KENYA – GreenX Telemechanics has developed edible cups and plates, snackuit to offer a sustainable alternative solution to single-use plastics.
The firm has partnered with Sheryl Mboya (a Mt Kenya law student) who is the patent holder of snackuit, to develop innovations that aim to contribute to climate action.
Challenged by the deteriorating climatic condition, this innovation seeks to eradicate single-use plastic by providing an environmentally safe and biodegradable alternative to plastic materials.
The alternative material is a derivative from a common food product and is safe for consumption by marine and land animals, birds, plants as well as human beings.
The material can be used to make plastic products such as disposable utensils which can be eaten upon completion of your meal.
Snackuit is prepared with ingredients that are high in fiber, magnesium, iron, manganese, amino acids, calcium, folic acid, essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, and antioxidants, and contains zero sweets, fats, or cholesterol.
“Snackuit is made using edible products. As such the end product is edible and can be consumed by all living organisms (human beings, plants, land and marine animals. It is free from allergies, cholesterol and is also sugar-free,” says Sheryl Mboya in an interview with the Daily Nation.
According to Mboya, the invention came amidst calls for climate action aimed at reducing plastic pollution in Kenya and across the world.
“Snackuit addresses the latter solution by offering a more sustainable and innovative alternative to plastic consumption and consequently plastic pollution,” she added.
On the targeted market, Mboya targets everyone and every industry that consumes plastics: “This is not limited to individual consumption of plastics.
“As such, we are honored to work with Kenya Airways through the Fahari Innovation Hub to oversee their change from plastic consumption within their business’ operations to a more sustainable alternative.”
The development of innovative alternatives to single-plastic has been on the rise following a directive by the Kenyan government to ban all single-use plastic bags in 2017.
This was preceded by the country’s decision to sign the Clean Seas initiative, making it one of the first African nations to commit to limiting plastic in its waterways.
As of June 2020, visitors to Kenya’s national parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas were no longer able to carry plastic water bottles, cups, disposable plates, cutlery, or straws into protected areas.
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