16 responses to “Ecoplates”

1. 

   Stephen Parkhill June 2nd, 2009 at 06:59

   For one thing, I think they would seem a little more credible if they hired a good translator.

   Other than that, the pictures on their website look nice which is a plus. One thing I would be worried about is the cost of shipping all the way from South India. If I could buy a normal plate for the same price as those, I’d have to say I’d go with the normal one…

2. 

   mtexeira June 2nd, 2009 at 07:09

   This could be an opportunity to play on the green revolution. However shipping could be a problematic situation. This company would have to look at starting a plantation in the US to eliminate the majority of shipping issues. The other idea is making these plates fashionable. The american persona tends to be more about fashion rather than use. Possibilities also exist in the collector’s market.

3. 

   cerhodes June 2nd, 2009 at 07:33

   Actually, a good deal of people living in India are taught English alongside the local and national languages from an early age, and possibly even the local language of their neighboring state(s). It is not uncommon to meet a person of Indian heritage who is fluent in multiple languages.

   I wonder how well these plates and bowls are supposed to stand up to heat and moisture if they are indeed biodegradable. The same goes for “collectors.” What is the factor that makes them biodegradable? There are several different methods (heat, gas, moisture, etc).

   Also, being made from natural materials, I would expect them to cost a pretty penny more than traditional paper plates. As far as growing and harvesting the areca locally, it may not be possible in the States.

4. 

   JSeeley June 2nd, 2009 at 10:12

   The decomposition of these plates, like other materials that degrade, are probably due to the combination of sun light and air exposure, as well as water sometimes. I read some bio-degradable materials actually have to go through a special chemical induced decomposition to, so it might be one of those.

   I have little experience with bio-degraded eating utensils and plates, but if sturdiness was an issue before I guess the problem has been solved. I find it more interesting that it can withstand heat without burning, but the heat they most likely refer to his microwave heat which they refer to in there comparative study. Whatever helps the environment is a good thing to me.

5. 

   melmalik June 2nd, 2009 at 11:07

   First of all I think that they should of included the way by which they intend to ship their product to the U.S and how much it would cost, because since their product has to be manufactured in India shipping cost will be an important variable in determining whether or not this is an actual opportunity.

   The most important thing however is how much do they intend to sell their product for in the U.S, will their price be lower than that of plastic or other competition? I seriously doubt that it can, even if they start planting in the U.S which might end up costing more due to the much much higher labor cost, therefore I would say that this idea does not really serve as an opportunity…

6. 

   Kristin Crowson June 2nd, 2009 at 11:08

   The product sounds like a good idea however, I’d like to see more in depth research of it. How long does it take to degrade? Will it degrade after a certain amount of uses? Maybe a little scientific research would help sell me on the idea. What research group did the comparative study? This just doesn’t sound very credible. Also, knowing prices would be nice. If they provide better information and prices I could see more people taking it seriously.

7. 

   Jason Jerger June 2nd, 2009 at 11:59

   Nice idea, but I don’t see it being very practical. As mentioned, the shipping costs to the US are going to drive up the price. Also, are these plates just supposed to replace disposable plates? I don’t see them being able to hold up in the dishwasher. I didn’t see anywhere where it said they were dishwasher safe. Not very many people want to wash their own dishes. I would prefer just to buy some normal plates and ‘go green’ in other places.

8. 

   SamSmith June 2nd, 2009 at 15:39

   Yeah, I’m siding with the majority on this one. Awesome idea but not too do-able outside of that continent.
   Maybe if they could get crops going in central/south America to cut down on shipping costs, something could be done about it.
   Logistics aside, it’s still a decent product and although India is a much more environmentally conscious country, it still strikes the Green Chord overseas.

9. 

   clarkep June 2nd, 2009 at 16:25

   I would have to agree with another blog regarding the grammar used. It does not look very prefossional.

   As for the products, some standardized testing on strength and sanitary conditions with the process might be worthwhile.

10. 

    ablack June 2nd, 2009 at 16:32

    I would never trust a random, unsolicited email requesting a buy or sell from these people. At my old job we would always get these scam requests from Africa and South America.

11. 

    Ryan Quigley June 2nd, 2009 at 19:53

    The idea is interesting. I have yet to hear anyone complain about their plates and bowls not being eco-friendly enough though. Even though the products are biodegradable and are good for the environment, I dont see a market for them here in the United States. There are many things people can do to be more ‘green’, buying biodegradable plates would not help the environment more than say buying a hybrid vehicle.

12. 

    ShaneRoss June 2nd, 2009 at 23:02

    Seems like a decent concept for a product in the green revolution that is going on now. It would be interesting to find out how many leads they actually get from these mass emails that the company appears to send out. Maybe once the company gets running a bit, it could partner with a legitimate eco friendly company overseas.

13. 

    Jocelyn June 2nd, 2009 at 23:22

    I dont really get it. I think this has some potential but needs some work. It would be expensive to ship and i can buy paper plates for 99 cents at walmart. Nice idea, not really feasible, at least for me personally.

14. 

    ablack June 3rd, 2009 at 02:24

    ECO FRIENDLY BOWLS. what’s wrong with paper plates and bowls? They deteriorate and are cheap.

15. 

    mrambo June 3rd, 2009 at 02:39

    Would I buy them? Nope. First like ablack said it’s a random, unsolicited email. Next there isn’t any information about prices. By looking at the site you can tell it was just something thrown together. I would have to say it’s a poor attempt to try and capitalize on the “go green” movement. I also found it amusing that on their comparative study they have paper as unbreakable and non microwaveable.

16. 

    rhodesia June 4th, 2009 at 22:21

    I would buy them just to eat them like a ravenous animal.