Bamboo Plates vs. Palm Leaf Plates: Which Compostable Plates Should You Choose?

Sustainability is a growing trend today and it is good too. If you are also a proud green lifestyle enthusiast, you may have come alongside numerous eco-friendly products including bamboo plates and palm leaf plates. Both are touted for an eco-friendly approach to the way of living, but they are distinct in the way they contribute to preserving nature.  

While most eco-friendly products are made of materials with no harm to the environment, the factors such as production process, material quality, durability, and re-usability differentiate them in terms of quality and sustainability. It also applies to bamboo plates and palm leaf plates. So, deciding on the best in “bamboo plates vs. palm leaf plates” can be strenuous for many. 

In this blog, we will guide you on how bamboo plates and palm leaf plates differ to help you resolve the confusion about going with the best one. Let’s dive in starting with the production process for each to understand their composition for eco-friendliness and usability. 

How are bamboo products made?

As the name represents, bamboo plates are made of bamboo, one of the speedy-growing plants majorly found in Asia, South America, and Africa.  

To begin the bamboo production process, the raw materials are mostly collected in two ways. In the first process, they cut down the whole tea from the base of the stem which is later dusted and pressed to make plates and other dinnerware.  

Although bamboo trees have re-growing characteristics, it takes 5 years for them to achieve maturity raising concerns about sustainability. For this reason, disposable bamboo plates, Australia's production companies are said to have shifted to a second process that is more sustainable. In the second process, instead of cutting the bamboo plant, they utilize the plant’s sheath, the outer layer of the culm which falls naturally after the plant reaches specific maturity. The fallen sheaths are collected immediately and are later cleaned, boiled, and pressed for producing eco-friendly plates. Here, we can notice that no harm is done to the bamboo plant itself creating no disturbance to the natural ecosystem. Additionally, the production process includes no use of any toxic chemicals to add to its sustainability perks. 

What are Bamboo Plates Suitable for?

Bamboo plates, disposable, reusable, and compostable, are often praised for their stylish look. The beautiful designs make the plates perfect for your kitchen as well as outside events. So, if you are planning for any outdoor events, whether small gatherings or big parties, you can make a space for this eco-friendly product to not only contribute to sustainability; but to impress your guests with the jazzy crockeries.  

Besides, robustness and durability are other substantial compliments that bamboo plates are familiar with. The plates are strong enough to hold heavy meals whether they are cold or hot; you should not have to worry about breakage or cracks. 

In the market, bamboo plates are available in different sizes and shapes to provide you with an option to select the best to meet your requirement to be used in your home, restaurants, cafes, parties, or anywhere else where foods are common friends.  

How are Palm Leaf Plates made?

Palm Leaf plates are made from the leaves of the Areca Palm tree, mostly found in South Eastern Asia and several regions in Africa. 

During the Areca palm tree’s life cycle, it goes through numerous periods where it sheds its leaves throughout the year. These fallen leaves are then collected, discarding the dried ones to send to the manufacturing factory where they are cleaned, heated, and pressed to produce palm leaf tableware of different shapes and sizes. 

The environment remains untouched throughout the whole process; joyous to learn. 

What are Palm Leaf Plates Suitable for?

Palm leaf plates are suitable for in-house use as well as outdoor catering. Perfect for in-house because palm leaf plates are heat resistant, sturdy, freezer safe, and microwave safe. You can conveniently store your foods in your freezer. Also, there should be no issue heating your food using the microwave on these sturdy plates.  

Palm Leaf Plates vs. Bamboo Plates?

Bamboo Plates and Palm Leaf Plates, both are intended with the same goal and are made from resources that regenerate naturally creating a dilemma for many to put on the shopping list. Let’s compare bamboo vs. palm leaf plates to ease the skepticism.

Sustainability

As discussed earlier, both bamboo and palm leaf plates are produced using resources that are remade by nature on their own. However, the production process can weigh up their sustainability level. 

While many Bamboo dinnerware production houses may cut down the whole bamboo tree for gathering resources, they only collect the naturally fallen sheds from the palm tree for the production of palm leaf tableware. It means the environment remains untouched during the palm leaf plate production period. So, when it comes to total sustainability, palm leaf plates are the clear winner without any burden on the earth. 

Heat resistance

Where palm leaf dinnerware is suitable for use in microwaves (to a maximum of 2 minutes) and in an oven (to a maximum of 45 minutes at 350 degrees), bamboo dinnerware is not good to go with those electronics as they cannot sustain high temperatures.  

Strength and weight

The benefits of bamboo cutleries and crockeries are similar to those of palm leaves when comparing their sturdiness and heaviness. Both are lightweight yet strong enough to hold heavy foods without the risk of breakage and spillage. 

Biodegradability 

Both palm leaf and bamboo plates are biodegradable and compostable, though there are considerable differences in time requirements. Palm leaf plates will only take 2 months to break down completely into the soil whereas you may have to wait up to 8 months to notice bamboo plates mix up into the soil. 

Attractiveness

If impressing guests is your concern, then there is no need to agonize at all. Both eco-friendly plates are available in unique attractive designs with size and shape options.   

Conclusion

Looking at the comparisons above, palm leaf plates seem to slightly overpowered bamboo plates in terms of sustainability and usability. However, if your motive is to replace traditional non-eco-friendly plates, then both bamboo plates and palm leaf plates are ideal to start with. 

You can kick off your eco-friendly journey with Keeo. Our tableware products are made from completely renewable raw materials which are 100 % biodegradable and compostable. With our products, we ensure you enjoy and serve the food without worrying about leaving carbon footprints behind. 

FAQs

Are bamboo plates reusable?

Yes, bamboo plates are reusable. The sturdy and eco-friendly composition of sheaths is what makes bamboo plates reusable. 

How long does a bamboo plate last?

Bamboo plates are durable and sturdy as they usually last for 1.5 to 2 years. 

Can you reuse Palm Leaf bowls? 

Yes, palm-leaf bowls are reusable. You can wash and clean the palm leaf bowls after each use to reuse them several times.

Do bamboo plates hold bacteria?

As bamboo materials are naturally anti-bacterial, bamboo plates do not hold bacteria.  

Are bamboo plates worth it?

Yes, bamboo plates are worth it. They are great alternatives to plastics not only for sustainability; but for durability and health.