif Hagen said...

I wonder if one can just throw those bioware spoons in a compost pile? Interesting environmental studies!
Go green!

Joeyoliver said...

Here's their facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/BioWare-Biodegradable-Utensils/155925584439587

Rob Siemann said...

Brilliant idea!

Dina said...

Your whole series is so inspiring!

Cezar and Léia said...

The tableware is about to become edible itself, it's a nice idea! :)
God bless you!
Cezar

Lakad Pilipinas said...

this should be made available to every groceries and convenient stores!

Francisca said...

Galing!

[You mentioned to VP that you had not seen weather vanes in the Phils. There's one on top of the water tower I posted for SkyWatch Friday. I'm pretty sure I've seen others. It's such an American thing, it's not surprising to see them here, really.]

VP said...

An interesting idea, I wish them well!

George said...

Thank you for the clarification about the technologies these companies are employing.
I like the idea of biodegradable tableware. I hope this company is a big success.