Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo by Alex Hell

Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo by Alex Hell is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweeMveliso eziNzileyo, iiProjekthi kunye noYilo oluLuhlaza Competition Category.

IsilivereImveliso eNzileyo· 2025

Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo

by Alex Hell

Client: Studioneves

Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award Winner in Imveliso eNzileyo Category

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The Design

About Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo

IBioplates sisitya setafile esinokubola ngokwemvelo futhi esinokusetyenziswa njengomanyolo esiphuhliswe kwinkonzo yabahambi yobugcisa. Senziwe nge-biopolymer yesizukulwana esizayo enokomeleziso lweminerali, siyanyamezela ukuya kwi-140C nangaphezulu kwemijikelo engama-7000 yoomatshini bokuhlamba izitya bezoshishino. Umphezulu waso onombhoxo unceda ukufihla iimpawu zezixhobo zokutya, ngelixa umzantsi oqingqiweyo wabelana ngomyalezo wokusingqongileyo. Enokubekwa ngokulandelelana, enomtsalane, engakhubazanga, kwaye iphantsi kwekhabhoni, iBioplates inika enye indlela ehlaziyayo kwi-melamine neporcelain kwinkonzo yobunewunewu yangaphandle, idibanisa uyilo noxanduva.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award

Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo ngokungaqhelekanga okunikwa imiyilo yomgangatho ophezulu, entle nechukumisayo. Abaphumeleleyo beSilivere ziimveliso ezikhazimlayo kakhulu nezidala kakhulu ezibonisa ubungcali obuphawulekayo, italente nobukrelekrele babayili bazo. Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo iyathenjwa ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omhle womzekelo, onobungcali obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezinzulu. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lesilivere le-A' Design Award yimveliso ebonakalayo kakhulu, ethandwayo enceda kwaye inyusa imida yobugcisa, inzululwazi, uyilo kunye nobuchwephesha. Bioplates Izitya Ezinokubola Ngokwemvelo yimveliso enomona omkhulu kuyo evusa iinqwenelo, izisa iimvakalelo ezintle kwaye ivuselela ukumangaliswa nokumangala.

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