With spring just around the corner it’s time to start planning picnics and outdoor gatherings. But even a small picnic requires careful planning – you have to decide on the food, drinks, the plates, and the cutlery. Using compostable plates takes away a lot of the hassle, you can simply put them in the compost and not worry about it.
What Materials are Used for Compostable Plates?
Nowadays there are multiple compostable material options that perform just as great, if not better, as plastic. The plates mades from compostable materials are sturdy, don’t get soggy, and fully decompose in 2-6 months. Here are the most common compostable materials used:
Bagasse: Bagasse is a byproduct of sugarcane processing and is a popular material for compostable plates. It is sturdy, heat-resistant, and can degrade quickly in composting conditions.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource that can be used to make compostable plates. It is durable, lightweight, and biodegradable.
Palm Leaf: Plates made from palm leaves are another eco-friendly option. They are made from fallen palm leaves and are chemical-free, making them safe for composting.
PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is a bioplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is compostable in industrial composting facilities and breaks down into natural components.
Wheat Straw: Wheat straw is an agricultural byproduct that can be used to make compostable plates. It is sturdy, microwave-safe, and can decompose in composting conditions.
Paperboard: Paperboard made from recycled paper fibers is another non-toxic option for compostable plates. Look for plates made from unbleached or chlorine-free paperboard for a more environmentally friendly choice.
Our Recommendations
We have reviewed and selected the best compostable plates that would make great additions to your planning for picnic and outdoor events. Here are our recommendations.
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Pastel Colors
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Made from Leaves
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Made from Sugarcane
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Made from Bamboo Fiber
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Budget Pick
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These compostable plates are decorative and practical, and are perfect for picnics, parties, or family gatherings. These beautiful plates are made from natural and compostable bamboo, wood fiber and sugarcane, offering a more mindful partyware alternative. They are dyed in soft pastel colors. They are disposable, made from 100% natural materials, and designed for easy cleanup. Each set includes 8 plates in 4 colors - bubblegum pink, soft violet, mint sorbet and candy pink which measure 9.5” in diameter.
About Meri Meri
Meri Meri began as a kitchen table start-up and has evolved into an international party and lifestyle brand. Founded in 1985 by Meredithe Stuart-Smith, the company designs partyware, seasonal decorations, children’s gifts, and dress-up items, drawing inspiration from childhood imagination and sophisticated design. Initially working with San Francisco-based mothers to craft cards from home, Meredithe established her brand and quickly found success, expanding to five employees by 1990 and 30 by 1996. Now with 85 employees across the US and UK, Meri Meri operates from a creative space in the Cotswolds, UK, and an office in Reno, US. The company sells in 80 countries through 5,000 shops and online platforms, offering innovative designs such as garlands, themed partyware, home decorations, dress-up costumes, and collaborations with renowned brands like Ladurée. Meri Meri prioritizes quality, creativity, and sustainability, continually launching new products and expanding its reusable partyware ranges crafted from materials like bamboo fiber and recycled plastic.
These compostable plates are biodegradable and made from natural fallen palm leaves, ensuring they easily degrade in 2 months. They come in a pack of 50 square 10" plates. The plates are sturdy, microwave-safe, and suitable for both hot and cold foods, making them ideal for weddings, catering, or parties. With their rustic appearance, they add elegance to any occasion while aligning with eco-conscious values.
These plates are 6-inches wide and are made from sugarcane plates, and come in a pack of 125. They are versatile, suitable for serving various foods like sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. The plates are of high quality, microwave and freezer safe, and resistant to oil, heat, and cuts. Made from 100% sugar cane fiber, they are eco-friendly, compostable in just 3-6 months. Additionally, they are BPA-free, wax-free, and gluten-free. Ideal for various occasions such as daily meals, birthdays, camping, and weddings.
These compostable plates are eco-friendly and sustainable, crafted from bamboo and sugarcane for a perfect choice for environmentally conscious events. Each pack contains 8 dinner plates, sized at 9.5 inches, available in 5 different colors suitable for weddings, parties, and special occasions. The wavy design and color options make these plates perfect for any occasion, casual or formal. They are made from natural bamboo, wood fiber and sugarcane and are fully compostable.
About Sophistiplate
Sophistiplate originated from a foodie family’s desire for elegant disposable tableware after tiring of post-Thanksgiving dishwashing marathons. In 2015, they launched wavy-shaped paper plates that quickly gained popularity, even earning recognition as an Oprah Favorite. This success inspired them to expand into a diverse range of elegant entertaining and gift items under five brands: Sophistiplate for paper tableware and designer reusable cutlery, Maple Leaf at Home for personalized premium serve and glassware, Simply Baked for paper bakeware, SugarPlum Party for fun partyware, and Simply Serv’d for cocktail and barware accessories. Each product is crafted with love and care to inspire people from all backgrounds to come together and share meals.
These compostable plates are made from recycled bagasse and bamboo without harming trees. They are BPI-certified 100% compostable, breaking down in 90 days in commercial compost facilities, minimizing waste. Sturdy and microwavable, they are four times stronger than standard disposable plates and resistant to oil, sogginess, bending, and knife cuts. Designed to handle various meals without losing their integrity, they are chemical-free, PFAS-free, and are free of plastic or wax coatings.