Ecolery

Ecolery Bangladesh

Ecolery

Eco Friendly Edible Cutlery & More Sustainable Products

Dhaka, Bangladesh

BGD

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

The widespread use of single-use plastic cutlery poses a silent yet severe threat to environmental and human health. In Bangladesh alone, plastic consumption in urban areas tripled in just 15 years, rising from 3.0 kg per capita in 2005 to 9.0 kg in 2020. Dhaka city produces 646 tons of plastic waste daily, of which only 37.2% is recycled—leaving the rest to clog waterways, pollute the soil, and harm wildlife. Packaging alone accounts for 42% of global plastic use, and if unchecked, plastic in the oceans is projected to reach 53 million metric tons by 2030. These plastics degrade into microplastics, entering our food chain and even human breast milk. Marine and terrestrial species often mistake plastic particles for food, leading to illness and extinction. In Bangladesh, over 4,000 pieces of plastic were collected in a single survey on sea beaches in Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong, highlighting the localized impact of a global crisis. This problem is compounded by limited public awareness, lack of viable alternatives, and affordability of plastic options. Without scalable, accessible change, this trajectory threatens ecosystems, food safety, and future generations.

Ecolery is Bangladesh’s first brand pioneering edible, biodegradable cutlery as a direct replacement for single-use plastics. With the motto “Eat, Re-eat and Forget,” we currently offer flavored edible cups and plates made from all-natural, vegan ingredients. These are safe to consume, compost in nature, and leave zero waste—providing both utility and nutrition. Our products are designed to handle hot beverages, hold shape for up to 45 minutes, and appeal to both children and adults alike. We are developing a full product line that includes edible spoons, forks, and bowls, as well as handcrafted areca leaf plates made by underprivileged women. This enables us to support both environmental and social sustainability. On the technology side, we use specialized baking and sealing machinery for efficient, scalable production. But our most impactful innovation is a user-facing mobile app (in development), where individuals and businesses can track their plastic savings and view their carbon footprint reductions based on product usage. This app also provides educational content, comparison charts, and impact visualizations—empowering users to see how their small choices add up to a big impact. Together, Ecolery’s physical and digital tools create a lifestyle shift toward a plastic-free, climate-conscious future.

On one hand, we’re addressing over 11 million urban Bangladeshis who unknowingly contribute to plastic pollution daily due to a lack of viable alternatives. These individuals—especially children, students, office-goers, and café customers—are currently underserved in the availability of affordable, sustainable cutlery options. By replacing plastic utensils with edible alternatives, we help them reduce their carbon footprint, avoid harmful microplastics in their food, and embrace sustainability without sacrificing convenience or fun. On the other hand, our impact goes deeper. Our biodegradable plates are handcrafted by underprivileged women from rural Mymensingh, most of whom earn less than $120 a month and face limited employment opportunities. By sourcing directly from them and planning production hubs near tourist zones, we empower these women with steady income, upskilling, and financial dignity—helping reduce rural unemployment where over 90% of women remain jobless.