When catering for people at an outdoor event or social gathering, paper plates make serving food quick and easy. They’re cheap, and in plentiful supply. You won’t have to worry about running out of or breaking your usual ceramics.
However, paper plates are not good for the environment. As people become more environmentally aware, finding a different way to serve food is becoming an increasingly important reality – not just for our consciences, but for the good of the planet too.
Most paper plates cannot be reused or recycled
Paper that has been in contact with food, especially anything wet or greasy, often won’t qualify for recycling. This means it will end up as landfill waste.
In addition, the shiny plastic coating that keeps most paper plates waterproof will stop the material from decomposing. This means the plates are non-biodegradable and cannot be composted.
There’s currently more paper than plastic in the UK’s landfill sites. Why add to the problem?
Alternatives to disposable paper plates
Reusable bamboo plates
Bamboo is fast growing, so it’s easy to make as many reusable or disposable bamboo plates as you need. However, the common binding agent used in the manufacture of bamboo plates can be problematic.
Melamine is a neurotoxic chemical compound which can disrupt hormone production in children and is often used to help hold the bamboo fibres together. We would recommend checking the product description to see if melamine has been used.
Robust bagasse plates
Bagasse is made from reclaimed sugarcane. The by-product is great to repurpose into disposable tableware as it’s very fibrous, which makes it sturdy and able to hold hot and cold foods. It also works for wet and oily dishes – a well-known failing of paper plates!
Bagasse decomposes in 1-6 months. Since it is both biodegradable and compostable, people can dispose of it in their garden compost, meaning they won’t be filling up landfill sites with plastic alternatives. Check out our range of sugarcane bagasse products.
Palm leaves make the best eco-friendly disposable plates
Palm leaf plates are 100% natural, completely biodegradable, and lack any artificial binders or chemicals.
You can dish food onto them, reheat, and finally throw away in the food waste bin or compost. Even though they are disposable, palm plates are tough. Resistant to puncturing and tearing, they won’t buckle when fully loaded. They are also leakproof, which means you can go crazy with the gravy!
Palm plates are also manufactured in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. All that happens from tree to final product is washing and passing through a hot press – no added nasties!
Perfect tableware for parties
Palm plates mitigate the need to hire tableware for large events at significant cost. The crafted, rustic presentation will also enhance any barn or outdoor wedding.
The affordable, organic and ecologically responsible choice
We believe that reducing your carbon footprint is key, and that every small decision for change can add up to a potentially significant shift. So, why not ditch paper plates and try palm leaf plates for your next event?
At FOOGO green, we want you to enjoy meals without worrying about the impact you may be having on the environment. That’s why all our products are 100% natural and biodegradable.
Our versatile selection of palm leaf plates come in a range of sizing options and shapes. They can also be purchased in packs designed to cater for parties of varying numbers. These include our handy palm leaf tableware combo packs, which contain two plate sizes for main and side courses
If you would like more information about our range of sugarcane and palm leaf tableware products, visit the Q&A section of our website. Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with the team.