With the ongoing conversation on plastics, many consumers are turning to alternative materials. But what are some of the alternative materials? And what are disadvantages and advantages to different materials?
What is the right material for me?
Abena always recomends choosing the material and products to suit your needs. A variety of factors go into the decision making process:, your food- production process, your local access to sorting and recycling, and how important a green sustainable profile is to your business.
Learn more about the properties of different alternative materials below, or contact a local sales representative to learn more about your options.
Paper
- Ability to be fully biodegradable and compostable
- 100% renewable
- How to sort: Can be collected and recycled into new paper products. Each country and municipality has different systems and regulations for sorting and disposal.
Choose paper if:
- Good choice for food markets, food presentation, and take away in short distances
- Use of a renewable resource is a priority
- Presentation is important – and you want the option for customized prints
Sugar Cane Bagasse
When the sugar is extracted from the sugar cane, the cane is left behind. This material is shredded and cleaned to bagasse fibers. These fibers can be made into various kinds of products and are suitable for hot and cold dishes.
- Made from waste product of sugar production
- 100% biodegradable and renewable
- CO2 neutral
- How to sort: Under controlled composting bagasse degrades in 30-90 days. Each country and municipality has different systems and regulations for sorting
Choose bagasse if:
- Use of renewable resource is a priority
- Presentation of a natural look is important
- Take away boxes available - good for green take away
Palm Leaves
The production of palm leaf products is very simple and sustainable.The naturally shed palm leaves are collected at the palm plantation, cleaned, and heat pressed into different sizes and shapes.
- Fully biodegradable & compostable
- CO2 neutral
- 100% renewable
- 100% free of chemicals and other additives
- How to sort: Each country and municipality has different systems and regulations for sorting
Choose palm leaves if:
- You do not need to transport the food - Good for serving, street food, buffets etc.
- A natural, unique look is important for food presentation
Wood
- Fully biodegradable and compostable
- CO2 neutral
- 100% renewable and recyclable
- How to sort: Each country and municipality has different systems and regulations for sorting
Choose wood if:
- Using a renewable resource is important to you
- You prefer the natural, rustic look for your food presentation
PLA (Polyactic Acid)
- A thermoplastic polyester
- Fully biodegradable and compostable in industrial composting facilities
- Able to decompose completely without leaving visible or toxic residues
- Production is based on plants such as corn starch, wheat, sugar cane, or beet
Choose PLA if:
- Use of a renewable resource is a priority
- You want a biobased alternative to cinventional plastic cups
- You need an ideal product solution for cold drinks
Disposal, sorting and recyling
Disposal of plastic has been a hot topic in recent years, and with good reason, as incorrect sorting and disposal of plastic can have major negative impact on the environment
