When the sun comes out, so do the BBQs, but there’s an issue with this, and that’s all the disposable plates and cutlery.
Now don’t get me wrong I love a BBQ, and in no way would I want people to stop.
But couldn’t we start using something a little more environmentally friendly?
Enter biodegradable plates!
It’s the best of both worlds, we still get to have our outdoor parties, but without damaging the planet, which let’s face it is a win-win situation.
Today I want to help you make the world a cleaner place by introducing you’re to some of the best biodegradable plates the internet has to offer and what to look for when you’re buying them.
Let’s get started:
Contents
What To Look For When Buying Biodegradable Plates
Finding the right plates nowadays isn’t as hard as it used to be, but there are still a few things I would consider before buying any. Check ’em out here:
Price
No one likes a nasty surprise when they get to the checkout, which is why checking the price before you make your purchase is so important; try comparing the price to the quantity.
Quantity
If you’re having a party, I’m sure you don’t want to run out of plates for all your guests. The thing is different suppliers give varying amounts of dishes.
Material
Whenever you’re buying something that claims to be biodegradable, it’s super important you check what materials it’s made of to ensure it does biodegrade.
Size
If you’re cooking a feast, you’re going to need big plates, and on the flip side, there’s no need for massive plates if you’re just serving party food, judge the food from the party for plate sizes.
Bleached
One of the beauties of switching to biodegradable plates is, we get to step away from any harmful toxins. Unfortunately, some manufacturers use a bleaching agent to dye the plates.
Reusable
Just because the plates are biodegradable, doesn’t mean you can’t reuse them. It comes down to the materials used to make the plates.
Which Are The Best Biodegradable Plates?
I want to make your life as easy as possible, which is why I’ve listed some of the best biodegradable plates on the market. Each one can biodegrade and leave no harmful toxins behind, check ’em out:
Stack Man Plates
This particular pack comes 125 pieces but is also available in a pack of 50.
They also have five different sizes to choose from, starting at 6 inches and ending in 12 inches.
The plates are made using sugar cane fibers, which makes them sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable.
This also allows the dishes to get molded into square or oval shapes. The plates offer the same sturdy structure you’re accustomed to, without using plastic or wood.
In the end, the plates meet all the requirements set to meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards of compostability. And it does this while being grease, heat, and freeze resistant. The sturdy material means you don’t have to worry when cutting your food; it’s cut resistant.
Key Features
- Made with sugar cane
- Microwavable/freezable
- Meets ATSM D6400 standards
- 125 in pack
- 6-12 inch plates
- Bleach-free
So, what do I think, well the product is of excellent quality and the fact it can safely be used in the microwave is a bonus.
And to make things even better, it had no problems holding greasy foods without letting it seep through. Overall they’re great for the environment, so you don’t have to feel guilty about using them.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Compostable
- Cut resistant
Cons
- Comes wrapped in plastic
Earth’s Natural Alternative Biodegradable Plates
So what are they made from? They’re made from natural discarded wheat stalk and bagasse, making these plates free of chlorine, dye, and pesticides.
The plates are round, nine inches in diameter, and when it comes to packing sizes, you have a few options.
They can come in 20, 50, 125, or 240 pieces, which is more than enough options. You can also opt for different sizes, which start at a 7-inch plate and finishes with 10-inches.
The plates are safe in the microwave and with hot foods. It’s also worth mentioning the material is gluten-free, and this is because the plate is made from the stalk and not the grain.
To dispose of the dishes, they must go to an industrial composting setting.
Key Features
- BPA-free
- Microwaveable
- Pack of 20, 50, 125, or 240
- Made with wheat stalk and sugar cane
- Sizes: 7 to 10 inches
- 100% tree-free
The plates are sturdy and very strong, so you don’t have to worry about going too hard with your knife. They’re also water-resistant so that it can hold up well to greasy food like burgers and curries. Overall a very durable and sustainable plate.
Pros
- Made from natural materials
- Compostable
- Great value
Cons
- Plastic wrapping
Fuyit Disposable Dinnerware Set
In total, you get a 250 piece set of which every piece is biodegradable.
The plates are made using sugar cane bagasse fiber, which makes them tree-free.
The flatware is made from cornstarch, making the whole product biodegradable and compostable. You don’t have to worry about any BPA toxins hiding inside the plates.
The plates are sturdy enough to hold all kinds of food, so you don’t have to worry about liquid or greases.
