Context: 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published IS 18267: 2023 “Food Serving Utensils Made from Agri By-Products – Specification,” aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. 

About the Standards:

• • The standard provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacturers and consumers, ensuring uniformity in quality requirements across the country.
  • Coverage: It covers various aspects, including raw materials, manufacturing techniques, performance, and hygiene requirements for the production of biodegradable utensils. 

• Manufacturing Techniques: It specifies the use of agricultural by-products, such as leaves and sheaths, as preferred materials for making plates, cups, bowls, and more. 

• • It recommends appropriate parts of plants and trees and provides manufacturing techniques like hot pressing, cold pressing, moulding, and stitching. 
• Design and Safety Features: It also emphasizes smooth surfaces, non-sharp edges, and prohibits the use of chemicals, resins and adhesives.

News Source: pib

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