"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
7 Aug 2023
Plastics have become an inseparable part of our daily lives, but have we ever stopped to think about what happens to them after we dispose of them? Unfortunately, a significant portion ends up in landfills and oceans, contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis.
In India alone, a staggering 9.46 million tonnes of plastic are generated each year, with 43% being single-use plastic like packaging and cutlery. However, amidst this plastic predicament, a young entrepreneur from Delhi, Puneet Dutta, took matters into his own hands and founded Attaware Biodegradable Private Limited on August 15, 2019.
The inspiration behind Attaware came to Puneet during a trip from Delhi to Vrindavan, where he witnessed the devastating sight of discarded Styrofoam plates strewn along the banks of the Yamuna River, spanning over 7.5 kilometers. This scene deeply troubled him, and he decided to create an innovative solution: edible cutlery.
Attaware's edible cutlery is a groundbreaking invention made from a mix of grains (such as rice, wheat, barley, and jowar) and jaggery. Following ancient Vedic technology, the grains are combined with sugarcane juice and boiled at varying temperatures based on the Vedic calendar. The resulting jaggery chunks are then melted and molded into plates, spoons, forks, bowls, straws, glasses, and containers.
These edible cutlery are not only eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable but are also certified by WHO, SSI, and the Ministry of Health. With a shelf life of six months and no added flavors, colors, additives, or preservatives, Attaware cutlery is an ideal alternative to single-use plastic.
Moreover, after use, you can either eat the cutlery or dispose of it, knowing that it will decompose within two weeks, unlike traditional plastic counterparts that take years to break down. Priced between 5 to 25 INR, Attaware is also kid-friendly and suitable for both hot and cold servings, making it a versatile and practical choice for various occasions.
With Attaware already making waves in Delhi and planning to expand across 86 cities in India and 89 countries worldwide, Puneet’s innovative venture offers a promising and delicious solution to tackle the menace of single-use plastic cutlery.
Next time you host a party or grab a quick meal on-the-go, choose Attaware edible cutlery and contribute to a greener, cleaner planet for generations to come.