Views: 0 Author: Sumkoka Publish Time: 2022-05-07 Origin: Site
Explore the advantages of eco-friendly disposable tableware. Find out how it combines sustainability with practicality for your dining needs.
With the accelerating pace of people's life, disposable tableware is favored by most people because of its convenience. After the release of the plastic restriction order, fast food tableware now tends to be more environmentally friendly, especially non-polluting, green and degradable materials. Environmentally friendly tableware has the characteristics of safe material and degradable, so it is more reliable to use.
1. Classified by purpose
2. Sort by raw material
There are many kinds of disposable tableware products, such as disposable plastic bowls, paper bowls, bagasse bowls, disposable chopsticks, disposable cutlery, spoons, disposable napkins, disposable straws, coffee sticks, disposable lunch boxes, disposable plates , toothpicks, etc., are all disposable tableware.
According to the classification of raw materials used in the manufacture of disposable tableware, disposable tableware can be divided into plastic tableware, paper tableware, wood and bamboo tableware, bagasse tableware and other types. Among them, bamboo, wood tableware and bagasse tableware are more environmentally friendly, easier to degrade, and safer to use.
Material Type | Composition / Source | Key Properties | Pros | Cons / Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bagasse (sugarcane fiber pulp) | Byproduct of sugarcane processing | Strong structure when molded, good heat & grease resistance | Renewable, fully biodegradable in compost (~60–180 days); good mechanical strength when combined with bamboo fibers; no chemicals | Limited composting infrastructure in many regions (so decomposition slower) |
Bamboo / Bamboo fiber composites | Bamboo fibers, often mixed with pulp | Good rigidity, relatively high heat tolerance, natural look | Biodegradable, renewable, aesthetic appeal, good for hot items | Depending on processing, may still need industrial composting; somewhat more expensive; potential for brittleness if thin |
PLA (Polylactic Acid, plant-based plastic) | Made from fermented plant starch (e.g. corn, sugarcane) | Transparent or translucent plastic-like feel, smooth surface | Lower carbon footprint vs conventional plastics (~75% lower in some assessments); suitable for many packaging shapes; compostable under industrial composting | Low heat resistance (softens/melts under high temperature); cannot reliably compost in home compost setups; contamination of recycling streams is an issue |
Paper (coated, molded fiber, paper pulp) | Recycled or virgin paper, sometimes with compostable coatings | Lightweight, accepts printing | Relatively cheap; good for dry or cold items; wide acceptance | Needs coating for grease / liquid resistance (coating must be compostable); less structural strength for heavier foods; may soak through over time |
Bagasse material is readily available due to the prevalence of sugarcane crops in several countries. For every ton of sugarcane straw crushed, about 30 tons of bagasse can be obtained. Bagasse cutlery normally biodegrades within 90 days. Therefore, it is commonly used by food packaging distributors all over the world.
Bagasse has several properties that make it ideal for food packaging.
1.They are heat resistant and can also be used to store cold food.
2.They are microwave safe and can be used to reheat food.
3.They are freezer safe, so they can be used to store food.
4.Due to their fibrous texture, they are more durable and stronger than polystyrene containers.
5.Compared to paper and plastic utensils, they hold the heat longer for longer.
6.They are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic tableware because they are fully compostable.
7.Bagasse tableware is water and grease resistant and is therefore increasingly used by wholesale suppliers.
Due to the eco-friendly properties of bagasse food containers, usage has surged in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Their robustness and superior thermal properties also make them preferred by consumers over other disposable food containers and utensils. We strongly encourage our customers to use eco-friendly disposable tableware, which not only protects the environment, but also leaves an eco-friendly impression on your consumers.
Check whether your municipal or contracted waste manager accepts compostable tableware. If your city has industrial composting, you can go with PLA, bagasse, or certified compostable materials. If there's no composting, those items may end up in landfill, slowing degradation.
Certification helps avoid greenwashing and assures buyers that decomposition is verified.
Look for third-party marks like BPI Certified (ASTM D6400 / D6868)
In Europe / global: EN 13432, OK Compost, DIN Certco, TUV etc.
For hot, oily, liquid foods: choose materials with good grease / heat resistance (bagasse, bamboo blends).
For cold or dry items: paper / molded pulp is often adequate.
For clarity or transparency (e.g. window lids): PLA may be suitable.
For cutlery / utensils: prefer thicker, sturdy fiber or wood where possible.
Don't just focus on unit cost. Some eco materials cost more per unit vs cheap plastic. But marketing value, waste management savings, and regulatory compliance may offset that. Factor shipping, storage, breakage, and waste disposal into total cost.
Avoid terms like “biodegradable” without clarification, as they may be ambiguous or misleading. Some jurisdictions now require labeling of compostable products (e.g. Colorado's Compostables Labeling Act). Check the product's certification mark, or you may fall into the trap of greenwashing.
1. What's the difference between biodegradable and compostable?
All compostable items are by definition biodegradable, but not all biodegradable items are compostable. Biodegradable means the item can break down over time, but without a specified timeframe or conditions. Compostable means it meets standards (e.g. ASTM D6400, EN 13432) to break down into soil, CO₂, and water in a defined time under composting conditions.
2. How long do these materials take to decompose?
Bagasse / fiber materials: typically 60–180 days under proper composting conditions.
PLA: under industrial composting, half may degrade in ~60 days (depending on crystallinity), but full breakdown may take longer.
In landfill (oxygen-poor environment) decomposition may be much slower.
3. Can these eco tablewares go in home compost bins?
Many require industrial composting (higher heat and microbial activity) to break down properly. PLA often does not decompose effectively in home compost.
Some fiber products may degrade in home compost, but the speed and completeness depend on conditions.
4. Are eco disposable tablewares safe for food?
Properly manufactured, certified compostable tableware should be food-safe and free of harmful substances (no BPA or toxic additives). Certification processes test for heavy metals, toxins, and compost quality. (e.g. BPI requires testing for heavy metals, FTIR, etc.)
5. What if my city doesn't have composting facilities?
In that case, compostable products may end up in landfill, where decomposition is much slower. They still may be better than traditional plastics (less long-term pollution, no microplastic residues), but the full environmental benefit is reduced.
6. How can I avoid greenwashing claims?
Always look for reputable certifications (BPI, EN 13432, OK Compost, etc.).
Avoid vague terms like "eco", "degradable" or "biodegradable" without context or standards.
Check ingredient lists, certification bodies, and third-party test reports.
7. Is compostable tableware more expensive than plastic?
Usually yes on a per-unit basis. But the extra cost may be offset by branding value, compliance with regulations, reduced waste disposal fees, and increased customer goodwill. Many businesses consider the long-term ROI.
8. Does compostable / biodegradable tableware produce greenhouse gases?
They emit CO₂ as part of biodegradation, but the carbon is biogenic (from plants), ideally making them carbon neutral. Also, production emissions are often lower vs fossil-fuel plastics. The overall life cycle is typically more favorable.
Our company Sumkoka was established in 2005, with 20 years exporting experience in eco tableware field. We aim to provide environmentally friendly solutions to our earth, also the helpful guidance to your green business. Our product range covers disposable sugarcane catering plates, soup bowls, take away lunch clamshell, bagasse pulp sauce and drinking cups, biodegradable cutlery set and drinking straws, ect.
If you are looking for disposable sugarcane tableware supplier, please don't hesitate to contact us, we have rich export experience, and we will provide you with best product and price.
