Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe by Alex Hell is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award in Zipangizo Zokhalitsa, Mapulojekiti ndi Mapangidwe Obiriwira Competition Category.
SilivaChipangizo Chokhalitsa· 2025
Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe
by Alex Hell
Client: Studioneves
Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award Winner in Chipangizo Chokhalitsa Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #172846The Design
About Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe
Bioplates ndi mbale zomwe zimawola msanga ndipo zimatha kukhala fertilizer, zopangidwira ntchito za malo ogulitsira chakudya. Zopangidwa ndi biopolymer yatsopano yokhala ndi mineral reinforcement, zimathamanga kutalika mpaka 140C ndipo zimatha kugwiritsidwa ntchito kopitilira 7000 mu makina akuluakulu ochapira mbale. Pamwamba pake pali mawonekedwe omwe amabisa zizindikiro za zipangizo za chakudya, pamene pansi pake palipo uthenga wa chilengedwe. Zimayanganirana bwino, zokongola, zopepuka, ndipo si carbon negative, Bioplates imapereka njira yabwino kuposa melamine ndi porcelain mu ntchito zapamwamba za kunja, kuphatikiza kapangidwe kake ndi udindo wa chilengedwe.
The Recognition
About the Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award
Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe ndi mmodzi mwa opambana a Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award, kuzindikirika kolemekezeka modabwitsa komwe kumaperekedwa kwa mapangidwe a pamwamba, okongola ndi ochititsa chidwi. Opambana a Siliva ndi ntchito zowala kwambiri ndi zolenga kwambiri zomwe zimaonetsa ukatswiri, luso ndi nzeru zakuthwa za opanga awo. Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe akuyembekezeka kukhala ntchito yodabwitsa yoonetsedwa, yaukatswiri wapadera ndi yatsopano kwambiri. Mapangidwe opambana Mphoto ya Siliva ya A' Design Award awa ndi chopangidwa chodziwika kwambiri ndi choyamikiridwa chomwe chimapindulitsa ndi kukulitsa malire a luso, sayansi, kapangidwe ndi ukadaulo. Bioplates Mbale Zosawononga Chilengedwe ndi cholengedwa chomwe anthu ambiri amachichitira nsanje, chomwe chimadzutsa zilakolako, kubweretsa maganizo abwino ndi kuyatsa kudabwa ndi chidwi.
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
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