Disposable cutlery plays a crucial role in the food industry. It helps the food companies provide their customers with a more convenient and economical option to consume and enjoy their food. This is because disposable cutlery, especially those made from plastic, is durable, lightweight and easily disposed of after use.
Given that using plastic cutlery is very convenient, it has become the most widely used disposable cutlery worldwide. Unfortunately, the trend has made plastic cutlery a global environmental concern. Due to improper disposal, a huge chunk of the 5.2 trillion pieces of plastic garbage floating in the oceans and seas worldwide is made up of disposable plastic cutlery.
Compostables to Save Plant and Marine Life
It was discovered that it would take about 200 years under strong sunlight for these plastic tools to decompose. With time, the harmful compounds from this garbage reach the soil and water, affecting plant and animal life. On top of that, the improper disposal of this plasticware exposes the entire food chain to the risk of poisoning.
Due to the harmful effects attributed to plastic cutlery, the use of compostable cutlery started to gain popularity. This is because the compostable types are biodegradable, and they quickly decompose when properly disposed of. As such, the food industry and other businesses using disposable cutlery are encouraged to switch to compostable types.
Why We Should Not Use Plastic Utensils?
The use of plastic utensils has long been a common practice worldwide. The general public has been using plasticware made from the following materials for years.
Type of Material | Plastic Density | Type of Disposal |
Polypropylene (Plastic Number 5) |
Light, Medium and Heavy | Single Use and Recyclable |
Polystyrene
(Plastic Number 6) |
Light, Medium and Heavy | Single Use and Recyclable |
Plant Starch Material (PSM) | It varies depending on the manufacturer | Single Use |
Unfortunately, the excessive use of disposable cutlery made from plastic has reached its peak over time, and the trend is proven as a significant threat to the natural environment. Aside from that, using this plasticware comes with the following disadvantages.
- Harmful to human health
- Causes pollution of waterways
- Endangers the wildlife
- Leaves high carbon footprint
- Causes extinction of marine species
- Air pollution
- Boosts environmental degradation
Is Compostable Better Than Plastic?
Many environmental experts agree that the compostable version is better than the plastic variant when it comes to disposable cutlery. Among the top reasons for this conclusion include the following.
- Breaks down over time, unlike plastic which can take hundreds of years to decompose.
- Made from renewable resources, such as cornstarch. Plastic is made from petroleum. Therefore, compostables are a more sustainable choice than plastic disposable cutlery.
- Does not release toxins into the environment when it breaks down. Plastic disposable cutlery can release harmful chemicals into the soil and water when it decomposes, polluting the environment. Thus, compostable cutlery is a safer choice for the environment.
- Cheaper than plastic disposable cutlery, making it a more economical choice as well.
What Is Compostable Cutlery Made From?
Compostable cutlery is made from natural materials like potato starch or cornstarch. Technically, this is still regarded as a type of plastic; the only difference is that it uses natural agricultural materials. As such, it is known as a bioplastic.
The good thing about this type of disposable cutlery is that they decompose faster than conventional plastics made from petroleum. This makes compostable cutlery more eco-friendly than traditional plastics.
It is best to place this type of cutlery in commercial compost facilities, where it will be exposed to favourable conditions and elements that hasten decomposition. Compostable cutleries typically need water, carbon, nitrogen, microorganisms and oxygen to decompose quickly.
When disposed of to an appropriate facility, the compostable cutleries will take about 180 days to decompose fully. There are also cases wherein they decompose faster, depending on the organic materials used in creating them.
What Makes Biodegradable and Compostable Cutlery an Excellent Alternative to Plastic Cutlery?
The disposable cutlery you use at your picnics, parties and other events can significantly impact the environment. Biodegradable and compostable cutlery is an excellent alternative to disposable plastic cutlery for some reasons:
Decomposes fast.
Unlike plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, biodegradable and compostable disposable cutlery will break down over time when disposed of in commercial compost facilities. This means it won’t end up in landfills or polluting the environment. Also, it can be fully decomposed after 180 days or less.
Renewable.
Biodegradable and compostable disposable cutlery is usually made from renewable resources like cornstarch or bamboo, which means that it doesn’t strain our planet’s finite resources.
Compostable.
Unlike disposable plastic cutlery, which can’t be composted, biodegradable and compostable disposable cutlery will break down in a compost bin. This means that it can be turned into nutrient-rich matter that can help your plants grow.
Safe.
Biodegradable and compostable disposable cutlery is usually made from safe, non-toxic materials so that it won’t leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
Durable.
Biodegradable and compostable disposable cutlery can be as strong and durable as plastic. This means it can handle whatever you throw at it, whether you’re using it for a light lunch or a heavy dinner.
Bonnie Bio: Sustainable Compostable Packaging in Australia
Using compostable cutlery products is the best option if you are in the food business yet want to lessen the harsh impacts your trade is causing on the natural environment. This is because using compostable cutleries helps reduce the use of harmful plastic wares that usually pollutes the seas and oceans.
However, you also need to choose the best compostable products that your business will use as an alternative. For best results, you can buy compostable cutleries from reliable sellers, such as Bonnie Bio. Contact us today.