Disposable tableware: types of materials, features, trends

Eat out of the plate - and throw it away. This is a dream of those who do not like to wash dishes. It is quite real because in some cases it is appropriate to use disposable tableware. It comes in handy for camping, picnics, corporate parties in offices and catering. It is light, folds compactly, and does not take up much space. There is no fear that disposable tableware will be broken on the way or if it accidentally falls. The main thing is not to crush it in the bag.

What is disposable tableware

It is not only the usual plates and forks of white plastic. Disposable tableware can be attractive and original, you can put images and logos on it. Most often such products are used:

• Cups made of plastic or laminated paper.
• Flat and deep plates.
• Bowls with lids.
• Forks and spoons.
• Soup bowls.
• Bottles.

Disposable utensils are all necessary cutlery. Flat plates are used for second courses and desserts, while deep plates are used for first courses and salads. Disposable cutlery makes eating more convenient.

Disposable tableware should not have an unpleasant smell. If it is present, it means that the material (most often it is plastic) contains toxic substances. They can get into the food.

Types of materials

Disposable tableware is made of such materials:

• Plastic. Polystyrene (marked PS on dishes) - soft and harmless if the temperature of the contents does not exceed +60 degrees. If the temperature rises, harmful substances are released. Polypropylene (marking PP) is a more expensive material. It does not release toxic substances at high temperatures.
• Laminated dense paper. The paper base is covered by a laminated coating. More often used for cold drinks.
• Wood is spoons, forks, less often cups.

Aluminum disposable tableware is a special type of container for ready-to-eat food. It is made of special aluminum foil. In it you can bake vegetables, meat or fish. Disposable aluminum cookware can be used as a container to take lunch to work and warm it up in the microwave. It is made of durable foil, which does not break or crack with the slightest effort, as it does with thin plastic.

Disposable tableware is lightweight, hygienic and compact. It is used for catering in cafes and in the sale of take-away food. The cost is low. Costs pay off immediately because the cost of disposable tableware and cutlery laid in the price of the finished product.

Trends

The first disposable tableware appeared in the U.S. in 1910, but it did not become widespread at once. By the middle of the 20th century the production of disposable tableware expanded. In Europe, such products appeared only in the 70s. At that time disposable tableware was not so popular.

Current trends: disposable plates, glasses and lunchboxes are becoming more and more diverse in design and colors. Perhaps soon disposable tableware will become a serious competitor to classic dishes. Especially with such a rapid development of street fast food.