Date:08/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/08/stories/2006100802280200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Eat the spoon that feeds you

Staff Reporter

The cutlery is fashioned out of edible raw material that is hard enough to withstand a scoop of meal and soft enough on palate

HYDERABAD: You have heard of the `use and throw' concept. Now, here is something different and quite surprising too. `Use and eat'!

Yes, that's what Hyderabad-based B.K. Environmental Innovations Private Limited says about its spoons, forks, knives and chopsticks. Have your food with these, and then, eat them too!

The edible cutlery, that's what the people at BK call their innovation. It has `jawar' as its main ingredient. This unique innovation has a combination of flour as well to make the cutlery `solid' enough for one to use it for eating without having to swallow a soggy spoon or fork.

Promoted under the name of `Bakeys', this attempt to combat the harmful effects of plastic is expected to hit the market by Diwali. Company's chief promoter Narayana Peesapaty says the product will be launched after it gets licence and clears other "bureaucratic glitches".

"Plastic cutlery comprises a market worth Rs.10 billion per annum, which is much larger than steel, glass or ceramic. Moreover, while the others are washable and can be re-used, plastic cutlery is disposed after use leading to hazardous results," Mr. Peesapaty points out.

"Edible cutlery meanwhile, is free from chemicals and preservatives making it nutritious, healthy and tasty. It is also environment-friendly," he says. Claiming to be the first to launch this technology in India, the company is also planning to develop edible wrappers. A pack of 50 edible spoons will be priced Rs.60.