Not so long ago, various food packaging and disposable plastic utensils were rare in Russia. Almost all of us remember the time when products in stores were wrapped in thick wrapping paper - gray or brown.
There was not even a plastic film: sausage, butter and cheese, fish, and even those products that were not intended for this at all, such as seaweed, were wrapped in paper.
Then it seemed to everyone that this was normal, but today we consider the abundance of various food packaging, bags, plastic containers, dishes and other containers to be normal. Plastic dishes today are in every home, at least in small quantities. For example, earlier on a picnic they took ordinary dishes with them - porcelain, metal, glass, and then they took them home to wash them properly. Of course, this significantly overshadowed the rest, and especially for women - housewives.
Disposable tableware
Disposable tableware saves us from many tedious troubles and frees up time, makes life easier and easier. It itself is light and comfortable, quite durable, when compared with porcelain and glass, and most importantly, it does not need to be washed.
Disposable tableware appeared in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century. First they began to produce paper cups, and then other utensils - plates, spoons, forks, knives. Since the late 50s of the last century, mass production of disposable tableware has been launched, and polymer materials have been increasingly used instead of paper. Currently, many manufacturers are again leaning towards paper tableware, as it is safer and does not have toxic properties.
In our country, paper cups were also the first disposable tableware, but their appearance and quality left much to be desired: in order to somehow drink coffee, you had to insert one cup into another - otherwise you could get burned.
There were almost no fast food establishments in the USSR, so disposable tableware was not in demand. And only in the mid-90s in Russia they began to produce paper and plastic disposable tableware, which is not inferior in quality to American and European ones. Today, the main requirements for disposable tableware are quality, safety and consumer properties.
Safety of disposable tableware
Recently, everyone has become interested in the safety of disposable tableware - more precisely, the material from which it is made. Opinions about this are directly opposite, and it is difficult for consumers to figure out how to relate to this blessing of civilization.
When buying disposable tableware, you need to clearly imagine what you will use it for. There are already a lot of types of disposable tableware today.
Only kitchen and dining utensils and accessories include plates, cups and glasses, cutlery, canisters and flasks, water bottles, food storage packages, containers for sweets, and even disposable wrappers, tablecloths and napkins.
Every person used disposable tableware at least a few times in his life - of course, excluding the inhabitants of those regions of the planet where civilization has not yet reached - perhaps fortunately.
At the same time, not all people have an idea about the features of a particular type of dishes.
So, not everyone knows that not all cups are suitable for hot drinks: polystyrene cups are not suitable for this - they do not withstand high temperatures and release toxins into tea or coffee.
Hot drinks are best drunk from polypropylene cups - they are more stable, but alcohol should not be poured into either one or the other - this can damage the liver and kidneys, as well as worsen vision.
plastic utensils
Plastic is a material from which it is easy to make objects and things of any shape, especially dishes - today you can see it in many stores. Plastic things are used by everyone, but the problem of their disposal is very acute. Plastic does not decompose, it cannot be burned (with rare exceptions), and discarded plastic objects turn the streets of most cities into garbage dumps, especially if there are not enough scavengers and janitors.
Plastic is a polymeric material, and the elements from which it is created most often do not interact with food - fats, alkalis, acids, but this is not always the case.
Harm of plastic utensils
In the process of polymerization of elements, not all molecules reach the desired size, and remain active - they can get from the dishes into its contents, and then into the human body. If you pour hot tea or put hot food into such dishes, this process goes much faster.
Many plastic products may contain harmful stabilizers, salts of heavy metals and other toxic substances, and all this, when heated, and even more so when reused, can enter our body. That is why disposable tableware cannot be reused.
Acrylic and styrene cookware is inexpensive and is considered unbreakable, but in reality it is not - styrene is especially often broken. These utensils cannot be used in the microwave, but they can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand - hence reusable.
Polypropylene is also an inexpensive material, and dishes made from it can withstand temperatures up to 100 ° C. They like to use it at picnics and outdoor parties; it can be washed in the dishwasher, but it is better to do it by hand. Polypropylene dishes can be used in the microwave.