The company ensures you don’t have to worry about waxes and plastics. This is because they meet all the requirements of the FDA for food contact surfaces.
Key Features
- Compostable
- Made from sugarcane and cornstarch
- 250 piece set
- FDA certified
- Heat resistant: 248°F
- Cut-resistant
Each of the products gets made incredibly well, which makes the products very sturdy. Due to it coming as a full set, it makes it perfect for kids’ parties, picnics, and BBQs. For the price of the product, it’s outstanding quality. And to make it better, it’s 100% compostable.
Pros
- Comes as a full set
- Sturdy and durable
- Compostable
Cons
- Small utensils
Harvest Pack Round plates
It also means no harmful toxins get included in the manufacturing of the natural disposable plates, which is excellent.
The plates are a reasonably small size at 7-inches in diameter, which makes them better for appetizer plates rather than a full meal.
The plates can be microwaved without melting or leaching harmful toxins into your food. It’s also oil and liquid resistant.
All of these plates are unbleached, so again you don’t have to worry about any toxins.
You’ll also find no petroleum or wax gets used in the manufacturing process. If you’re looking to make a statement at a party or you just want to help save th planet, these are the perfect plates for you.
Key Features
- Plastic-free
- Hot and cold use
- 7-Inch diameter
- Made with Sugarcane
- 125 count
- Leaves no carbon footprint
What Other People Say
They felt they were very sturdy, considering they didn’t get made with traditional plastic. They used plates at their kid’s birthday party. They were used to serve all types of foods, including pizza, spaghetti, and much more. They also loved that you could microwave the plates without any issue.
In the end, the plates provide excellent quality and leave you with a natural feeling. The sturdy plates held up well to heat and had no issues with wet food; unlike other plates, they didn’t soak up the liquid—overall a tremendous disposable plate, which is perfect for events and cocktail parties.
Pros
- High-quality
- Microwave resistant
- Compostable
Cons
- Smaller than expected
Moscow-Mix Palm Leaf Plates
The plates are biodegradable and compostable, which means you can remain guilt-free once you’ve finished with the plates.
The plates are made by heat pressing palm leaves, which results in a sturdy plate utterly free from toxins and harsh chemicals.
Everything is 100% natural, and no trees got cut down during the entire process. This results in a robust and eco-friendly plate.
The plates are designed to get used once, but if you take some care and gently wash them in soapy water, you can get multiple uses from one plate. One of the most attractive parts of these plates is there beautiful design, perfect for showing off ar parties.
Key Features
- Pack of 25
- Made from palm leaves
- Compostable
- Reusable
- 10 Inches by 10-Inches
- Cut-resistant
I really like these plates; it feels like a classy alternative to paper or plastic plates. The design looked excellent and functioned even better. After using the plates, you can be left guilt-free after disposing of the compostable plates. You can rest assured with this eco-friendly option.
Pros
- Strong & Sturdy
- Can be reused
- Original design
Cons
- Small pack
What Are Biodegradable Plates Made Of?
Biodegradable plates are made using sustainable materials and renewable plant-based material. This could be anything from sugarcane, cornstarch, bamboo, or palm leaves.
But it’s not just limited to these materials; there’re tons of biodegradable materials plates can be made with.
One of the most critical factors for a plate to be classed as biodegradable is that no harmful toxins getting used during the manufacturing process. This means nothing terrible for the environment gets left behind to damage or eco-system.
What Is The Difference Between Biodegradable And Compostable?
People often get confused when trying to explain the differences between biodegradable and compostable.
I mean, they both do the same thing, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, so to help you out, I’m going to explain the difference:
Biodegradable: Over the course of an undetermined duration, a biodegradable material should disappear altogether, but in some cases will leave behind some residue.
Compostable: This means materials should completely disappear after a particular duration and leave nothing but nutrients for the soil and plants that surround it.
As you can see, the best option is compostable; this way, you can rest assured you’ve left no dangerous chemicals behind.
Conclusion
That’s all I have for you on biodegradable plates today, but before you go let me reminded you of a few things:
The best option to find compostable plates, when they break down, they don’t leave any harmful chemicals behind, only nutrient-rich goodness for your plants.
When it comes down to it, you find a few types of compostable plates, including:
- Bamboo plate
- Sugarcane plates
- Plates made with palm leaves
- And many more
And why stop at plates, why not bamboo cutlery or bowls? There are so many alternatives to plastic available to you; all you have to do is order it to your home.
If you liked this article, I’m sure you’ll love this ultimate list of reusable items.