Room 4 learns more about the innovation process and the Biospife.

1. 14 May 2014
WALT identify key steps in the innovation process.
[It’s like finding each piece of the magic wand]

2. The Biospife
Researched by Room 4

3. The Idea By: Brandon, Ofa, Siosiana
• Describe the idea.
• To make a tool that combined a spoon and a knife to eat kiwifruit – a
Spife that was compostable - able to put it in the compost bin.
• What was the opportunity, the need or the problem that prompted
the idea?
• The problem was that the plastic spifes make lots of rubbish. The new
one needed to be able to go in the compost bin.
• The need to reduce the carbon footprint of Zespri Kiwifruit brand.
• 3% of the carbon created was caused by the yellow plastic spifes.

4. The Process By: Valo, Peter, Jenthe & Najeer
• Describe some of the elements in the process of turning the idea into an outcome.
Investigating how to use bioplastics, combining ideas, collaboration, teamwork, working
together, thinking, time (it took 5 years to develop the biospife) testing / trials,
measuring, making changes, research, making a prototype, getting money/ funding
• What skills, knowledge, abilities were important?
Carbon footprinting, knowledge of bioplastics, machinery, commitment, being
determined, testing, measuring carefully, checking results, knowing what consumers
wanted, asking good questions.
• Who was involved?
Scientists, plastic engineers, researchers, inventors, consumers, machine experts, robots
• What challenges were faced?
Reducing waste, using wet, slushy kiwifruit residue to make plastic, moulding the shape,
the biospifes breaking

5. The Outcome By: Jordana, Abby Rose, Tupou, Lilyana, Ailini
• Describe the outcome.
• They have successfully made a compostable Spife. It is nearly ready for
commercial production.
• Was the outcome developed from a new idea or is it an improvement
of an existing idea?
• The idea of combining a spoon and a knife was new but then they
improved it by making it healthier for the Earth.

6. Creating value By: Evelyn, Paris, Meela, Emmanuel & Mataele
• Who was the product designed for?
• People who want to enjoy kiwifruit and eat it easily but still be eco-friendly.
• How does this product create value?
• It is easy to use and reduces the carbon footprint of Zespri Kiwifruit and their users.
• It has helped the scientists learn more about how to use and make bioplastics
• Is the product commercially available?
• Not yet.
• Has the product been successful in making a difference to
people’s lives?
• ??