As the world moves away from disposable plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery, compostable tableware is becoming a sustainable and versatile alternative.
Types of compostable tableware materials
There are a variety of options for materials when it comes to compostable tableware, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Compostable paper
Not all paper plates are compostable. Many are treated with a plastic polymer coating, or chemicals such as BPA.
Plant-based plastics or cellulose still require high heat and moisture levels for breakdown to occur. This necessitates industrial composting rather than home composting.
Uncoated paper plates can be home composted but are often permeable
and less reliable than other disposable plates and bowls manufactured from
natural materials.
Bamboo
Naturally anti-microbial bamboo reduces the need for chemical pesticides during growing and reduces odours in compost.
When processed into sheets for tableware, binding chemicals such as melamine are often required to fuse layers. Melamine and other binding chemicals may be unhealthy for humans, especially when they make contact with food.
Bagasse
Formed from the pulpy fibres left over from sugar syrup production, bagasse is non-toxic, home compostable and food safe.
Strong and durable, bagasse plates and bowls hold wet and oily food better than paper plates. They can also be reused.
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.
Palm leaf
Palm leaf tableware is made from naturally shed areca palm leaves. Washed, dried, and hot-pressed into shape, the leaves give each piece a distinctive, rustic look.
Hot pressing makes for rigid, durable products that are strong, yet lightweight. They can hold all food types without weakening or soaking through, including liquids and oily and sticky dishes.
Home compostable in two to three months, palm plates don’t contribute to landfill waste and utilise an otherwise wasted natural resource.
Compostable utensils
Plant-based plastic and PLA cutlery
PLA (polylactic acid) is made from plant material such as corn starch or sugar cane. Though able to compost in industrial facilities, plant-based plastic will not biodegrade in landfill. If incorrectly recycled, it can contaminate whole batches of recycling.
Wooden cutlery
Fast-growing birch wood is one of the most sustainable types of wood to use for eco-friendly cutlery.
It can be manufactured into strong, durable cutlery that is naturally splinter-free and unlikely to break. No binding chemicals or harsh processing is necessary, meaning the utensils will be food safe.
Natural bamboo skewers
Bamboo skewers can be used for kebabs, sliders, and fully loaded sandwiches.
Soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling or barbecuing to avoid burning, then put straight into home compost when finished.
Natural alternatives to plastic straws
Plastic straws are a serious environmental problem. Difficult to recycle and easily lost in waste processing, they pollute rivers, oceans, and soil.
PLA straws
Banning single-use plastic straws created an accessibility issue for some disabled people. Those with mobility trouble or conditions that involve tremors or involuntary movements can be injured by rigid straws made from glass or metal.
PLA and other plant-based plastics offer the flexibility of plastic straws without the environmental footprint.
Edible rice straws
These are made from starchy materials such as rice flour or pasta. They effectively produce zero waste, as the straws can be eaten or composted with food.
As with paper straws, prolonged exposure to liquid can saturate or destroy edible straws. They can also add unwanted flavour to drinks.
Reusable bamboo straws
Bamboo in its natural stalk form makes strong reusable straws that will not flavour drinks nor weaken, no matter how long they sit in liquid.
Bamboo straws do not require chemical processing. This means they are safe for use in hot and cold drinks and those containing alcohol or acidic juices.
Disposable wheat straws
Wheat straws are made from stalks left behind after harvests. Naturally gluten-free, they make a flexible, compostable alternative to disposable plastic straws.
As with bamboo straws, they don’t need chemicals or heavy processing, so are food safe and non-toxic for home composting.
Naturally waterproof, wheat straws also won’t weaken or disintegrate in a drink.
Eco-friendly tableware for all occasions
Looking for stylish sustainable tableware fit for any occasion? FOOGO green’s palm leaf tableware and compostable utensils are the perfect solution. They come in a variety of SKUs: from sample packs to wholesale bundles.