Disposable plates and cutlery come in handy for outdoor events and social gatherings where there is no running water or dishwashing facilities. Disposable tableware can save time and eliminate the hassle of cleaning dirty dishes. However, non-biodegradable disposable tableware has a very harmful effect on the environment. Using compostable disposable tableware can be a great way to reduce waste, protect the environment while enjoying the convenience of disposable products.
Biodegradable products are made from organic materials that can break down naturally after disposal. While single-use plastic items sit in landfills for thousands of years, compostable dinnerware takes 50 to 100 days to break down.
As society makes more environmentally friendly choices, many manufacturers have developed more sustainable products made from natural, non-toxic and biodegradable materials. In recent years, compostable partyware has replaced non-biodegradable Styrofoam and petroleum-based plastic products.
Pros and Cons of Palm Leaf Disposable Plates
With growing environmental awareness, the demand for disposable plates from palm leaves increases day by day.
Palm leaf plates are made from naturally fallen leaves of the Indian Areca palm. These plates are 100% natural and compostable. These plates are stylish and elegant and look much nicer than disposable plastic or cardboard plates.
Palm leaf plates biodegrade in about 60 days. They are lightweight and safe to burn, making them ideal for camping purposes.
A wide range of foods can be served on palm leaf plates, including wet food and sauces. They are particularly suitable for desserts, salads and appetizers.
If you want to minimize your environmental impact for a better future, consider palm leaf tableware instead of single-use plastic for your special occasions.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing: If you want to impress your guests, palm leaf plates are the most elegant and unusual disposable tableware. Paper or plastic tableware can look cheap when used for special occasions like weddings. Palm leaf plates give your dining table a rustic look and add a sophisticated, natural touch to any occasion.
- Earth-friendly: Palm leaf plates are sustainable and environmentally friendly as no trees are harmed in their production. Only naturally fallen leaves are used as raw material for production. Because these plates are biodegradable, they won’t harm the environment or make you feel guilty if you throw them away. They look great in combination with bamboo flatware.
- Safe: Palm leaf tableware is 100% natural and chemical-free. Unlike paper or plastic tableware, these plates can be used with hot foods without fear of potentially harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
- Sturdy: Palm leaf plates go well with all kinds of dishes. They are heat, grease and puncture resistant. They are sturdier than paper plates and thick enough to hold food without becoming “soggy” or limp.
- Microwave safe: Unlike Styrofoam or plastic plates, these plates can be used to reheat food in the microwave. You can heat them in the microwave for up to 2 minutes.
- Eye-catching: Each piece of palm leaf tableware has its unique texture pattern. Everyone will pay attention to these plates and they are a great starting point for conversations. Your guests will end up talking about the plates instead of the food you serve.
Cons
- Not reusable: These plates are not washable and are intended for single use only. When in contact with moist foods, palm leaf plates tend to absorb moisture. However, if you serve dry food in them, the plates can be reused once or twice.
- Strong smell: Palm leaf plates can have a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. However, due to special manufacturing steps that eliminate the strong natural smell of the palm leaves, the high-quality palm has a barely perceptible smell.
- Can start to decompose in humid environments: Palm leaf dishes can decompose if they get wet. Store them in a dry place before use.
- Not price competitive: Palm leaf plates are more expensive compared to other types of disposable plates.
How to Buy
When you buy disposable plates, you get more than you think you need! Otherwise, you may run out of plates as people tend to pick up a new plate after throwing away their first one. Also, be sure to purchase separate plates for appetizers and desserts.
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How to Dispose of Palm Leaf Plates
Palm leaf panels are suitable for home composting or commercial composting if you have them near you. They can also be burned safely without emitting toxic fumes like disposable plastic items.
Make sure you do not collect compostable plates in a plastic bag and then throw them in the regular trash, otherwise they will not be composted.
Related product: Better than Bamboo 50 8″ Disposable Square Palm Leaf Plates
Very informative! I like this article so much. Thanks a lot for sharing.
This is a great idea. I would like to know where the palm trees are planted. Are they cutting down rain forests to plant these trees, like they do for palm oil? What process is used to make this dinnerware? Is the process better or worse for the environment than the process used to make plastic picnic dinnerware?
Hi Kay,
Since we are in the business of Palm leaf dinnerware in Canada, I would be able to answer your questions.
No trees are ever cut down to make this plates. We only collect the naturally fallen leaves of the Areca Palm Tree found in India. This tree produces Nuts. The process of making this dinnerware is also ecofriendly. These fallen leaves are collected, washed in a spring water, dried in sun and then heat pressed and sterilized into final shape to produce sustainable and elegant dinnerware.
Hope I was able to answer your questions.