EdibLe tapiOca pLate

Incorporated in February 2004, NHI is poised to embark on its maiden project to commercialise a Malaysian Patent for manufacturing environmental friendly, disposable and fully biodegradable tapioca (cassava plant) based food/beverage serving containers and customised packaging materials using natural polymer technology. NHI Sdn Bhd’s managing director P. Ramaness said the biodegradable plates were the only product of its kind in the country.

The environmental friendly packaging solutions based on a patented natural polymer technology that utilises tapioca starch. Superior in terms of design and durability, our biodegradable products are alternatives to conventional synthetic polymer based packaging.The plate, which has a shelf life of two years, is made from tapioca and is so environmentally friendly that it is actually edible.

The plate is made of tapioca and it will biodegrade in 28 days. It is durable enough that it is microwave-safe and can store liquids for about an hour. Almost three years to research and to produce it and it as an alternative to polystyrene which is not environmentally friendly as it takes a very long time to biodegrade.

The product has been tested safe, that it can be eaten by fishes, while also becoming a form of fertilizer when it biodegrades.

Company would also be producing other biodegradable products such as cups, bowls and food wrappers, adding that each biodegradable plate is sold at 35 sen per piece. The products are suitable for all fast food, food retail, takeaways and other food based applications.

The key properties of the products are listed below:

·        Made from tapioca starch

·        Fully biodegradable & recyclable through composting

·        Food Grade

·        Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Free

·        Microwave-able up to 100° Celsius

·        Retains liquid heat up to 180° Celsius

 

In addition to significant economical benefits, the products come with significant environmental advantages which include but not limited to:

 

• Made from 100% natural materials
• Strong
• Edible by fish and animals
• Long shelf life
• More environmental friendly than polystyrene
• Made from renewable source of raw materials that are locally abundant (tapioca or cassava plant)
• Durable in terms of design & insulation properties
• Allows for a wide variety of colours & graphics
• Requires less energy in production