Polycarbonate dishes can also be put in the microwave and washed freely - they are durable. The material is more expensive than the previous ones, and even glasses for alcoholic drinks are made from it. The most famous manufacturers of polycarbonate tableware are Strahl, Tuffex and the American Tervis Tumbler, which guarantees the quality of their products. Their dishes are 5-6 times more expensive, but the quality is really good.
Polystyrene cookware can withstand different temperatures, and is usually labeled accordingly, but is most often designed for cold foods.
Expanded polystyrene is more resistant to heat: hot dishes can be poured into dishes from it, and it does not burn hands, since this material does not conduct heat well. You can put such dishes in the microwave, wash in the dishwasher and not be afraid of deformation.
I would especially like to note dishes made of melamine - a substance from which a formaldehyde resin is obtained in the chemical industry. These dishes often contain too much formaldehyde - and it is toxic to humans, and its amount can be tens of times more than acceptable.
These dishes are dangerous: melamine itself has a negative effect on the body, and manufacturers sometimes manage to add asbestos to it for strength, which is no longer used in all industries, since it can cause cancer.
Formaldehyde is released when the dishes are hot, and the designs on them can stick due to the use of paint with the addition of lead.
Often, disposable tableware is made from polyvinyl chloride, due to the advantages of this material. It is durable, lightweight, inexpensive, dishes from it are easy to clean and look great in a variety of situations.
But manufacturers do not tell us about the toxicity and instability of polyvinyl chloride: it breaks down very quickly - for example, toxins from such a bottle get into a drink very quickly, which then end up in our body.
Of course, doctors say that this does not pose a serious danger to the body, however, receiving milligrams of toxins each time, it is easy not to notice how dangerous diseases arise.
Any plastic utensils ultimately have an adverse effect on our health, which does not cause tangible problems if it is rarely used - when it is really necessary.
The constant use of plastic utensils leads to poor health, although many scientists say that this has not yet been proven. In addition, unscrupulous manufacturers from time to time release plastic utensils from low-quality materials to the market, and even with prohibited additives.
In general, it is worth remembering that disposable tableware is called so because it cannot be used a second time, but in our country this prescription is often ignored.
They try to use plastic disposable utensils for as long as possible, although it cannot be washed or disinfected: all the infection that gets on it persists and multiplies, being transmitted to everyone who uses these utensils.
It is not clear why you need to use disposable dishes at all if you have to wash them? Then it’s better to use porcelain or glass ...
Throw away disposable tableware immediately after use - this is what they were invented to save us from unnecessary work.
Conscientious manufacturers always label their products, and there are signs on plastic utensils that you should understand. To begin with, remember at least the fact that the PS marking is polystyrene, and you can’t pour hot things into such dishes, otherwise you will get a portion of toxins that destroy the liver with food.
PP is polypropylene. This material is resistant to heat, and you can drink hot coffee from such dishes, and eat hot dishes from plates. However, if such utensils are intended for single use, then they should not be used a second time.
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We have heard about the dangers of disposable tableware for human health, but still it is produced annually by millions of tons. Why? Yes, because there is a demand.
Not a single picnic in nature or a quick snack at work is complete without plastic plates, cups, spoons and knives, and all because it is incredibly convenient.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends refusing to use plastic dishes. danger is just the material from which it is made. Together with food, a dose of lead, manganese, cadmium enters the human body, and formaldehyde resins, which are part of the "plastic helpers", cause terrible allergies and diseases.
Of course, there are also environmentally friendly dishes that do not harm humans and the environment at all. You will learn more about the materials from which the names of disposable tableware familiar to us are made from the article.
Plastic and everything related to it
Most often, disposable tableware is made from three types of plastic:
- Polystyrene - dishes made from it are marked with the letters PS, are intended exclusively for cold products and are white in color. Even if it is not heated for a long time, it releases styrene, which is very harmful to health.
