( CNN ) -- The short lives of disposable tableware : convenient , yet wasteful . In a Japanese fishing town , Hekinan , 300 kilometers west from Tokyo , a small family business is offering a greener alternative . Smart Business meets Sakakibara Katsuhiko , who 's innovating in the world of edible crockery . CNN : How did you first come up with the concept of edible tableware ? Sakakibara Katsuhiko : When I go to food festivals , I see bins filled with garbage , and I wondered if our manufacturing technology could do something to change it . So we decided to go beyond ice cream cones and to develop plates that are edible . The key question was how to strengthen the waterproof-ness for the plates . CNN : You currently use shrimp , salt and potato starch to create the plates . Do you plan to develop their flavor further ? SK : We are going to create a variety of flavors for the plates so that people can pair them with more food . I think it would be interesting if we could also make edible knives and folks . That would really cut down the waste . CNN : What are your ambitions for the future of the company ? SK : Japan will host the Tokyo Olympic Games in six years ' time , and I want to provide edible plates for the Games ( in 2020 ) . CNN : How do you see Marushige Seika K. K 's development in the years to come ? SK : Our town has vibrant agriculture and fishing industry . Whenever I think about one day passing on this town to our children , I just think we simply have to make our business more environmentally friendly . Watch : 'Perfect ' bra decodes what women want . Read more : How tech is transforming the entertainment industry . Watch : Turning mobile advertising on its head .
Disposable tableware is convenient but damaging for the environment . In Japan , a small family business is hoping to extend dinner past just the items on your plate . Marushige Seika K. K has developed a range of edible tableware .