Despite criticism of disposable cutlery, sometimes we can’t avoid it. Can you imagine organizing a party at the office and bringing your own silverware and china from home? Or are there thousands of people eating food? This is not feasible. Sometimes disposable cutlery is unavoidable, and this is the only time you should use it. In fact, the concern about contamination and safety is that all of us should consider cutlery before opting for disposables.
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In this article, we will explore 7 materials used to produce disposable tableware and their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we’ll tell you what’s your best bet…
Disposable Cutlery Materials: Pros and Cons
1) Paper
Speaking of disposables, paper sounds like a good choice since it’s mostly made from natural materials. But it’s better to find some recycled paper that is truly eco-friendly. In fact, recycled paper contains fewer chemicals, does not cause deforestation, and uses 40% less energy in the production process.
Paper cannot be used for any type of disposable cutlery like cutlery, but it can be a viable option for other types of items.
Another disadvantage of paper is that even recycled products can be bleached with chlorine or similar, a process that can disperse harmful fumes in the environment.
2) Plastic
Plastic is the most common material when it comes to disposable tableware. Disposable cutlery is usually made of polypropylene or polystyrene. Compared with other types of disposable tableware, its advantages lie in its hardware characteristics, as well as its high availability in the market. Plastic is a difficult material to recycle, for single-use items and anything else. Some types of plastic are not recycled by local councils, such as polystyrene1. Plastic can take up to 1,000 years to break down, and when that happens, it leaves contaminants in soil and water.
Another disadvantage is the use of chemicals in the production process, so there is the potential for food contamination, especially when plastics are used with hot food and beverages.
3) PLA plastic
Also known as polylactic acid, this is an eco-friendly plastic made from various renewable resources, depending on the country of production, such as cornstarch, starch, sugar cane and potato chips. This is one of the most commonly used biodegradable plastics in the world. This plastic, also known as corn plastic because of its origin, can be composted in proper facilities without releasing any harmful fumes in the process. Part from eco-friendly pla plastic, it’s also great for hot food. The downside is that it is not composted in nature, in fact, it has to be sent to a specific plant to dispose of it. It can also seriously contaminate other recyclable items if confused wrong.
4) Bamboo
Bamboo disposable tableware is environmentally friendly due to its main material, bamboo grows fast, so it is not too bad to use this material. These items are also biogradable and compostable.
Even this has an innocent look to the harsh chemicals and dyes used to get the finished product. Another disadvantage of bamboo is its fragile nature, the fact that one may use more than one fork, for example, because it will break, so more waste needs to be taken into account.
5) Wood
Some wooden disposable tableware is so similar to bamboo that you’d be hard-pressed to notice the difference.
Again, the advantages of wooden disposable tableware are related to its raw material, which is green and compostable. A variety of woods can be used to achieve the final product, and unlike bamboo, no harsh chemicals are required. Wood is also delightful to see and recall an eco-friendly idea. It’s also great to use with hot food.
However, due to deforestation, wood for single use appears to be a waste, so recycled wood is a better option. Wood is not very strong, which is why people need to be aware that debris may end up on their food. Also, some types of wood may release some oil.
6) Sugar cane (bagasse)
This is a by-product derived from the production of sugar cane products, basically sugar cane fiber. It’s a spectacular eco-friendly option because it doesn’t involve using trees. Bagasse products are fully compostable and decompose within 60-90 days. This product is a solid alternative to paper bowls and cups as it is also heat resistant. It’s also an option for takeaway restaurants because of their plates.
However, you won’t be able to find bagasse cutlery, so sugar cane isn’t yet the solution for all disposable cutlery. Also, it’s not ideal for food/drinks in high heat.
(7) Stainless steel coating and reusable
Stainless steel coated disposable cutlery is by far the most effective because it is high performance and extremely durable. So it won’t break, so it’s safer.
Typically, this disposable is not painted, but stainless steel, and in fact, no chemicals are used on the outside. Stainless steel is also a sustainable and recyclable material. But the real strength of this cutlery is its reusability. Stainless steel coated tableware products are believed to change everything from single-use designs to extended lifespans.
Reusability is always better than one use. Lastly, let’s say that it’s clear that sometimes we do need to use disposable cutlery, but the choice of which one to use is ours. Products that can be reused, like Vinzor Wood Products, can be reused up to 100 times, which is definitely a more environmentally friendly option.
As many shoppers are concerned about their impact on the planet and their health, they must pack nutritious meals in reusable containers instead.
The accumulation of plastic in the seas, landfills, and other ecosystems rises in tandem with the rate of its manufacture and use. As a result, this has disastrous effects on the environment and all living things.
There has to be less dependence on plastic and more effort put into limiting its use if we are to avert additional harm. Only a few reasons we need to reduce reliance on plastic are listed here.
