Disposable dinner plates have become a popular and convenient option for many households, businesses, and events. They offer an affordable and hassle-free solution for serving food and drinks, without the need for washing dishes. In Canada, the use of disposable plates is widespread, with various types of materials available, including foam, paper, and plastic. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
1. Disposable Foam Plates
Disposable foam plates are made from polystyrene, a type of plastic that does not easily biodegrade, which means it can take hundreds of years to decompose. This type of plate is lightweight, sturdy, and can resist moisture and grease, making it ideal for serving hot or oily foods. However, the downside to this type of plate is that it is not eco-friendly, and it contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution. In Canada, it is estimated that 2.8 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated each year, and disposable foam plates are among the items that make up this waste.
According to a report by the Recycling Council of Ontario, Canadians use approximately 1.5 billion disposable foam plates each year, which is equivalent to about 40 million pounds of waste. The report also reveals that only 6% of these plates are recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or littering the environment. This highlights the need for individuals and businesses to adopt more sustainable practices when it comes to choosing the materials they use for disposable plates.
Source: https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/organisations/recycling-council-ontario
2. Disposable Paper Plates
Disposable paper plates are an alternative to foam plates and are considered to be more environmentally friendly. These plates are made from paper materials, which are renewable and biodegradable. They are often coated with a thin layer of wax or plastic to make them resistant to liquids and grease. However, this coating can make the plates difficult to recycle, and they may not decompose quickly in landfills. In Canada, the use of disposable paper plates is also widespread, with an estimated 1.2 billion paper plates used each year.
One advantage of disposable paper plates is that they are recyclable and can be turned into new paper products. However, it is important to note that not all paper plates are created equal, and some may contain plastic coatings or additives that make them less eco-friendly. When choosing paper plates, it is best to opt for those that are made from recycled materials and free from any coatings or additives. This can help to reduce the environmental impact of using disposable plates.
3. Disposable Plastic Plates
Disposable plastic plates are another option that is commonly used in Canada. These plates are made from various types of plastic, including polystyrene and polypropylene. They are durable, lightweight, and can resist moisture and grease. However, like foam plates, disposable plastic plates are not biodegradable and can contribute to plastic pollution. In Canada, it is estimated that over 6 billion plastic plates and cups are used each year, with only a small percentage being recycled.
One issue with disposable plastic plates is that they are difficult to recycle due to the various types of plastics used in their production. This means that many plastic plates end up in landfills or oceans, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. But it is also important to note these days that some plastic plates are marked as biodegradable or compostable.
All in all, disposable dinnerware including disposable cutlery and disposable plates offers a cost-effective, highly convenient, and usage friendly alternative to otherwise traditional melamine cutlery as they reduce the time of washing up later and are easy to discard. They are and will remain popular among households and businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It is advisable to shop for disposable dinnerware and packaging supplies from a trusted wholesale restaurant supplier which offers bulk supplies and that too at wholesale and affordable prices.
