Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau by Alex Hell

Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau by Alex Hell is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Hiriwa in Hoahoa Hua Toitū, Kaupapa me te Hoahoa Kākāriki Competition Category.

HiriwaHua Toitū· 2025

Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau

by Alex Hell

Client: Studioneves

A' Design Award Hiriwa Winner in Hua Toitū Category

39,955

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #172846

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau

Ko Bioplates he taonga rīhi kai ka pirau, ka whakaahuahua hoki, kua whakawhanakehia mō te rāngai manaaki ngaio. He mea hanga mai i tētahi pūirahiko koiora hou me te whakakaha minerara, ka tū ki te 140°C me ngā takahurihanga horoi rīhi ahumahi e 7000 neke atu. Ka āwhina tōna mata kanorau ki te huna i ngā tohu a ngā mea tapahi kai, ā, kei te turanga whakairo tētahi karere taiao. He mea whakapaparanga, ātaahua, māmā, he waro-heke hoki, ka whakarato a Bioplates i tētahi whiringa whakaora anō ki te melamine me te pōhirinihini i roto i ngā ratonga waho rangatira, e whakakotahi ana i te hoahoa me te kawenga.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Hiriwa

Ko Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau te toa o te A' Design Award Hiriwa, he whakaaetanga tino whai mana e hoatu ana ki ngā hoahoa taumata teitei rawa, ātaahua me te whakamīharo. Ko ngā toa Hiriwa he mahi tino kanapa, tino auaha e whakaatu ana i te mātanga, te pūmanawa me te mōhio hōhonu o ā rātou kaihoahoa. E tūmanakohia ana ko Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau he mahi whakamīharo, he tauira, he tino ngaio, he auaha hōhonu. Ko tēnei hoahoa i toa i te Hiriwa he hanganga rongonui, whakamīharotia e whai wāhi ana ki te whakawhānui i ngā rohe o te toi, te pūtaiao, te hoahoa me te hangarau. Ko Bioplates Rīhi Kai Whakapirau he mahi e hae ana te tini, e whakaara ana i ngā hiahia, e kawe mai ana i ngā kare-ā-roto pai, ā, e whakaoho ana i te mīharo.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Bioplates is a fully biodegradable and compostable tableware solution for professional use. Made from a certified next-gen biopolymer, it withstands 140C and over 7,000 industrial wash cycles, without leaving microplastics or toxic residue. Its textured surface hides wear, while engraved messages engage users. Durable, elegant and carbon-negative by design.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 215 mm diameter x 15 mm height. The plate features a slightly irregular rim for a handcrafted aesthetic. It is lightweight yet impact-resistant, suitable for industrial dishwashers and temperatures up to 140C. Packaging is made entirely from recycled, compostable paper, with no plastic components. Units are stacked with protective recycled paper sheets and shipped in low-volume boxes optimized for logistics and minimal waste.
Tags: biodegradable tableware, compostable plate, sustainable design, circular product, eco innovation, regenerative material, plastic alternative, hospitality tableware, carbon negative, eco friendly dishware
Production Technology: Bioplates are produced via precision injection molding using a proprietary biopolymer blend with patent pending, reinforced with natural minerals. Molds are stainless steel, optimized for uniform temperature (143C melt, 70C mold) and slow rotation. Texture and engravings are in-mold, minimizing post-processing. The material is TUV certified for biodegradation in soil, marine and compost environments.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was balancing biodegradability with professional durability. Most compostable materials are fragile or unsuitable for hospitality. We had to create a formula that resisted heat, impact, and repeated washing - without losing compostability. Legal compliance for food contact, limited industrial know-how, and the absence of references in circular tableware pushed us to prototype, test and refine through scientific and design-led collaboration.
Research: Material research focused on developing biodegradable, high-performance tableware. The objective was to replace melamine and porcelain in outdoor hospitality. We used lab testing, field trials and iterative design. Tools included mechanical stress tests, dishwasher simulation, and heat resistance analysis. Tests were conducted with the University of Aveiro and hotel partners. Results proved 140C tolerance and 7,000 wash cycles. Insights showed it is possible to unite durability, biodegradability, and elegance.
Inspiration: The project was born from a contradiction: eco-conscious hotels still use melamine or porcelain, which never biodegrade. As a B-Corp working with the world's top chefs, we felt the need for a truly circular solution. We researched biopolymers and partnered with university labs to develop a durable, fully compostable tableware fit for real hospitality use - elegant, regenerative and educational.
Project Duration: The project started in January 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, with early material research and design prototyping. Technical testing took place throughout 2024 in collaboration with the University of Aveiro. Final prototypes were completed in January 2025. Bioplates are currently being tested in real-world hospitality settings by a few selected hotels to gather qualified testimonials and performance feedback by the end of 2025.
Operation Flow: Bioplates are used like any standard dish but offer a better experience in both function and conscience. Their textured surface hides cutlery marks, keeping the plate elegant longer. They are lightweight, stackable, and safe for dishwashers and high temperatures. The engraved message on the back invites reflection, turning a simple meal into a moment of environmental awareness.
Patents: Patent Pending. Patent Application No. EP 25166012.2. Holder: SN PORTUGAL, LDA. Filed in 2025. Jurisdiction: European Patent Office. Title: "Biodegradable Tableware Item and Method for its Production."
Team Members: Project Lead: Alex Hell
Creative Director: Alex Hell
Production Development: Studioneves Team
Scientific Testing Partner: University of Aveiro and Sublime Hotel
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Alex Hell (Creative Director) Studioneves, Bioplates – Front View with Broken Porcelain, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer Alex Hell (Creative Director) Studioneves, Bioplates – Top View with Textured Surface, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer Alex Hell (Creative Director) Studioneves, Bioplates – top view of contemporary model, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer Alex Hell (Creative Director) Studioneves, Bioplates – Detail of Engraving, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer Alex Hell (Creative Director) Studioneves, Bioplates – top view of classic model, 2025.
Video #1: Videomaker Henrique Casta, Bioplates Cicle, 2025
Video #2: Videomaker Henrique Casta, Bioplates Inspirational, 2025