Edible tableware, such as plates made of shrimp crackers and cups made of seaweed, is catching on as a safer substitute for disposable tableware by reducing the amount of polystyrene and plastic waste thrown out each day.
For example, the e-tray series by Marushige Seika K.K., which makes the crust for ice cream-filled "monaka" wafers, consists of edible serving plates and bowls made of shrimp crackers. In addition to being sought by food vendors at baseball stadiums and local festivals, the company based in Hekinan, Aichi Prefecture, has also been receiving inquiries from overseas.
The plates and bowls come in a variety of oval or rectangular shapes and are tougher than they look.