Disposable tableware

A selection of plastic disposable utensils.

Disposable tableware includes all disposable tableware like

• disposable cups made of paper, plastic, coated paper,
• plates
• tablecloths,
• placemats
• plastic cutlery,
• paper napkins, etc.

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[]

• Disposable food packaging
• Criticism of fast food
• Edible tableware

References[]