Say No To Plastic: Kerala Man Develops Biodegradable Edible Cutlery From Wheat Bran And Rice

Mad4Nature By Chaithra B S | 2 min read

say no to plastic

In today’s world, while some work for the benefit of the environment and ‘Say No To Plastic’ while some engage in actions that have the potential to harm our ecosystem. We are unaware of the influence of our activities on the environment.   

The edible cutlery replacing plastic created by Kerala-based eco-friendly firm ‘Thooshan‘ has gained a lot of attention these days. The use of banana leaves during occasions is well-known in South India. Adding cultural value to a commonly used product has set the brand on a path to success.

Say No To Plastic, UseEdible Cutlery

Say no to plastic
Image: Thooshan

The word ‘Thooshanila’ actually means a deep-ended tapering plantain leaf. Vinayakumar Balakrishnan, 55-years-old, is a geologist who has also worked as a banker and the CEO of a life insurance firm in Mauritius before getting the opportunity to pursue his goals.

He always had a retirement plan after the age of 45. He had two ambitions that he wished to realize. He has always enjoyed traveling and aspired to see more of the world as well as invent something that will bring us to a more durable or environmentally friendly future. When he saw the overuse of plastic in our daily lives, a thought struck him that we should say no to plastic. He observed a similar platter made of bran when traveling. He finally finished the invention after two years of research and development at the NIIST CSIR in Trivandrum.

Say No To Plastic: Biodegradable Innovation!  

‘Thooshan’ is a newbie to the cutlery business, specializing in edible cutlery. It is a source of pride for the nation that they have begun the transition to a more environment-friendly lifestyle. Edible plates, spoons, bowls, ladles, forks, knives, and food containers are all manufactured from the brand. Besides the fork, knife, and spoon, which are recyclable but not edible, the cutlery is 100% recyclable and edible. It is created from natural ingredients and is bacteria and fungus-resistant.

Thooshan goods have been certified by the NIIST CSIR and can keep liquid things like soup for over 45 minutes. It can resist temperatures ranging from -10°C to 140°C. In addition, the items can be microwaved. If the product is not suitable for human consumption after use, it can be used as organic manure, fish feed, poultry feed, or cattle feed. And It fulfills our aim of ‘Say no to plastic’.

This cutlery will most likely be available in July. Vietnam, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Bangladesh, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States have all placed orders. With the support of the Thooshan team, these countries are also aiming to manufacture the products locally.

The products were planned to be released on April 14, 2021, which is known in Kerala as Vishu. The rollout was postponed until July due to a rise in COVID-19 instances and lockdown restrictions. 

The Manufacturing Process 

The Thooshan factory, located in Angamaly, uses an automated process with no human intervention. They don’t let anyone into the factory because they want the products to be completely hygienic.  

To fill in the basic raw materials, only one person is employed. Aside from that, the process happens instantly with the push of a button. Thooshan creates goods that are not only environmentally friendly but also hygienic, to provide the greatest service to their consumers. And it’s all because they say no to plastic at any cost.

With Environmental Friendly Products, Say No To Plastic

Say no to plastic
Image: Thooshan

Plastic and plastic-based products will be banned in India by 2022, according to the Indian government. Alternative for plastic that is not only eco-friendly but also long-lasting is becoming increasingly important. Vinayakumar Balakrishnan also aims to open Thooshan contract production plants to ensure that the material reaches all of the country’s population. They’re seeking folks who share their beliefs and say no to plastic and want to join them in this revolution.

There are two types of plates: dinner and sides. The former is larger, whereas the latter is more compact. The goods range in price from Rs 3 to Rs 20. Containers, bowls, and other cutlery will be introduced as well. Aside from plates and utensils, the firm also sells six-month-shelf-life biodegradable carry bags made of corn starch. 

Thooshan’s main clients are event management companies and people who value sustainability. The company currently has dealers in ten districts across Kerala. They’ve also branched out into wholesale and retail.

To support this initiative, help them grow by buying their products from Amazon.

If you to say no to plastic and loved reading this story, you can also read Meet ‘MBA Chai Wala’ Who Dropped Out Of MBA To Sell Tea, Now Has 4 Cr Turnover Business

If you know more inspirational stories about any person, company, new idea, or social initiative, write to us on mad4india.com, share such information with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

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