- Polypropylene - brown utensils with PP marking can be heated to a temperature of +150, but are not intended for storing fatty and oily products.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - dishes from which vessels and containers are often made are marked with the letters PVC and are not at all intended for food storage.
But the greatest health hazard is melamine tableware. It is translucent and comes in a variety of colors.
Paper dishes or how to save health and the environment
The utensils, which are widely used abroad and are absolutely safe, are made of paper. It has the following characteristics:
- It does not heat up very quickly, while retaining heat, so it can be used to store hot foods.
- Thin cardboard, due to the lamination procedure, is not subject to soaking from condensate.
- Such utensils can be safely used for heating food in microwave ovens, since it does not emit harmful substances under the influence of high temperatures.
The most important advantage of paper tableware is that it cannot be reused, and in the case of plastic, this important rule is often neglected.
This video explains in detail how disposable tableware is made:
Plastic bottles, containers and utensils have firmly entered our everyday life. But not all housewives have complete information about the degree of harm plastic has to the human body.
The most common polymeric materials (plastics, plastics) are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polycarbonate. They produce both technical and food plastics.
Text: Elena OMELCHENKO.
Plastic plates spoiled from additives
The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not "migrate" into food. But here are intermediate substances, processing aids, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products that can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans.
This can happen while food is being stored or when it is heated. In addition, polymeric materials are subject to change (aging), in which harmful substances are released. At the same time, different types of plastic become toxic under different conditions - some cannot be heated, others cannot be washed.
Polyvinyl chloride is a chlorine-based polymer. It is cheap and therefore ubiquitous throughout the world. PVC is used to make bottles for drinks, boxes for cosmetics, containers for household chemicals, and disposable tableware.
As PVC ages, it begins to release a harmful substance - vinyl chloride, which is carcinogenic. Naturally, from a bottle it gets into soda, from a plate - into food, and from there - directly into the human body.
A PVC bottle begins to release this dangerous substance about a week after the contents are poured into it. A month later, several milligrams of vinyl chloride accumulate in mineral water. From the point of view of oncologists, this is a lot.
Often plastic bottles are reused, tea or fruit drinks and even alcoholic drinks are poured into them. Markets sell milk and butter in plastic bottles; in dachas, large five-liter bottles are often used to store water and other drinks.
However, experts are unanimous: nothing but water can be refilled into water bottles. And even then not in all. Only PET bottles can be reused. PVC bottles (i.e. bottles made with PVC) release toxic PVC. Such bottles must have a special sign on the bottom: a three in a triangle.
Harmful capacity can also be recognized by the influx on the bottom. It happens in the form of a line or a spear with two ends. But the surest way is to press the bottle with your fingernail. If the container is dangerous, a whitish scar forms on it. The "correct" bottle remains smooth.
However, many experts are sure that any bottled plastic remains neutral only in the absence of oxygen, that is, as long as the water retains its original chemical composition. As soon as the bottle is opened, the water quickly changes its properties, after which the plastic inevitably changes its properties.
The first time - it's dishes, the second - poison
With the advent of disposable plastic tableware, we have all become its active users. In fact, how convenient it is not to carry a heavy bag with you on a picnic, but to stock up on a pack or two of disposable cups, spoons, forks, plates of different sizes.
By themselves, plastics can rarely have a harmful effect on humans. But to make them more durable, special stabilizers are added to the plastic during manufacture. It is in them that the main danger to the health of users lies.
It turns out that polystyrene, from which most disposable tableware is made, becomes toxic when heated due to the release of the toxic compound "styrene". Thus, it is worth pouring a hot drink into a glass or putting a hot dish, it can no longer be called safe. But plates made of polystyrene (PS) are often used in summer cafes for barbecue or even hot soup.
Plastic disposable cups made of polypropylene (PP marking) are “indifferent” to hot liquids and do not emit harmful substances when heated. But they have a different property: when in contact with alcohol or carbonated drinks (in general, with any complex chemical compounds), such cups can release formaldehyde or phenol. That is, you can drink water from such a glass, but vodka is no longer worth it.
