Eco-Cutlery

EcoLiving

Eco-Cutlery

Every bite is not only nutritious but also contributes to the sustainability of our planet

Malang, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

IDN

Not registered as any organization

The high consumption of tofu in Indonesia has an environmental impact that cannot be ignored. Tofu, as one of the people's favorite sources of vegetable protein, produces a lot of waste from its production process. Unfortunately, this tofu waste is often not treated properly and disposed of carelessly into the river. This causes water pollution, death of river biota, and a pungent odor that pollutes the surrounding air. On the other hand, diet trends in Indonesia are not all positive. Some extreme diets that go viral on social media actually reduce awareness of nutritional diversity, and are often supported by the consumption of single-use packaged products. One example is the rise of instant healthy food services that use disposable plastic cutlery. Plastic waste from disposable spoons, forks and lunchboxes adds to the national waste burden. This habit contradicts the spirit of healthy and environmentally friendly living that should be part of a modern lifestyle. So, it is important for people to be wiser in processing tofu waste into value-added products, promoting a sustainable balanced diet, and reducing the use of single-use plastics in daily life

Eco-Cutlery is an edible and biodegradable cutlery solution made from tofu pulp waste—a nutritious byproduct of tofu production that often ends up in landfills or pollutes rivers. We transform this agro-industrial waste into functional utensils like spoons, forks, sporks, and chopsticks that can be eaten after use or decompose naturally within days. Our solution integrates food science and biotechnology to ensure that the cutlery is durable in hot or liquid foods yet safe to consume. We use transglutaminase enzymes to strengthen the product’s texture without synthetic binders, and we mix the tofu pulp with locally sourced rice, cassava, and konjac flour for better structure and nutrition. The result is a practical, protein-rich utensil that replaces single-use plastics while promoting healthy diets and reducing organic waste. We also empower local tofu producers and home-based workers in Indonesia to participate in production, creating a circular and inclusive supply chain. Eco-Cutlery offers a tangible way for people to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle—one bite at a time.

This solution will directly cater to two main groups: middle- to low-income tofu producers and environmentally-conscious urban dwellers, especially the younger generation who are following the healthy diet trend. Producers are often located in suburban or rural areas, produce with limited capital, and do not have access to affordable waste treatment technologies. As a result, tofu waste is disposed of carelessly as it is considered worthless and there is no incentive to manage it. In addition, there are young people who are active in healthy lifestyles and practical food consumption. They often use products with disposable plastic packaging without realizing the impact. This solution bridges the environmental, economic and sustainable needs of modern lifestyles. With this solution, we not only address the issue of waste and environmental pollution, but also strengthen the connection between producers and consumers in a sustainable ecosystem. The lives of tofu producers will improve economically and socially, while consumers will feel more engaged in a healthy lifestyle that positively impacts the environment. This approach creates mutual value and has the potential to be replicated in other food sectors.