Frequently asked questions about eco-friendly palm leaf dinnerware
What is palm leaf dinnerware?
Disposable dishes (plates, bowls, trays, etc) made from fallen leaves of Areca palm trees is commonly know as palm leaf dinnerware. These trees are found in abundance in tropical regions of the Pacific, Asia and East Africa. FOOGO green palm leaf range is handmade by rural men and women in the southern parts of India.
How are leaf plates made?
Palm leaf plates are made through an age-old technique of heat pressing dry palm leaves. The Areca palm trees shed their dried fronds many times a year. The fronds are collected, trimmed and cleaned in fresh water. While still moist, they are compressed with heated plates and moulded into desired shapes.
Is Palm leaf tableware eco-friendly and sustainable?
- Our palm tableware is made from naturally fallen leaves. Instead of going to landfill or worse, burnt, the leaves are used to make beautiful tableware.
- No chemicals or artificial binders are used in the manufacturing process.
- No trees are harmed or cut down.
This is as eco-friendly and sustainable as it can get.
Are leaf plates organic?
The plates are 100% organic as they are made from natural leaves. No chemicals, toxins or binding agents are used in the manufacturing process.
Why does my palm leaf plates and bowls come in plastic packaging?
This is a common question many of our customers have.
Made from dried leaves, the plates naturally absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. The plastic packaging prevents the build-up of moisture and hence stop the leaves from getting mouldy.
We have tried plant based compostable packaging in the past, but the results have been far from successful. We continue to invest time and money in researching alternatives to plastic packaging and would also love to hear any suggestions from our customers.
Are palm plates same as bamboo plates?
Palm plates are often confused with bamboo plates as they are both plant based and have a woody finish. Bamboo plates are made from bamboo shoots that are cut down for making plates. A commonly used technique involves gluing together thin sheets of bamboo to make sturdy plates.
Palm plates, on the other hand, are made from the fallen leaves of Areca palm trees. The plates are made solely from leaves without the need for artificial adhesives . Also no harm is inflicted on the palm trees that produce the leaves.
Is palm leaf tableware compostable?
Yes. Palm leaf tableware is 100% compostable at backyard composting bins. They fully decompose in 6 to 8 weeks leaving behind nutrient rich compost. Unlike bioplastics or bagasse products, they don’t require industrial composting facilities or high temperatures to degrade.
I don’t have a compost bin? How can I dispose used plates?
In the absence of home compost bins, palm leaf plates can be disposed in regular trash or food waste where they will decompose naturally in a landfill.
Why are there colour variations, dark streaks and splotches on the products?
No two leaves are the same, which means no two palm leaf dishes are the same. Each plate/bowl is different with its own unique personality. The colour variations, streaks and splotches are absolutely normal and are due to the natural variations in the leaves.
How do palm dishes smell and do they change the taste of food?
We do not use any chemicals to alter the natural properties of the leaves, hence there may be a mild woody scent to palm dishes (the smell of dried palm leaves). However, this does not interfere with the smell or taste of food.
Are leaf plates microwave and oven safe?
We have tested leaf plates in microwave for 2 minutes at 800W and in the oven for 30 minutes at 180-degree C. They could be used at higher temperatures but please be cautious when doing so. Please note they are not suitable for direct use in fire.
Are leaf plates fridge and freezer safe?
Yes, they are fridge and freezer safe.
Where can I use palm leaf dinnerware?
Our palm leaf dinnerware can be used anywhere where plastic or paper disposables are used. They are a perfect choice for weddings, catering events, birthday parties, barbecues, picnics and garden parties. They are highly functional, sturdy and elegant and can be used anywhere where it is practical to use disposable tableware.
Are palm plates and bowls sturdy?
If it is your first time using FOOGO green palm plates and bowls, you will be surprised at how sturdy they are.
Palm leaves are naturally strong and the heat compress used to mould the leaves strengthen them further. They are stronger than most plastic and paper plates available in the market and you can confidently hold your food with one hand.
Can I clean and reuse palm leaf products?
Palm leaf products are designed for one-time use, however many of our customers have said they have reused them. The fact that they are so sturdy makes it hard to throw them away after just one use. When used with non-sticky/non-greasy food, the plates and bowls can be wiped clean/washed, dried and reused.
Should I wash the plates before first use?
Not required, our dishes come pre-washed and treated under high temperatures.
Can I serve hot and cold food in palm dinnerware?
Absolutely, our palm dinnerware is heat and cold resistant making them suitable for hot and cold foods. The thick walls prevent extreme temperatures being passed on to your hands or lap.
Are palm leaf products linked to palm oil?
No, our palm leaf products are made from Areca palm trees. Palm oil, widely linked with deforestation, is from a variety of palm tree called Oil Palm found mainly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Is deforestation involved in the manufacturing of palm leaf tableware?
No. Areca palm trees are grown in existing plantations for their edible nut and other useful by-products. Our tableware is made from palm leaves that naturally fall from the trees, so you can be sure that no trees are harmed or cut down.
Where can I buy palm plates in UK?
Visit our shop, if you wish to buy high quality eco-friendly palm plates in the UK.
Can I place wholesale or bulk orders?
Yes, please visit our wholesale and bulk orders page or write to us using the contact form.