Plants vs. Plastic: The Advantages of Biodegradable Disposables

Many quick service establishments use disposable products due to its convenience and low cost. Products like these save the labor and equipment it takes wash reusable products, and they are perfect for carry-out orders. However, these disposables are used just once and then thrown away, creating a tremendous amount of harmful waste.

Literally tons of paper, plastic and Styrofoam products end up in landfills every year. Unfortunately, products like these do not break down until hundreds of years later, and even then sometimes deposit toxins into the earth. Due to diminishing natural resources and rising energy costs, it is becoming increasingly important to commit to environmentally friendly products and habits.

Green disposables, also know as bioplastics, have recently been introduced to the food service industry. Fabricated mainly from corn, sugarcane, potatoes and other renewable vegetable matter, these products can be commercially composted, or better yet, thrown away to naturally break down in landfills in a matter of months. 

Products made from corn are often referred to as PLA, although this term can also be used for products made from other vegetable matter. These environmentally friendly disposables provide an alternative to standard plastics and Styrofoam.

In addition to PLA corn plastic, sugarcane products provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic and Styrofoam. These environmentally friendly disposables are made entirely from renewable sugarcane pulp, resulting in products that look and feel much like paper but are totally free of tree fiber.

Similar to PLA, potato starch is a form of PSM, short for plant starch material. PSM is a material synthesized from several different vegetable starches. The synthesis, along with other chemical modifications, increases heat-resistant properties of the product.

Although commercial composting is not convenient for everyone, the biodegradable properties of bioplastics still surpass those of regular plastics. Despite their ability to break down easily, they are unexpectedly sturdy and durable, able to stand up to the same use as any comparable item. They will easily replace any conventional disposable products you currently use for your food service needs, and you will not need to sacrifice quality to do it.

Because these products are so new to the market, they cost a bit more than conventional disposable products. However, the increase in cost is but a minor setback when you consider how your green enterprises can further your image and even your profits by attracting environmentally minded customers.