Biodegradable Products FAQ
Biodegradable Products Q&A
Why should you be excited about biodegrading cuttlery and dinnerware? To find out more about corn-based and bagasse-based biodegradable products, we envite you to read the FAQ below.
Corn Plastics
What are corn plastics?
Corn plastics are plastics made from corn. Corn plastic products look and feel just like regular plastic, but they are 100% biodegradable, and compostable. Corn is a renewable resource, which makes corn plastics much more sustainable than regular plastic. Did you know that regular plastics are made from petroleum?
What is PLA?
PLA stands for Polylactide, and is a versatile polymer produced by NatureWorks LLC. PLA is made from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made from dextrose by fermentation. Dextrose is made from cornstarch, and cornstarch is made from carbon dioxide and water. PLA can be formed into several different products.
What is the heat tolerance of PLA?
The normal heat tolerance of PLA is 110° F. Remember to keep these products out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Corn cutlery has a heat tolerance of 140° F, but all other corn plastic food containers and cups can only withstand a temperature of 110 degrees F.
How long does PLA take to biodegrade or compost?
PLA is fully compostable and biodegradable. In commercial composting conditions, PLA will compost in approximately 30-45 days. Composting may take longer in a home composting bin.
If I throw PLA in the trash, will it biodegrade in a landfill?
Most landfills are not designed to allow biodegradation of their contents. That being said, PLA will react in landfills like other organic waste such as food. PLA is fully compostable in a composting facility. In addition, PLA is made from a renewable resource (corn), instead of regular plastic that is made from oil.
Is PLA more or less expensive than regular plastic?
PLA is now becoming competitively priced with PET plastic. For some products, such as cold cups, PLA is less expensive than PET. For other products, PLA is the same or slightly more expensive.
What products are made out of PLA?
Products include cups, cutlery, food containers, trash bags and more. Everyday, new products are being produced, and soon every plastic product will have a PLA counterpart.
Can you print my company's logo on the corn plastic cups?
Yes! Corn cups can be custom printed with your logo.
Bagasse and Sugarcane
What is bagasse?
Bagasse is made from sugarcane. Rather than throwing away or burning used sugarcane stalks, the pulp is made into a paper-like substance called bagasse. Bagasse can be molded into different shapes and products that are perfect for food service.
What is the heat tolerance of bagasse?
Bagasse is fully heat-tolerant like paper. Bagasse can even be put in the microwave. As with paper, extremely hot food might cause bagasse to lose some of its strength, but bagasse is one of the only biodegradable food service products in the world that can handle hot temperatures.
Can bagasse handle liquids and grease?
Bagasse will stand up to liquids and grease—It is fully grease absorbent.
Is bagasse better for the environment than paper?
Many people consider bagasse to be more environmentally friendly than paper because it is derived from a very renewable resource: sugarcane. Also, bagasse comes from the sugarcane stalk. Rather than burn or throw away the used sugarcane stalks, they are used to make bagasse food service products. That makes bagasse a very sustainable product!
How long does it take for bagasse to fully biodegrade and compost?
Bagasse is fully compostable and biodegradable. In commercial composting conditions, bagasse will compost in approximately 45-60 days. Composting may take longer in a home composting bin.
Other Questions about Biodegradable Products
Why don't you have biodegradable lids for the biodegradable paper hot cups?
Unfortunately, biodegradable lids for hot cups are not produced anywhere in the world yet. This represents a major gap in the spectrum of biodegradable products, and we are confident that with the advanced technology being focused on these types of products, biodegradable hot cup lids will be manufactured within the next few years. When they begin to be produced, you can count on our company to supply them.
How long does it take for cutlery to compost or biodegrade?
Biodegradable forks, spoons and knives are made from a combination of cellulose and limestone. Being completely heat-stable, these utensils begin to break down upon entering a compost-friendly environment with the right temperature and bacteria, biodegrading in approximately 90-120 days. To speed the composting time, we recommend breaking the cutlery in half prior to composting.
Can you print my logo on any of your products?
Yes! We can print your logo on corn cups, hot cups, napkins and other products. Corn cups have a minimum order of 50,000 cups (50 cases) per size. Biodegradable hot cups have a minimum order of 20,000 cups (20 cases) per size. Depending on the size, napkins have minimum orders typically around 30 cases.
Can recycled paper be used in food service packaging?
The FDA does not allow post-consumer recycled waste in food service packaging that has contact with food like plates, cups and food containers. Post-consumer recycled waste is defined as reclaimed materials such as newspapers and magazines that have already "touched" the consumer.
The FDA allows pre-consumer recycled waste in food service packaging that does not have contact with food. Pre-consumer recycled waste is defined as reclaimed fibers that have not touched the consumer such as mill scraps and manufacturing leftovers that are reused.
Some of our recycled paper products contain post-consumer waste and others contain pre-consumer waste. Products that are allowed to have post-consumer waste include napkins, toilet paper, paper towels, carry trays and cup sleeves. Products that are only allowed to have pre-consumer waste include hot cups, plates and bowls.