Disposable tableware is a very convenient solution for mass events. It does not take up much space, does not collapse under the influence of anthropogenic factors. It does not need to be collected, washed, dried. But the main problem with plastic pollution is its resistance to degradation. A dish that is eaten within 15 minutes leaves behind plates and utensils that are sent to a landfill where they will decompose for 150-200 years. After all, according to statistics, only 5-7% of waste in Russia is sent for processing, and more than 90% is landfilled or burned, releasing extremely harmful substances into the atmosphere.
At the same time, only 5 types of plastic can be recycled in Russia.
The materials from which plastic utensils are made are quite fragile, therefore, various toxic stabilizers are added to them for greater strength and durability. Most often, disposable plastic tableware is made from polystyrene. However, it is absolutely unsuitable for hot food and heating in the microwave oven, because. when in contact with hot, it releases a very toxic substance - styrene.
Disposable paper plates and cups are made from cardboard laminated with plastic film to keep the cardboard from getting wet when in contact with liquids. Laminated cardboard and paper are practically not recycled.
In theory, plastic is recyclable. In practice, the material should be clean and dry, and the fractions sent for processing should be large. Forks, spoons, straws are very small, they cannot be sorted even on modern automation, so they do not get recycled.
What are the alternatives?
reusable tableware - the most effective, but not always acceptable option. At large events where it is difficult to organize control over the movement of dishes, you can take a deposit for the use of dishes. And if the dishes (mugs, glasses) are branded in the colors of the event, they can be sold as souvenirs.
Individual tableware: mugs, thermoses, thermo mugs, sports bottles. Can be sold on the site or distributed as souvenirs with the logo of the company or brands.
Biodegradable eco-ware from natural materials. For its production, only environmentally friendly raw materials are used: corn starch, sugar cane cake, palm leaves, etc. It is as light and durable as plastic utensils, but it is completely non-toxic and completely safe for both humans and the environment.
An absolute hit in the eco-industry - palm leaf crockery. Due to the peculiarities of production, it has several advantages:
Strength. Such cookware easily withstands mechanical loads, practically does not break, tolerates temperature changes, heating, and is resistant to abrasion over time. It can be reused many times;
Environmental friendliness. In the manufacture of dishes, no toxic impurities are used. The palm leaf is shaped by hot mechanical pressing.
Lightweight and easy to transport.Pressed palm leaf is very light despite its high strength.
Tolerance to household chemicals.Such dishes easily tolerate contact with water and oily liquids, and its surface does not absorb third-party substances and does not deteriorate.
Appearance. Palm leaf dishes look very stylish, each plate has its own unique texture and color.
An effective promotional tool. You can order dishes of any shape and size, arrange them in the company's corporate colors, print your corporate logo and use them as souvenirs.
Combined utensils.The so-called type of bioplastic is a biodegradable product based on a natural renewable ingredient - cornstarch. In addition to it, the composition in different proportions includes polypropylene, monoglyceride and inorganic additives.
This composition makes the dishes and packaging resistant to mechanical damage and deformation, various liquids, durable and elastic, leaving it natural. The terms of its decomposition in industrial compost are about two months, but under normal conditions it decomposes in two to three years. Even in the absence of special conditions for decomposition, such dishes still win in terms of environmental friendliness compared to plastic dishes, since fewer valuable resources are spent for its production and the process does not lead to a large amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
sugar cane products. The main advantage is a completely waste-free production process. The fibrous compressed waste left after the production of cane sugar is a completely natural natural and, most importantly, renewable material suitable for making dishes. In appearance and characteristics, such dishes are similar to paper ones, but they are much stronger and more reliable. It does not bend under the weight of the dishes and keeps the temperature of the finished food for a long time.
Such dishes are resistant to temperature changes from -20 to +120 degrees, do not absorb fats and moisture, do not leak for up to 4 hours and are as light as plastic dishes. At composting landfills, such dishes decompose as organic matter in 3-6 months, without releasing any chemicals and completely turning into fertilizer.
Using organic dishes is not only environmentally friendly, but also fashionable. Being on the wave with the whole progressive world and promoting the philosophy of environmentally friendly thinking among your customers is an opportunity to increase your rating in the eyes of consumers.
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