For years, traditional plastic cutlery has been the go-to for businesses, from food stalls to large-scale events. However, with increasing awareness around sustainability, alternatives like cornstarch disposable tableware and cutlery are gaining attention in Singapore.
As a business owner or decision-maker, you may be weighing the pros and cons of switching to a greener option. Let’s compare both types of cutlery to determine which is best for your business.
What Are Plastic Cutleries?
Plastic cutlery is cheap, durable, and easy to source. Made from petroleum-based materials like polystyrene, disposable forks, knives, and spoons have been a reliable solution for decades. However, single-use plastic now poses a significant environmental challenge. Most plastic cutlery is not recyclable and can take centuries to decompose, accumulating in landfills and polluting our oceans for generations.
The Environmental Impact of Plastic Cutlery
Plastic cutlery’s non-biodegradable nature means it doesn’t break down naturally but fragments into microplastics. These tiny particles infiltrate ecosystems, food chains, and even human bodies, raising long-term health risks. Additionally, due to its small size and contamination from food waste, plastic cutlery is difficult to recycle, leading it to end up in landfills or incinerators.
What Are Cornstarch Cutleries?
Cornstarch tableware is a greener alternative to plastic. Made from cornstarch, a natural and biodegradable material derived from corn kernels, it mimics the look and feel of plastic but decomposes much faster. Cornstarch is a biodegradable disposable cutlery that can break down in industrial composting facilities within a few months, leaving no harmful residues.
Why Do We Need Sustainable Alternatives?
Eco-friendly cutlery and tableware are not just about aesthetics alone. Here are some key reasons why:
- Combat climate change: Plastic production relies heavily on fossil fuels, which consume significant energy and emit greenhouse gases. Switching to biodegradable materials as an alternative reduces our carbon footprint and helps mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.
- Align with customer expectations: Many consumers seek out environmentally friendly businesses. For companies, using sustainable alternatives such as cornstarch tableware and cutlery can help attract a wider customer base and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
- Prepare for regulatory changes: Singapore has been implementing initiatives to reduce plastic waste, such as the Say YES to Waste Less campaign first launched in 2019. This initiative promotes the reduction of single-use plastics, signalling the shift towards more sustainable practices for businesses.
Comparing Cornstarch Cutlery to Plastic Cutlery
At first glance, cornstarch and plastic cutlery may appear similar, but they differ significantly in their environmental impact, decomposition time, and sustainability.
Decomposition Time
Plastic cutlery can take hundreds of years to decompose, breaking down into microplastics that cause long-term environmental harm. On the other hand, cornstarch cutlery is biodegradable and can decompose in just a few months under the right conditions.
Durability and Functionality
Plastic cutlery is renowned for its durability and ease of handling various types of food and temperatures. Cornstarch cutlery, while eco-friendly, offers comparable sturdiness and reliability. It can also handle hot and cold foods, making it suitable for most meals and everyday use.
The Benefits of Corn Starch Disposable Tableware & Cutlery
Don’t know why you should make the switch? Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of cornstarch tableware and cutlery:
- Brand image: Cornstarch cutlery provides a natural look that appeals to environmentally-conscious customers. It can enhance meal presentation and position your brand as eco-responsible.
- Durability: Cornstarch cutlery is sturdy enough to handle a range of foods, from salads to hot soups. Its heat resistance ensures it maintains its shape during use, making it a practical option for businesses.
- Non-toxic: Cornstarch cutlery is plant-based and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, making it a safe choice for both customers and the environment.
The Future of Biodegradable Cutlery
In 2019, the Singapore government introduced the Resource Sustainability Act, which targets three waste streams: electronic waste, packaging waste, and food waste. While the Act currently focuses on these areas, it is not hard to imagine that future regulations could extend to other items, such as plastic cutlery.
The shift towards biodegradable cutlery, such as those made from cornstarch, is not just a trend but an important step in adapting to the future of waste management. With the Semakau Landfill expected to reach full capacity by 2035, we may see intensified sustainability efforts that encourage using biodegradable utensils in Singapore, like cornstarch disposable tableware and cutlery.
Personal and Business Strategies for Adopting Biodegradable Cutlery
If you’re considering switching to biodegradable cutlery, here are a few tips:
- Start small and scale gradually: Before fully replacing plastic, offer biodegradable cutlery for takeaways or events. This will allow you to gather feedback and ensure it meets customer needs.
- Inform and engage with customers and staff: Use signs, social media, and direct communication to highlight the benefits of environmentally responsible choices. Educating employees on properly disposing of biodegradable cutlery also supports your sustainability efforts.
- Partner with an eco-friendly supplier: Connect with certified suppliers like BIOGreen. As an FSC and Green Label-certified company, BIOGreen offers responsibly sourced, high-standard, sustainable products.
Get The Eco-Friendly Cornstarch Disposable Tableware & Cutlery At BIOGreen
Ready to make the shift? BIOGreen offers a range of practical, low-impact, and eco-friendly cornstarch disposable tableware and cutlery in Singapore. Our products provide the convenience of plastic without the environmental cost.
Are You Ready For A Greener Future?
With FSC and Green Label certifications, BIOGreen is the ideal partner to help your business transition to a more sustainable future.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in adopting greener solutions!