The Best Compostable Paper Plates

Buying Guide

Paper plates come in handy for so many reasons. Whether you’re having a lot of people over and you don’t have enough plates or you just don’t want to do any dishes after a long day, you can simply use paper plates and throw them out when you’re done eating. However, if you’re concerned about the environment, it’s important to look into eco-friendly alternatives. Compostable paper plates are a good idea for those who want a disposable option that is sustainable and good for the environment.

What are compostable paper plates made out of? There are a couple of different materials that are commonly used. Bagasse, which is derived from sugar cane, is often used to make compostable paper plates. It doesn’t require a lot of processing to turn it from wet pulp to paper plates. However, it isn’t always water repellent, so some plates can be flimsy. Some manufacturers who use bagasse add a water and oil repellent which increases the durability of the plates.

Another common material used to make compostable paper plates is bamboo, which is a strong and durable material that grows and replenishes quickly. One of the key benefits of bamboo paper plates is that they don’t require any chemicals in the processing, making them more environmentally friendly. Some compostable paper plates are made from palm tree leaves, which are collected once they fall naturally to the ground. This process doesn’t contribute to deforestation, an added benefit. The plates made from palm tree leaves are 100 percent compostable as no binders or chemical agents are required during the manufacturing process.

Another option for compostable paper plates are vegetable starches, such as those from potatoes and corn. Compostable bioplastics are nontoxic and can be decomposed fully in an industrial facility. These plates have similar characteristics to plastic plates. However, they do require a lot of energy to process and manufacture and may also emit greenhouse gas emissions.

• When searching for compostable paper plates, it’s likely you’ll come across a lot of “green” terminology used in the marketing and packaging of the paper plates. However, it’s important to know that not all green terms are interchangeable. So what do they all mean? Some paper plates may say they are biodegradable. This means that when disposed, the plate can break down naturally into microorganisms over a certain period of time. It’s likely that these plates are made from plant or animal products. Compostable means that when disposed, the plates will break down into water, carbon dioxide, or a reusable biomass without releasing any harmful toxins into the environment.
• If you see paper plate packaging that says they are degradable, this means that they contain oil-based products. They cannot break down naturally. If plates say they are recyclable, it means that they can be reused to make a new product after they have been discarded. Any paper plate packaging that says they renewable means that the materials used to make them can regenerate themselves, such as trees or plants.
• How many compostable paper plates will you need? You can find them packaged in a range of quantities, from around 50 plates to over 200 plates. In some cases, purchasing plates in large quantities may result in a per plate cost savings, so it may be beneficial to go for the bigger package, regardless of how many plates you need to use at one time.