Abstract: Described are oil and water-resistant compositions and methods of making and using such compositions. The compositions can be used to prepare oil and water-resistant articles of manufacturing. Oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a polysaccharide, an acid, and water; wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated. Other oil and water-resistant compositions can include a fiber, a blocking agent such as a fatty acid, a metal salt of a fatty acid, or combinations thereof, and water, wherein the composition is water and oil resistant when compressed and heated.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fiber component, optionally a dispersing agent operable to disperse the fiber component to create a fiber matrix, a starch component distributed essentially throughout the fiber matrix, and a filler component are disclosed. Methods of forming articles such as containers and packages from such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a dispensing system for utensils and cutlery, a housing with a cutlery distribution area has one or more openings for exposing a handle end of a presenting utensil for removal by a user. The system has one or more stack chambers, each configured to hold a vertical stack of utensils. A trigger assembly within the housing is actuated by the user removing a single presenting utensil out of an opening, causing the release of a single lowest utensil from the vertical stack, for presentation as the next presenting utensil for removal by a next user. A chute delivers each released single lowest utensil of a vertical stack to its opening for removal by the next user, and causes the released utensil to rotate about its axis from entry into the chute to exit at the opening.