Anything that is eco-friendly is all the rage right now, and that is how it is supposed to be. Especially now that the world has evolved into a place filled with natural disasters and pollution has spread at such an alarming rate. It is imperative for us to make sure we protect the environment as best as we possible can, because if not us, who else is going to do it? One of the many ways to ensure it is by using environmentally friendly products. By definition, eco-friendly or environmentally friendly products are products that are made from sustainable resources and do not harm the environment whether it be during the production stage, use, or even disposal. Sustainable tableware and biodegradable utensils like paper bowls and lids for instance.
Most disposable, biodegradable products come in various natural plants such as corn-based polymer. There are a few types of paper bowls and lids based on the materials they are made of. There is the kind of paper bowl that is made from vegetable fibers. Vegetable fibers, also known as plant-based fiber, are completely toxic free and absolutely environmentally friendly, and just because it is made from vegetable fibers, does not mean it is lacking on the durability front! Vegetable fiber has long been used to improve cement-based products resulting in a lightweight but structurally strong and functional utensil. Other type of paper bowl is made from a heavy, premium boardstock material sourced from well managed plantations which makes the finished product incredibly functional, soak proof, durable, leak proof, and even suitable and safe for the microwave. Definitely one of the best and most valuable utensil that you can possibly own and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Once you’ve finished using it, all you have to do is toss it into the trash can.
As for the lids, it’s lids generally made from either plastic, or bioplastic. Bioplastic is a type of biodegradable plastic that is made from plant-based material, making it sustainable and a much better option compared to its counterpart. Manufacturers made their bioplastic using vegetable oil, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) that is formed naturally in the process of sugar fermentation, starch, and even chicken feathers. With 75% less carbon footprint compared to the conventional plastics, bioplastic appeals to many environmentally conscious people and business owners who strive to find a balance between environmentalism and capitalism as business owners are all too familiar with the difficulty of managing packaging waste.
Speaking of packaging waste and sustainability, first we must understand which waste is recyclable and which one is non-recyclable. Recycling works for many paper-based, plastic-based, and metal-based products. Not all plastic-based products are recyclable, however. Only regular polyethylene terephthalate or also known as PET-based plastic and bioplastic-based products, like paper bowls and lids, are recyclable. These types of plastics are so safe and environmentally friendly to the point that it can be safely thrown into your own compost pile in your backyard. Studies show that these types of plastics will, with the help of Ideonella sakaiensis bacteria, automatically degrade themselves in as little as 6 to 14 weeks.
Paper bowls and lids, just like other biodegradable products, are highly versatile and incredibly affordable. Although the prices may vary, you can still save up a huge chunk of money buying this type of utensil for your party needs or even daily needs! As for business owners looking for a greener option for their takeaway needs, paper bowls and bioplastic lids may cost a bit more than the conventional and widely used styrofoam and plastic lids. But the price differences are not that much greater, and with the benefits and positive impact on our environment, it would be a great investment, wouldn’t it?
