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Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable by Alex Hell

Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable by Alex Hell is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu in Wiñay Kawsay Ruray Kamay Competition Category.


QullqiWiñay Kawsay Ruray· 2025

Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable

by Alex Hell

Client: Studioneves

A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu Winner in Wiñay Kawsay Ruray Category

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The Design

About Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable

Bioplates nisqaqa biodegradable, compostable mikhuy platucham profesional hospitalidadpaq ruwasqa. Musuq generacionpa biopolimerumanta mineralkunawan kallpachasqa ruwasqa kasqanrayku, 140C kaq ruphayman atipakun, 7000 industrial lavavajillaspa ciclosninkunamantawan. Hawanninpa ruphayninqa cubiertospa señalninkunta pakachin, chaymanta ukhu qillqasqanqa pachamamapa willakuyninta rikuchin. Tantanapaq, sumaq, llanthuyuq, carbono negativo kasqanrayku, Bioplates nisqaqa musuqyachikuq akllanam melamina lozawan tupachisqa, lujo hawapi serviciopi, diseñota responsabilidadwan tantachispa.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu

Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable A' Design Award Qullqi Premiu mishak kan, ancha jatun yupaychay, kayta hanak, sumak shinallatak mancharina diseñukunaman kun. Qullqi mishak kashkakunaka ancha achikyaska shinallatak ancha mushuk ruraykunami, paykunata rurakkunapak yachayta, yuyayta shinallatak ushayta rikuchinku. Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable ruray yachak, ñawpak shinallatak mushuk yuyayta charik sumak rurashka kanata munanku. Kay Qullqi Premiu japishka diseñuka ancha riksishka shinallatak yupaychashka yuyay kan, arti, siensia, diseñu shinallatak tekinolojía ñawpak ñankunata kichuk. Bioplates Mikhuy Platucha Biodegradable achka runakunapak munashka rurashka kan, munayta kallarichin, alli yuyaykunata kun shinallatak mancharichin.

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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