Which plates, bowls and cutlery contain no plastic, binder and handle inserts included?
This category is being vetted. Nothing here is a recommendation yet.
Where plastic hides in plates, bowls and cutlery
The plate is the claim and the binder is the truth. "Bamboo fiber" and "rice husk" tableware is ground plant matter bound in resin, usually melamine, and "wheat straw" dinnerware is polypropylene with straw mixed in. The plain materials are fired ceramic, glass, steel, enamel on steel and solid wood, and each has its own small print. Stainless cutlery can have resin or silicone handle inserts. Pakkawood is wood soaked in resin. Ceramic decoration can be a decal or acrylic paint applied after the glaze fire, and steel plates can sit on silicone feet.
What to check before you buy
- The material: ceramic, glass, steel, enamel or wood, or "bamboo fiber," "rice husk" or "wheat straw"?
- Cutlery handles: the same steel, or resin, silicone or pakkawood inserts?
- Ceramic decoration: fired glaze, or a decal or paint applied after firing?
- Enamel: vitreous glass on steel, or a polymer coating?
- Feet or rings under plates and bowls: none, cork or natural rubber, or silicone?
- Wood: bare, oiled or waxed, or lacquered?
- Packaging: paper and card, or plastic film and foam?