# Nature-Mimicking Utensils The Graft Biodegradable Tableware Set by Qiyun Deng is All Natural By Alyson Wyers | Published 2013-08-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-tableware References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/biodegradable-tableware-influenced-by-fruits-and-vegetables/) & [cargocollective](http://cargocollective.com/qiyun/Graft) The 'Graft' series by designer Qiyun Deng features biodegradable tableware that strongly resembles different fruits and vegetables. The disposable utensils are made from bioplastic renewable resources that also take on a natural texture. Qiyun Deng was inspired by the the idea of using plant skin as a textural medium. The legume feel perfectly matches the 3D printed place settings. The artist says on his site, "Texture and form in nature autonomously exist with a function that we can borrow to serve the purpose of artificial objects." So, a celery stalk becomes a fork handle, an artichoke leaf becomes a spoon and a pineapple stem becomes a knife. In addition to cutlery, other biodegradable tableware components include bowls and cups. In this instance, an orange peel becomes a bowl and a lemon half becomes a goblet. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/biodegradable-tableware-influenced-by-fruits-and-vegetables/), [cargocollective](http://cargocollective.com/qiyun/Graft) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Biodegradable Tableware:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new biodegradable materials and manufacturing processes for eco-friendly tableware. - **Nature-inspired Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply the texture and form of natural elements to create aesthetically pleasing and functional products in various industries. - **3D Printed Place Settings:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize 3D printing technology to customize and produce unique tableware designs for personal or commercial use. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food Packaging:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable packaging solutions using biodegradable materials, such as bioplastics, for consumer products. - **Hospitality:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce nature-inspired tableware designs to enhance dining experiences and create a unique selling point for restaurants and hotels. - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create home decor items inspired by natural textures and forms, offering consumers unique and visually appealing design options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Kid-Friendly Biobased Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biobased-tableware.md) - [All-in-One Eco Party Plates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knork-eco-party-plate.md) - [Nature-Inspired Design Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-2.md) - [Sustainable Kitchen Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legni-collection.md) - [Coordinated Children-Focused Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tableware-bundle-for-children.md) - [Speculative Cutlery Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolving-spoon.md) - [Compostable Cutlery Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cutlery-dispenser.md) - [Grown Drinkware Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourd.md) - [Walnut Shell-Created Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nos.md)