The Mexican company Biofase in the state of Michoacan has found a new way to produce tableware from biodegradable material. It is made from avocado seeds.
In 2012, then chemical engineering student Scott Munguia sought to solve environmental pollution problems. He was looking for a reliable source of biodegradable plastic.
Scott studied the properties of mango and mamea seeds, also called red sapota, but decided on avocado seeds.
Scott conducted research for a year and a half. He found an effective method for extracting a molecular compound from an avocado seed and producing a biopolymer that can be molded into any shape. This is how avocado-based plastic was born. The company claims that its bioplastic decomposes in the ground in 240 days. Plastics from fossil fuels are known to take more than 100 years to decompose.
In 2013, Scott patented the technology and founded Biofase. Two years later, he built the first plant in the city of Morelia to produce raw materials, and then launched the production of tableware based on bioplastic. In addition to cutlery, the plant produces plastic straws.
Every month the plant produces 130 tons of products made from biodegradable plastic, 40% of which are straws.
The company exports 80% of its products to the USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia and Peru. Biofase’s main clients are chain restaurants.
