Disposable tableware is a popular choice for weddings as it is an easy way to manage catering needs on the big day. However, plastic plates used in weddings generate a lot of waste.
Contrary to the popular belief that all disposable plastic is recycled, much of it end up in landfill. Unless washed or wiped clean, the leftover food that remains attached will prevent them from being recycled.
In recent years, the wedding industry has expressed an interest in eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
If you are an eco-minded party planner who needs to be conscious of plastic waste, we can help. We have compiled a list of eco-friendly dinnerware options that are plastic free and offer the pragmatism of robust disposable tableware, but without compromising on quality or aesthetics.
Compostable palm leaf plates
Palm plates and utensils are a popular choice for weddings. Made from the dried leaves of Areca tree, they are one of the very few 100% natural options available.
The manufacture of palm leaf plates does not involve chemicals or artificial agents. These compostable plates are made from dried palm leaves that are washed and moulded using a heat press process. The finished product is sturdy and retains its shape.
The rustic appearance of palm plates adds to the aesthetic of a matrimonial dinner celebration. Due to the natural variations in the leaves, no two plates are the same. When combined with biodegradable cutlery and natural decoration, you are sure to bring the serenity of a traditional outdoor scene to the table.
In addition, palm plates are sturdy. They can be used for formal sit-down meals, as well as casual buffets which require guests to hold on to their plates while standing.
Bamboo wedding tableware
Less popular than palm tableware, the natural smoothness and uniformity of bamboo plates makes them an elegant choice for zero-waste, eco-friendly weddings.
Bamboo is often referred to as a ‘miracle plant’, due to its fast growing nature. Some species can grow up to four inches in 24 hours!
To create bamboo plates, the stalk of the plant is cut down and made into thin veneers. A few of these are stuck together with food grade glue to form a sturdy platter.
When purchasing bamboo plates, you are encouraged to only use ecologically minded, reputable suppliers. There are a couple of reasons for this:
- Poorly manufactured plates may not be eco-friendly due to the use of low-grade adhesives.
- An increase in the demand for bamboo products has, in some parts of the world, contributed to deforestation and monocropping.
Disposable leaf plates
Leaf plates have been used in many Asian countries for centuries. They are traditionally made from the leaves of Sal and Banyan tree, which tend to be quite broad.
The process of manufacture is simple. First, the leaves are collected and dried. They are then stitched together with thread or thin wooden sticks. Two or three layers of leaves are stitched together to make a durable platter.
Good for formal sit-down meals, leaf plates may not be as practical when used for buffets or when holding food in the hand.
Leaf plates offer a unique enhancement to the dining experience, which makes for a great talking point among wedding guests.
However, be aware that some modern production methods involve the inclusion of a layer of cardboard between the layers. This is designed to enhance the thickness of the plates, but may reduce the eco-friendly value of the product.
Natural bagasse plates
Bagasse plates are made from the pulp left behind after sugarcane is squeezed for sugar production. The pulp is ground into a fine paste and mixed with biodegradable bonding agents and additives, before being moulded.
Elegant and sleek, bagasse plates are available in a variety of stylish modern designs that add to the spectacle of a wedding. Additionally, they are biodegradable and compostable in backyard compost bins.
Allow your guests to take a slice of wedding cake or leftovers in a sugarcane bagasse takeaway box. Saves on washing up and is a great alternative to polystyrene takeaway containers.
Palm plates: the eco-friendly choice for weddings
In making palm tableware, no trees are cut down. The dry leaves, otherwise disposed of as agricultural waste, are turned into practical tableware.
At FOOGO green, we believe no product is truly environmentally friendly if it isn’t sustainable. That’s why we provide a wide selection of beautiful disposable palm leaf plates. Our line of products are available in a range of sizes and shapes to cater for individual needs.
Our plates can be combined with eco-friendly cutlery, serving trays and salad bowls for the perfect table setting.
If you have any questions, visit our FAQ page or reach out to our customer support team. Serving you is what we do best!