A system and method for meeting market demand for better constructible utensils. A deformable sheet defines a handle and an operational element in which one or more scores, both straight and curved, are cooperatively provided on the sheet. The one or more scores enable deformation of the handle and/or operational element(s) to convert the structure into a strong, sturdy, and functional implement sufficient to meet the required application.

The present specification generally relates to a composition for the manufacture of ocean degradable, bio-degradable, bio-compostable, biocompatible articles that contain a bio-based thermoplastic component. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aliphatic polyester resin composition comprising: (i) a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in the range of 100%-51% by weight in combination with (ii) a semiconductor in the range of 0%-49% by weight, and (iii) an additive in the range of 0% to about 75% by weight of the total composition; and the subsequent manufacture of articles formed using the aliphatic polyester resin composition.

An easy-to-clean straw including an outer tube wall, an uneven inner tube wall and a channel enclosed by the uneven inner tube wall; where the uneven inner tube wall has a plurality of protrusions thereon to enable a user to press and roll the outer tube wall to rub the uneven inner tube wall with the plurality of protrusions, thereby effectively removing remnants left on the uneven inner tube wall.

A food-safe paper straw, including an outer tubular element made of paper material which extends along a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal insert made of paper material positioned inside the outer tubular element and stably connected to an inner surface of the outer tubular element, said insert having a profile, in transversal cross section, defined by a line at least partly corrugated and/or partly broken in such a way as to increase the bending strength of the straw, wherein said insert is stably connected to the inner surface of the outer tubular element in at least two connecting zones, preferably at least three connecting zones, angularly spaced from each other about said longitudinal axis.

A taco holder having a storage compartment that can be used, for example, to store an item, such as a small toy. The taco holder may be comprised, in whole or in part, of a transparent or semi-transparent material, such that the item within the storage compartment may be viewed from outside of the taco holder. In certain embodiments, the taco holder may be comprised of a microwave safe material and/or a material suitable for cooking, such as silicon. In certain embodiments, the taco holder may also be used as an oven mitt. In certain embodiments, the taco holders are shaped to enable stacking. Also, in certain embodiments, the taco holder is collapsible.

A tubular implement, such as a container, in particular a container (pipe for transport) for food or beverages such as a drinking straw, includes a first part having a sheet of wood veneer rolled to form the tubular implement in the form of a cylinder.

Disclosed herein are glass-ceramic compositions, articles made from the disclosed glass-ceramic compositions, and methods of making the same. More specifically disclosed herein is a glass-ceramic composition comprising: a) from about 2 mol % to about 20 mol % of Al.sub.2O.sub.3; b) from about 2 mol % to about 45 mol % of Li.sub.2O; and c) from about 48 mol % to about 80 mol % of SiO.sub.2; having a β-spodumene phase and a lithium silicate crystalline phase, and optionally a petalite phase.

A molded polymer article is disclosed which includes a first structural portion, a second structural portion, and a living hinge connecting the first structural portion and the second structural portion. Both structural portions and the living hinge are all integrally molded from a polymeric composition which includes: (1) from about 20 to about 95 weight percent of polyhydroxyalkanoates, (2) from about 5 to about 75 weight percent of a biodegradable polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene-succinate-co-adipate), poly(caprolactone), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), (3) from about 0.01 to about 5.0 weight percent of a nucleating agent, and (4) from about 0.01 to about 5.0 weight percent of at least one mold processing aid, such as a mold release agent.

Provided herein are compositions comprising substrates that contain polymeric materials or non-magnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic metal objects, and films or inks that contain ferromagnetic materials in which the films or the ferromagnetic materials are transparent. Also provided herein are methods of fabricating the substrates. Further provided herein are ferromagnetic material films containing transparent or translucent films that comprises ferromagnetic materials. The coating imparts functionality to the film such that the film is capable of being mechanically separated from the polymeric materials or non-magnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic metal objects using a commercial magnetic separator. The transparent, food-safe ink composition, which can be printed using high-speed flexographic, gravure, intaglio, offset printing or pad printing consists of an ingestible magnetically susceptible pigment capable of rendering the printed template with magnetically active properties.

The present disclosure is directed to biodegradable cutlery, and more specifically to spoons, forks, and knives. The biodegradable cutlery includes a plurality of recesses disposed on the handle forming a rib to resist twisting and bending. An indentation may be disposed along a neck of the cutlery to enhance stability further.