What is biodegradable tableware?

With the global warming, more and more people realize the impact of the environment on human beings, and it is the trend of The Times to live a green lifestyle.

People realize that reducing plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions can reduce the impact of climate on people.To solve this problem, people are starting to replace plastic tableware with biodegradable tableware (such as bamboo tableware, PLA), which is a small step, but it's really having an amazing impact on our environment.

What is Biodegradable?

Biodegradation is the chemical decomposition of certain substances by microorganisms into natural elements. The term is usually related to the ecological environment, waste management, biomedicine, and natural environment. Now, the term biodegradable is often used in environmentally friendly products, which means that the product can be decomposed by microorganisms and returned to nature. Biodegradable substances are generally organic substances, such as plants and animals, or similar artificial substances.

What is Biodegradable Tableware and Plates?

Biodegradable tableware or plates refers to tableware that can undergo biochemical reactions under the action of microorganisms (bacteria, mold, algae) and enzymes in the natural environment, causing changes in the appearance of mold and mildew to the inner quality, eventually forming carbon dioxide and water. 

Biodegradable tableware, which also named compostable dinnerware, can be fully biodegraded; hence, compostable dinnerware and tableware is widely used globally in order to reduce plastic waste and greenhouse emissions, such as methane emissions. Based on material, the biodegradable tableware market can be classified into paper, bagasse, bamboo, palm leaf, wheat bran, PLA, and others (wheat, straw, paper pulp, etc.). In terms of product type, the global biodegradable tableware market can be divided into cups, plates, bowls, drinking straws, and others. This tableware is superior in strength and is environment friendly.

Undoubtedly, plastic plays an important role in our lives. People seem to be inseparable from plastic in their daily lives. From drinking water bottles to tableware, from office supplies to household utensils, it can be said that the shadow of plastic is everywhere. However, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the use of plastics has been reduced. Biodegradable tableware and plates are becoming a growing trend to reduce plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions and is being used worldwide.The increasing emphasis on non-toxic and non-oil will drive the demand for biodegradable plates in the residential and commercial sectors. 

What are the Biodegradable tableware in the market?

Most of these biodegradable tableware are also the compostable tableware, made from natural materials such as corn starch, bagasse, bamboo, fallen leaves, rice husks, palm leaves and recycled paper.Lekoch's biodegradable plates and tableware are made from starches or sugars such as corn, beets, wheat and sweet potatoes through non-chemical processes such as fermentation, dehydrating and polymerization. Biodegradable plates and tableware are non-toxic and 100% sustainable. Biodegradable tableware mainly includes bowls, plates, cups and dinner plates.

LEKOCH 2021 New Design Plant Based Tableware - PLA Tableware

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a new biodegradable material made from starch derived from renewable plant resources (e.g. corn). Glucose is obtained by saccharification of starch raw material, and then fermented by glucose and certain strains of bacteria to make high purity lactic acid, and then synthesized by chemical synthesis of polylactic acid of certain molecular weight.

Biodegradable plates and tableware can be a natural burial or compost wherever microorganisms exist, leaving only carbon dioxide and water after a biodegrading period of at least 3 to 6 months. Compostable tableware has good biodegradability and can be completely degraded by microorganisms in nature after use, eventually generating carbon dioxide and water without polluting the environment, which is very beneficial to the protection of the environment and is recognized as an environmentally friendly material. Eco-friendly tableware is not only an effective solution to the environment but also a healthy and safe product for human beings.

We make our efforts to seek harmonious existence between humans and nature, we are committed to global environmental protection through unremitting efforts.

Why use biodegradable plates and tableware？

1. Environmental Friendly

The "plastic boycott" wave sweeping the world: paying off the debt for half a century of crazy consumption.Plastic is everywhere, and we suddenly realize that it's a very bad thing. Until recently, we didn't realize we were surrounded by plastic. Serious environmental issues and sustainability concerns have bred biodegradable materials with the times. If you have guests over or you are hosting a party, you’ll probably use a lot of plates and cutlery. Rather than using plastic plates, plastic spoons, and forks, use paper plates and wooden cutlery. These products are just as useful as traditional plastic plates and cutlery but they are more eco-friendly.

Plates and cutlery made from biodegradable materials are more environmentally friendly because these do not leave behind toxic chemicals or residues. In addition, biodegradable plates and dinnerware degrade over time, releasing earth-friendly nutrients back into the soil. Sure, biodegradable plates and wooden cutlery may be more expensive than single-use plastic products but the price difference is quite small. It’s just a small price to pay for hosting an environmentally sound party!

2. No negative effects

Biodegradable tableware is non-toxic, harmless, and 100% biodegradable, therefore, biodegradable plates and dinnerware is not only good for our body, but also has a positive impact on the environment.Reduce the amount of plastic on the planet by using biodegradable plates, cups, spoons, etc.

3. Compostable Base Material

Biodegradable plates are compostable dinnerware which are composed of plant waste like sugarcane pulp. This makes these sugarcane pulp products 100% biodegradable and compostable. Major plant waste, which is used in manufacturing this eco-friendly tableware are, sugarcane pulp or sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, corn & potato starches, etc.When we throw away these dishes, under certain conditions, compostable tableware can disappear into the soil.

4. No toxins

Plastics are made from chemicals such as phthalates, biphenyl A and dioxins, while single-use plastics need to be processed through A range of chemicals, including dyes, bleach and inks, which are unsafe.When plastic bottles come in contact with hot drinks, they release harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A, which can affect the endocrine system and lead to A variety of health problems and, in serious cases, even cancer.

However, this problem does not arise with the use of biodegradable plates and tableware, which are made from plant materials and is 100% safe, environmentally friendly and non-toxic.When you enjoy a hot meal or drink, you don't have to worry about releasing chemicals into your food and eventually into your body.

5. Biodegradable Plates can be naturally degraded

We already know a lot about the benefits of biodegradable plates ad tableware.But this, you might not think, when we throw them away, we just put them in the compost bin and watch them rot.Plastic cutlery, on the other hand, has to be sorted when we throw it away, adding even more steps.

6. Microwave safety

Most people think biodegradable plates and tableware should only be used in the dishwasher, not in the microwave.However, Lekoch's biodegradable tableware can be used in microwaves, which need to be kept under 100 degrees Celsius.

7. More Sustainable

Biodegradable tableware are made from agricultural waste like sugarcane pulp, which is sugarcane fiber leftover from juice extraction. This makes them immensely sustainable biodegradable dinnerware. Biodegradable plates uses a waste product that otherwise might get dumped into the landfill.