The global biodegradable tableware market was worth $2,754.9 million in 2018 and is expected to be $4,355.1 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.01 percent from 2019 to 2026. Increasing awareness about the adverse impacts of non-biodegradable plastic wastes and the rigorous rules and policies by the government to prohibit the use of non-biodegradable plastic are driving the demand for biodegradable tableware. Founded in 2007 in Gurgaon, Tag Ingredients is one of the leading biodegradable cutlery manufacturers renowned in the industry for providing top of the line products throughout India and Asia.

Tag Ingredients provides plastic free, ecofriendly, carbon neutral biodegradable cutlery in various shapes and sizes to hotels, restaurants, fast food chains, cafes, and even home parties. Tag Ingredients began its journey by importing raw materials from China to supply wooden ice cream sticks to the ice cream industry. However, the pandemic forced the firm to take proactive steps to reduce the dependency on imports from China, creating an opportunity for added sustainability. The firm seized this opportunity by sourcing raw materials directly from Russia and Siberia and installing various processing machines in India. The firm also specializes in food ingredient additives and is a major B2B supplier to many food sectors, including food and beverage, bakery, confectionery, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, seasoning, and ice cream, making it one of the most trusted suppliers among its clients.

The firm's product line includes wooden ice cream sticks, wooden spoons, wooden cutlery, toothpicks, skewers, and coffee stirrers. The firm's ice cream sticks and spoons are delivered to every major ice cream company like Unilever, Amul, Mother Dairy, Nandini, and many more. The firm also offers biodegradable cutlery to every airline, railway, and cafeteria. "The products are biodegradable and disposable, and the firm strictly adheres to all international safety and hygiene standards", says Manish Thakur, Co-Founder & Partner Tag Ingredients is continually innovating and adapting to the ever-changing landscape. This firm is always at the forefront of new technology, seeking ways to better its goods and services. Customer satisfaction has always been the firm's primary objective, and to address the requirements of its consumers, the company utilizes all necessary measures and uses the best packing solutions to ensure the timely delivery of the products. "The government has taken the ban on plastic more seriously over the past six months and is moving to place restrictions on its use. The firm saw this as a window for creating sustainable, biodegradable products and began devoting resources to manufacturing these products", shares Gaurav Makkar, Founder, Tag Ingredients.

Innovating eco-friendly tableware that won't cost the earth

Gaurav also holds the unique feat of completing five Ironman triathlons in five days. As a professional athlete and coach, he was always concerned about the environment, so when the chance to create his own business arose, he made certain that it would also benefit the environment. The triathlete is continually looking for innovative methods to minimize carbon footprints and make things more sustainable, thus helping the environment.

With tremendous year over year growth, the company has already made an impact with its biodegradable items. One of the most recent achievements of the firm is signing Unilever as a client. Having such a brand renowned for its work ethics, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, onboard has created more confidence in potential clients and will likely lead to continued success. Additionally, the firm is heavily involved in employing people from rural areas, especially women, and contributing towards providing better education for girls.

Furthermore, the firm plans to reduce the impact of imports in the country by establishing the entire process in India and preparing to export to European countries and the United States shortly. Biodegradable cutlery products represent an enormous opportunity and a big gap between demand and supply. Therefore the company is focusing on vertical integration to deepen its penetration into these market segments.