For a good reason, stainless steel lunch boxes are replacing their plastic predecessors among consumers. Stainless steel lunch boxes are superior for several reasons, some of which are listed below.
Difference Between Stainless Steel and Plastic
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Any material has pros and cons, and business owners must weigh them carefully before making their final selection. For example, both stainless steel and plastic are very versatile materials used in manufacturing. And each material has its advantages and disadvantages.
How Stainless Steel is Made
To create an alloy, stainless steel, iron, and chromium are combined. Because of its high strength and durability, it is often used in building and manufacturing. Stainless steel also has high corrosion resistance, so it won't need to be changed for long and needs little maintenance. In addition, because of its heat resistance, stainless steel is often used in kitchen appliances.
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How Platic is Made
Plastic is an artificial substance created from polymers. Because of how much lighter it is compared to steel, it may be used for a broader range of tasks. In addition, one of plastic's defining characteristics is its malleability, making it easy to mold into almost any design.
One disadvantage is that steel is more sturdy than plastic, so it can wear out sooner and need more frequent replacement, like most kitchen utensils.
Cost
Stainless steel is often more costly than plastic. This is because stainless steel is a more difficult material to produce and costs more to do so. Contrarily, plastic is cheap and simple to manufacture.
Most people believe plastic is more terrible for the environment than stainless steel. In addition to taking hundreds of years to degrade, improperly discarded plastic also risks releasing harmful chemicals into the environment. Yet, stainless steel is a metal that can be recycled, making it a far more sustainable option.
3 Reasons to Use a Stainless Steel Lunch Box over a Plastic Lunchbox
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Non-Toxic
In recent years, stainless steel's popularity has risen owing to the material's numerous benefits over plastic. Compared to plastic, stainless steel is safe to use around food and drinks since it does not absorb odors or flavors. This makes it an excellent material for making pots, pans, and other cooking implements.
Even when heated, plastic is known to release toxic compounds into anything it comes in touch with. Since some of the chemicals in plastic may be carcinogenic, affect hormones, and even cause reproductive damage, this is risky for one's health. For example, one chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), is found in many plastics and may seriously affect human health and the environment.
Although other materials may release harmful compounds into food or drink, stainless steel has no such properties. This makes it an excellent material for making pots, pans, and other cooking implements. As a bonus, stainless steel is incredibly long-lasting and can resist tremendous heat without decomposing and generating dangerous chemicals.
Durable
Many companies around the globe have used stainless steel for a long time because of its reputation for strength and durability. It has a wide range of potential functions used in the home, office, and factory. Stainless steel has superior durability over plastic and is immune to rust and corrosion.
Using stainless steel instead of plastic ensures a longer lifespan and greater reliability. As a result, it will keep its initial strength, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal much longer than other materials. In addition, it's safer for the environment and doesn't include any nasty chemicals. Because of these benefits, stainless steel often replaces other materials in the marketplace.
In contrast, steel is less long-lasting than plastic. As a result, it's less corrosion-resistant and scratches and dents readily. Plastic is also weaker than steel and may be snapped or bent more readily.
Stainless steel's superior durability against plastic stems mainly from the metal's unusual chemical makeup. Chromium, nickel, and molybdenum are just a few of the metals that manufacturers add to aluminum. Strong and resistant to corrosion, this material results from the synergistic effects of several metals.
The chromium is a coating, warding off the rust and fortifying the surface. The nickel hardens the material, making it sturdy and less prone to wear and tear. Adding molybdenum makes the material harder and more resistant to scratches and other types of wear and tear.
Stainless steel doesn't quickly deteriorate over time.
Over time, plastic may fade or change colors through exposure to sunshine or other environmentally produced chemicals. On the other hand, stainless steel keeps its sheen and color for decades longer than other metals.
Sustainable & Environment-Friendly
Stainless steel can be recycled and utilized for other purposes. As a result, it cuts down on demand for producing brand-new materials and lessens the environmental toll from waste and pollution. It is also very resistant to corrosion, meaning it may be used for a long time without being replaced often.
Stainless steel manufacturing is also very effective. It has lower energy requirements and lower pollutants than other materials like plastic. Because of this, its carbon impact is less than that of comparable materials. Stainless steel is also safer than other materials since it is non-toxic and does not react with other substances. Moreover, it does not absorb germs or other impurities since it is non-porous.
We're Much More Than Just a Reusable Lunch Box
But recycling aluminum lunch boxes is just the start of what we can do to make the world a better place. Buy from us because we are a Certified Plastic Negative product, Nicety has become more concerned about the environment. Also, we just got our Climate Neutral Certification after buying carbon offsets to cover all of our carbon emissions, which came from our staff, manufacturing, and shipping.
The company is the world’s best wholesale stainless steel spoons supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.