Disposable Eating Utensils Key Terms

Understand terms related to earth-friendly disposable utensils

There are many reasons food service businesses are turning to environmentally-friendly disposable utensils. Some customers prefer eco-friendly utensils. Some business owners simply feel it's the right thing to do. And while "green" disposable utensils are frequently more costly to purchase, they can cut your water usage and may even cut your garbage costs, since you can simply compost them at your facilities. However, the world of eco-friendly disposable utensils is still young, and new terms abound. It's important for you to know what you're buying, because unless you understand some key terms, you may end up wasting time and money.

SpudWare

SpudWare is a brand name for disposable cutlery made from 80% potato starch and 20% soy oil. SpudWare biodegrades within 180 days, you can wash and reuse it, and it's becoming one of the top alternatives to traditional plastic cutlery.

PSM, plastarch

PSM, or plastarch, is a material used to make some environmentally-friendly disposable cutlery.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable utensils are those that break down into the soil by natural means. Nearly any product does this if you give it long enough, but biodegradable products usually promise to do this within a relatively short amount of time, often within a year.

Compostable

Compostable utensils are those that quickly break down into the soil. If you throw them in the trash, bury them in landscaping or place them in a composter, they'll disappear from the landfill within a year.

Bamboo

Bamboo utensils and plates are another product touted as green. They are sturdy and break down within six months.

PLA, polylactide

PLA, otherwise known as polylactic acid or polylactide, is a fully biodegradable plastic made from corn, wheat, sugar beets and other starch-rich foods. It requires commercial composting to break down quickly.

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