Disposable tableware is the best alternative to regular ceramic or glass plates for occasions such as brief family dinners, picnics, get-togethers, and any outdoor event. Disposable dishes and utensils are practical and extremely convenient for such types of occasions. However, some disposable tableware is produced using materials that cannot be recycled and therefore can be harmful to the environment.
Why Choose Biodegradable and Compostable Disposables
Materials such as plastic or styrofoam are non-biodegradable. Disposable tableware made from these materials negatively affects the environment starting from the manufacturing process and lasting a long time after the items have been discarded irresponsibly. Also, using disposable tableware made with these materials can affect your health as well as the health of your family, and friends because many of them contain chemicals that can seep into food and result in contamination.

Due to the growing concern for the environment, conventional disposable tableware is being replaced with bio-degradable tableware. Commonly used materials include bamboo, palm leaves, grasses, and waste obtained from sugar cane. Once discharged, these eco-friendly plates will biodegrade quickly, serving as compost for growing plants.
To contribute to saving the planet, you should make use of compostable dinnerware instead of non-degradable ones. Unlike Styrofoam or plastic tableware made from petroleum products or paper, compostable tableware has immense benefits to the environment; they occupy a lesser percentage of landfills. In addition to helping the environment, you can still enjoy the convenience of not having to wash a ton of dishes.
This post contains links to Amazon. The publisher may get paid if You purchase something through the links without additional costs to You.
1. Bamboo Disposable Plates
The bamboo plant grows very rapidly and can grow again after harvesting. Once discarded, it gets degraded within six months. These features make bamboo a great choice for disposable plates. The process of making bamboo disposable plates involves cleaning the bamboo sheath, boiling, pressing, and bonding them together using eco-friendly glue. After being used, the plates can be added to a compost heap and they will degrade completely in four to six months.
What are the Bamboo Plates Suitable for?
Bamboo disposable plates can be used for outdoor events such as casual garden weddings, pool/garden bachelorette parties, conferences, picnics, birthdays, barbecues, quick family meals, and almost any occasion.
They look nicer and are more durable than cheap plastic or paper plates and can be used for any occasion where you would prefer not to use the regular ceramic plates, but still want a beautiful setting.
They are suitable for a wide range of food items including oily foods, salads, fruits, cheese, crackers, quiche, sandwiches, and vegetables.
They are not as rigid as normal plates which makes them suitable for non-seating dinners. You can also use a knife and fork on these sturdy plates.
They come in different sizes; the larger plates can be used for full meals while the smaller plates are perfect for side dishes and appetizers.
Benefits of Using Disposable Bamboo Plates
- Unlike paper plates, bamboo plates can be used to serve wet, heavy, or hot foods because they are tougher and can withstand larger quantities of food.
- Unlike plastic and paper disposables, bamboo plates are attractive and stylish and will complement any type of décor.
- Unlike plastic plates that can contaminate food with chemicals, bamboo plates are naturally antimicrobial and do not contain any chemicals that can leach into food.
2. Palm Leaf Plates
The Areca Palm tree is the most widely used plant for making disposable plates because its frond falls naturally to the ground very often. These fronts are very large and are used to make plates via a simple process that does not involve the use of chemicals. The freshly fallen leaves are harvested, cleaned, and air-dried. Thereafter, they are flattened, stretched, and pressed using heat to form many lovely patterns.
Palm leaf plates are totally biodegradable because the process of making plates does not involve chemicals. They are the best option for natural and eco-friendly disposable tableware. It takes about 90 days for them to biodegrade after disposal.

What are Palm Leaf Plates Used for?
These plates are beautiful, chic, and suitable for outdoor events. They perfectly blend into the outdoor environment. Their color and appearance make them suitable for outdoor-themed parties, barbecues, get-togethers, country weddings, family reunions, and picnics. They are quite stylish and will add an extra touch to your event.
They are stronger than paper plates and are therefore suitable for snacks, chips, sandwiches, vegetables, and main courses.
They do not get soggy easily, but they are not suitable for serving hot or wet foods that would stay in them for longer periods.
Benefits
Disposable palm leaf plates come in many different shapes and designs which makes them suitable for a wide range of events. The beauty, attractiveness, and elegance of palm leaf plates are due to the fact that the leaves retain their natural textures and designs throughout the production process. The uniqueness of the designs will make your occasion more memorable and elegant.
Palm leaf plates are very sturdy, leak-proof, heat-resistant, and microwave-safe. They are thick and can be used to hold liquid and also for serving both hot and cold food for a short period of time. After some period of time, the plate would absorb moisture and may result in leakage.
Since the production process is free of chemicals, the plate will not affect the taste of food or react with the food served in it. They are also odorless, hygienic, and rapidly biodegradable without any extra effort. “Industrial Composting Facility” is not required for this type of disposable dinnerware.
Related product: Better Than Bamboo 50 10″ Square Palm Leaf Plates + 100 Cutlery
3. Sugarcane Plates
The fiber obtained from sugar cane after the sugar juice has been extracted can be used to make disposable plates. The fiber is called bagasse and is refined and knitted into home-compostable plates, bowls, and food containers. It can be discarded in a garden or compost heap where it will get biodegraded in no time.
What are Sugarcane Plates Used for?
Sugarcane plates are more attractive than conventional paper plates and can be used for any outdoor party or family picnic.
They can also be used for a casual outdoor wedding, a garden party, or backyard barbecues and as dessert plates for a birthday party.

Benefits
Sugarcane plates are lightweight, and stronger than paper plates, but not as strong as plastic plates. They can be used to serve liquid or oily foods without leaking or tearing.
Sugarcane plates are usually brown in color, which makes them perfect for any home event. They can also be microwaved up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
You probably have already noticed that bamboo plates are the sturdiest of the three types of compostable plates and can be loaded with any kind of food without a problem. You can also use forks and knives on them. Palm leaf plates and sugarcane plates are also suitable for any type of party, especially for outdoor events. Just make sure to choose the best shape and size for your needs and don’t let them sit with liquid foods served for a long time.
Related product: ECOLipak 125 Pack Compostable Square Sugarcane Plates

Wow, I did not realize that there were so many compostable plates to choose from. However, it really is a good idea to know which ones are available, especially if you’re planning a big party. That way you can make sure that the trash you generate is easily taken care of.
It’s too bad that so many plates are being made out of Palm Leaf. The Amazon Rainforest is being destroyed at an alarming rate in order to plant Palm tree plantations. Palm oil and any palm products should be avoided as this is causing lost habitat for countless species including endangered orangutans.
I checked this based on the other comments. Thank you Thorlak for your concern. It does appear the source of palm dinnerware is different trees than those of palm oil production. Good to know!
R Thorlak:
Please educate yourself before making blut statements:
Here is a good point to start:
https://www.naturallychic.green/blogs/news/palm-leaf-products-production-vs-palm-oil-production-here-are-the-facts-1
Het,
Thanks for sharing this article.
On Amazon’s product pages for the sugar cane plates, everyone I have seen state the plates can only be composted at a commercial or industrial facility, otherwise, they’re no better than regular paper plates