Disposable tableware

Disposable tableware includes all disposable tableware like

A selection of plastic disposable utensils.

These products are prevalent in fast food restaurants, takeaways, but also for airline meals. In private settings, this kind of disposable products has proven very popular with consumers who prefer easy and quick cleanup after parties, etc.[1]

The marketing for disposable tableware is huge, with an estimated $7.5 billion in 2012 in the US alone.[2]

Environmental impacts

As is the case for disposable cups, materials used are usually paper, plastic (including expanded polystyrene foam), or plastic-coated paper. Recycling rates are especially low for paper-based products, especially when soiled with (wet and / or oily) scraps due to diminished recyclate quality. The waste problem is aggravated by the fact that most of the utilities themselves come in plastic and thus disposable packaging.

Efforts are made to introduce biodegradable materials like sugarcane, bamboo, wheat straw, palm leaves, or various types of flours (rice, wheat and sorghum).[3][4][5] Nevertheless, biodegradable and composable plastics often do not break down in landfill environments.[6]

See also

References
  1. e.g. "Disposable Tableware". Walmart.com. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2018-05-23.
  2. "Eco-Friendly Disposable Tableware Hits Mainstream". Ecology Global Network. 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2018-05-23.
  3. "Change on table: Ditch the plastic spoons and plates, make an informed choice". The Financial Express. 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2018-05-23.
  4. Embree, Kari (2016-04-15). "Eating our way out of the plastic waste dilemma". PlasticsToday. Retrieved 2018-05-23.
  5. "PAPSTAR". PAPSTAR. Retrieved 2018-05-23.
  6. Pierson, Phebe (2019-04-22). "You Asked: What Are the Most Eco-Friendly Garbage Bags?". State of the Planet - Columbia University. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
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