Sugarcane Fibre Bowls, Plates & Cups

The sugarcane fibre bowls, plates and cups are very similar to conventional paper products.  However, they have the added advantage of being made from a readily renewable and sustainable resource - sugarcane fibre - instead of woodchips.  The products are uncoated (i.e. no plastic) and are bleached by oxygen only.  This Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) process does not detract from their look and/or functionality.  Sugarcane fibre products are suitable for cold or hot food.  Made in China.

Clear PLA Cups & Straws

The clear cups and straws are manufactured from polylactide (PLA), a renewable resource-based resin developed by Cargill.  The material uses carbon stored in starch plants, usually corn, which can be broken down into sugars.  The carbon and other elements in these natural sugars are then used to make this natural 'plastic' through a process of fermentation.  PLA biodegrades in approximately 4-6 months.  PLA products are not suitable for hot food or drinks.  Made in Taiwan.

www.natureworksllc.com  for more information on the raw materials for PLA products.

Cornstarch Bags 

All compost bags, shopping bags, 'doggy business' bags and boutique bags are made from a starch based polymer (Mater-Bi).  The film has a biodegradation time of 20-45 days in composting conditions breaking down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass.  Bags comply with ASTM D6400-99; Din 45900 and OK Compost standards (EN 13432) for biodegradability and compostability.  Compost bags are available in a range of sizes up to 240 litre 'wheelie bin' size.  The Mater-Bi raw materials are from Italy, but manufactured in Australia.

www.materbi.com for more information on the raw material used for the cornstarch bags. 

Cornstarch Cutlery

The cutlery is an ecologically & environmentally friendly disposable cutlery made from a starch based polymer & chalk.  It is white in colour and has good resistance to heat.  Its performance is similar to conventional thermoplastics but being based on cornstarch, is completely biodegradable in a biologically active environment.  The rate of biodegradation depends on the size & shape of the article but is similar to the one usually reached by organic waste.  Best results are achieved in a composting facility. 

www.fkur.de for more information on the raw material used for the cutlery.