We are not even halfway through 2025, and it has already been a big year for Ecolery. This youth-led startup from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) has recently been recognised as one of the top sustainability startups in the world by #Change100, and they also took home the Generation Hope Goals Champion title at the 12th Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development in Thailand.

With their work in local and global platforms, Ecolery is not only promoting eco-friendly habits, but also proving that young people are both the advocates and leaders of climate action. TBS Graduates caught up with the team to hear how it all started, how it’s going and where they’re headed next. 

Ecolery at a glance

Ecolery, founded in 2022, is fighting plastic pollution in an innovative way by utilising edible, biodegradable cups and cutlery. Its mission connects strongly with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 focusing on climate action, by cutting single-use plastic waste through providing environment friendly options people can eat or compost. The members are Nafesa Anzum Helaly, Yeamin Islam Tabin, Shabiha Sultana, Ramim Al Rafi and Rakib Hassan – a team of young changemakers who are building a greener tomorrow one bite at a time.

What inspired the idea of starting Ecolery?

Founder Nafisa Anzum Helaly replied, “The inspiration for Ecolery came during a visit to the Sundarbans where we noticed a lot of waste material, particularly disposable cutlery, scattered all over. It really struck me how even beautiful natural destinations were not being spared. It made me want to come up with something that would help cut down on such waste. The idea for edible cutlery started from there, edible spoons and cups seemed something practical and feasible that would actually make a real difference.”

What challenges did Ecolery face in producing edible plastic alternatives, and how were they overcome?

“One of the biggest challenges for us was getting the product just right, something that could hold hot liquids, taste good and also be affordable. We went through a lot of trial and error with ingredients. At first, we did not even have our own equipment, and we had to outsource. But that was not financially sustainable. Thankfully, with some seed funding support, we were able to purchase our own setup,” said their CEO Shabiha Sultana.

She added, “Another challenge was to make people understand what edible cutlery is about, as the concept was new for everyone. As we continue to raise awareness, we’re also planning to launch community workshops. By spreading knowledge we’ll empower communities toward greener choices.”

How do you ensure the safety of your edible cutlery products?

Ecolery’s COO Yeamin Islam Tabin responded, “Safety and durability are really important to us. We only use plant-based ingredients of food-grade quality, which are vegan and preservative-free. Hygiene checks for every batch are performed to ensure it is safe for consumption. To be durable, we made sure the cutlery can handle hot fluids, up to 85°C and remain crisp for around 45 minutes.

We also apply the inner layer with sodium alginate, a food-safe natural ingredient to boost its strength without impacting taste. We always test everything ourselves first and receive real-world feedback to ensure our product is safe, strong and works the way it should.”

How has winning #Change100 recognition shaped your journey, and what’s next for Ecolery in 2025?

Helaly mentioned, “Winning #Change100 has been an incredible shot in the arm for us. It put Ecolery on the global stage and introduced us to a fantastic community of changemakers. The organisers have not announced specifically what we’ll be getting in terms of support yet, but we can’t wait for what we have coming. Regardless, in 2025 we will be expanding to new territories, hiring more people locally, and releasing more sustainable products to bring sustainable living even closer.”

How can youth-led innovation in Bangladesh address global environmental issues?

“Young people in nations like Bangladesh are closely in touch with these issues. We experience the plastic waste on the streets every day and know how climate change impacts our communities. That’s what pushes us to develop solutions that are achievable and practical. We’re also more likely to take risks and do experiments. At Ecolery, we had little to start but created something meaningful. For us, youth innovation should not just be about concepts, it’s about action. We hope that what we’re doing here can inspire others around the world too,” concluded Tabin. 

As Ecolery continues onward, their work is a strong reminder that meaningful climate action doesn’t have to wait, it can be initiated with simply an idea, a dedicated team, and perhaps a cup that you can eat.