In order for plastic utensils to be safe, they must be used strictly for their intended purpose. Food plastic of different brands has different properties. One brand of this polymer raw material is intended for the production of water bottles, the other is for bottles with carbonated drinks.
Yogurt cups are made of plastic of a grade that makes it possible to produce a light and cheap container by casting, while being neutral with respect to milk fat, and pudding cups must resist sugar.
Therefore, experts insist: in no case should plastic packaging be used as containers for storing food, and disposable tableware should not be used repeatedly.
How plastic will react to contact with ingredients for which it was not intended, what compounds can be formed in this case, no one has investigated. Especially insidious are fats and acids, which can draw free toxic compounds out of plastic.
There is another important point. The plastic container must be washed before reuse. The disposable packaging was not intended for washing, so the result is unpredictable. The release of all kinds of compounds from plastic is greatly enhanced by heating. Therefore, only special containers can be used in the microwave oven.
If you periodically buy fast foods that require only a few minutes of heating in the microwave or oven, do not be lazy - transfer the food to a ceramic or enamel dish, and then heat it up. The taste properties will not change from this, but health hazards can be avoided: manufacturers often go to different tricks to reduce the cost of a particular product.
The exception is frozen ready meals in trays: the dishes in them can be reheated in the microwave or oven, since they are made from crystallized polyethylene terphthalate. The properties of this compound remain unchanged in the range from -40° to +250 C.
True, some brands may lose the necessary heat resistance after they have undergone deep cooling. By the way, if the marking says that the dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, then it is resistant to heat.
plastic code
At one time, to simplify the sorting of plastic, a special international marking was developed: triangles formed by arrows with a number inside. The number indicates the type of plastic. Instead of a number or under a triangle at the same time as the number, you can find the letter code of the plastic:
PET: polyethylene terphthalate: bottles for carbonated drinks, water, juices, dairy products, vegetable oils, cosmetics, etc.
HDP: high density polyethylene: packing bags, garbage bags.
PVC: polyvinyl chloride: building and finishing materials, furniture, footwear, medical products, water bottles, food packaging film
LDP: low density polyethylene: detergent bottles, toys, pipes
PP: polypropylene: medical products, dishes for hot dishes, food packaging film
PS: polystyrene: disposable tableware, cups for dairy products, yogurt, electrical insulating film.
Glass and fork yes plus snowball
In accordance with the Consumer Rights Protection Law, any manufacturer is required to label its products. Food plastic has a generally accepted marking - the “glass and fork” icon. The product may say that it is intended for cold, bulk or hot products, for use in a microwave oven or for freezing, sometimes the temperature range within which the item can be used is indicated.
“Snowflakes” indicate that the container is suitable for freezing food, “wave oven” indicates that food can be heated in this dish in the microwave, and “shower plates” indicate that the containers can be washed in the dishwasher.
All types of plastic used for the production of products that come into contact with food must undergo an examination for compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards. But at the same time, compliance with the declared purpose is checked: that is, if the manufacturer indicates that the plastic product is intended for storing drinking water, then it is checked as a container for drinking water.
How to pack to save
Any packaging materials, even the most modern ones, have certain limitations for use in everyday life. So, for example, products covered with a film cannot be heated in a microwave oven (except as specifically indicated on the packaging).
Heat, as with disposable cups, can trigger the release of potentially harmful chemicals from polyethylene. For the same reason, you should not cover very hot food with a film, moreover, moisture will actively concentrate under it, which can lead to a loss of taste of the product.
Wax paper, a type of tissue paper that is coated with a thin layer of paraffin, should not be placed in the microwave or oven. As a rule, it is used to cover the surface of thick creams, puddings, cottage cheese to prevent the formation of a dry crust.
Aluminum foil is a practically safe type of packaging material that protects products well from moisture loss. It does not matter which side of the foil touches the product - smooth or matte.
