About
BACKGROUND
- Currently, there are two main approaches to cleaning dishes. The traditional method involves washing dishes after each use with water and detergents. While effective, this process comes with several drawbacks. It requires time and effort, consumes energy for heating water and running dishwashing equipment, and involves the regular use of detergents. These detergents must be produced, packaged, and eventually disposed of, raising environmental concerns. The ecological impact of water and energy use, as well as detergent production and waste, makes this method less sustainable in the long term.
- The alternative approach is the use of disposable tableware, which is discarded after use along with any food residue. Although convenient in certain settings like picnics or camping, disposable tableware is less practical for daily use at home. Most people eventually revert to traditional tableware, especially with the widespread availability of affordable dishwashers. Furthermore, disposable tableware is not always cost-effective. Items such as palm leaf plates can be expensive, and even the cheaper variants add a noticeable expense when used regularly. Over time, this can significantly increase household food-related costs.
- In addition to cost and practicality, environmental concerns remain with disposable tableware. Many of these products are not made from biodegradable materials, contributing to the presence of microplastics in the environment. Moreover, to maintain sufficient mechanical strength for food use, disposable tableware must be manufactured from relatively thick and durable materials, which makes it unsuitable for ultra-thin alternatives.
SUMMARY
- It is preferred to provide for a way of cleaning dishes, without the drawbacks of traditional methods and disposable tableware.
- A first aspect provides for a disposable dish cover for tableware. The disposable dish cover comprises a layer provided between a consumable facing surface and a tableware facing surface. The layer has a thickness a few times less than traditional disposable dish. By providing a disposable dish cover, that may be applied to the surface of tableware such as plates, cups or bowls before each meal, the tableware can be kept clean by simply removing the disposable dish cover. Advantageously, the need to wash dishes may be eliminated, which means there is no energy consumption needed for heating water or running a dishwasher. Furthermore, the need for detergents may also be eliminated, further reducing environmental impact.
- In an implementation of the disposable dish cover, the consumable facing surface and the tableware facing surface are provided parallel to each other. Advantageously, the layer may thus be provided with the least amount of material needed and the shape of the surface of the disposable dish may correspond to that of the tableware thereby not significantly altering the experience for the user.
- In an implementation of the disposable dish cover, the disposable dish cover is made of a biodegradable material. Advantageously, when a biodegradable material is used to make the disposable dish cover, the environmental impact may be further reduced. Furthermore, since only a limited amount of material is needed due to the design of the disposable dish cover, the cost compared to conventional disposable tableware is negligible. This may ensure that the disposable dish cover is both eco-friendly and economically viable.
- In an implementation of the disposable dish cover, the disposable dish cover is made of a flexible material. Advantageously, this may allow for the disposable dish cover to better fit the tableware to which it is applied. This may further improve user experience.
- In an implementation of the disposable dish cover, the disposable dish cover is made of a transparent material. Advantageously, this may allow for the user to see through the disposable dish cover, and see the tableware which it is covering. This may further improve user experience.
- A second aspect provides for a tableware set for receiving and holding a product, preferably a consumable product. The tableware set comprises a piece of tableware having a body. The body has a further consumable facing surface and a disposable dish cover according to any of the preceding claims. The consumable facing surface of the disposable dish cover and the further consumable facing surface of the body have substantially the same dimensions, such that the disposable dish cover covers the further consumable facing surface of the body during use. Advantageously, the tableware may be used to provide for mechanical support, such that the disposable covering may be provided from a much thinner material than conventional disposable tableware, further lowering production cost and reducing environmental impact.
- In an implementation of the tableware set, the disposable dish cover is arranged to be nested in the body. By nesting the disposable dish cover in the body, and a good fit may be provided between the two, the amount of material needed by be further minimized. Additionally, a nested fit may be prevent shifting or moving of the disposable dish cover inside the body and as such improve the overall convenience of using a disposable dish cover.
- In an implementation of the tableware set, the piece of tableware is one of a dish, bowl, plate and cup.
Usage
- Place the cover on the porcelain cup.
- After use, just throw it away.