Food wrapped in foil cannot be heated in a microwave oven - but not because of the potential harmfulness of heated foil, but because of the ban on placing metal and metal-containing objects in a microwave oven.
Recently, more and more often we store food in plastic containers: it is convenient to take cooked dishes with you to work or to visit. The only restriction was stated above: avoid heating the plastic. To do this, before heating on the stove, transfer the products to ordinary dishes, and vice versa, do not transfer the still hot dish to the container.
Glass containers, unlike plastic ones, are absolutely safe to use, unless they are broken. Glass is more practical and durable than plastic, it is easier to clean. Before placing food in glass containers for long-term storage in the freezer, or placing a dish in the oven, check whether the specified brand of glass tolerates high or low temperatures.
Ceramic containers preserve food for a long time and help to neutralize the odors of strong smelling foods (eg salt and pepper). It should not be used in the oven or cooked on the stovetop unless the cookware is labeled "heat-resistant" or "microwave-safe".
I would like to say a few more words about tin cans - after all, this is also a kind of food packaging. To prevent metal from coming into contact with food, the inner surface of cans is usually lined with a plastic film containing biphenol.
As the product is stored, the polymer material from which the packaging is made also ages, releasing toxic biphenol, which can pass into the contents of the can. Therefore, it is very important to observe the shelf life of products: after all, it applies not only to the product itself, but also to its packaging.
And it is better to generally reduce the consumption of canned food to a minimum, and when opening a can, immediately transfer food to glass or ceramic dishes. Indeed, under the influence of oxygen, the corrosion of the surface of the can increases, and the content of toxic substances begins to increase.
American scientists claim that up to 80% of the “plastic” substances found in the human body get there from building and finishing materials, in particular, from such popular plastic windows, furniture, but most of all from dishes: all kinds of compounds pass from food plastic into products. nutrition.
Table 1: Recommended shelf life for some foods in the refrigerator
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From this article you will learn:
- When were the first plastic disposable plates invented?
- How disposable plastic plates are made today
- What are the types of disposable plastic plates
- What are the best disposable plates? Where are disposable plastic plates used?
- What are the most common misconceptions about plastic plates?
- What are the hygienic features of using disposable plastic plates
Disposable tableware is a good tool for organizing events. Catering establishments have begun to use plastic plates for their guests. The information that such dishes consist of polystyrene and polypropylene did not prevent the demand for this product. Disposable products have an advantage - their low price compared to paper counterparts. In our article, you will get acquainted with the history of the emergence of disposable plastic plates, as well as learn about the areas in which they are popular. We will debunk all the myths about disposable tableware.
The history of the creation of disposable plastic tableware
Disposable tableware appeared more than a century ago thanks to an American student named Hugh Moore. He folded the cardboard sheet into a cone, and the result was a mug.
The idea to make such an impromptu paper vessel came to the student while visiting catering places. Hugh Moore was dissatisfied with the dirty, carelessly washed dishes offered to him. He wrote an article where he expressed his attitude to what food is served in catering, and also outlined his idea. His story and notion received a great response among the people of that time. Entrepreneur Lawrence Luellen became interested in Hugh Moore's invention and decided to make a better mug. Thus, Lawrence Luellen became the first to start selling disposable tableware.
In 1907, Luellen made the decision to equip the soda machines he invented with taped paper cups. He received a patent for this idea. By 1960, the paper cup trade in America had reached $50 million a year.
In 1910, a "safe cup" (safe cup) - a sheet of cardboard twisted into a cone - received a patent.
1947 was the year that Tupperware plastic cookware was born. Earl Silas Tupper developed a process for the production of tough, fat-free plastic from black polyethylene slag by refining it.
How disposable plastic plates are made
The process of manufacturing plastic utensils is based on the following steps:
- the raw material is heated in the extruder and mixed to the desired consistency;
- the hot mass is processed under pressure, resulting in a plastic film;
- the canvas is placed in a thermoforming machine, which gives shape to future products;
- using a trimmer, blanks are cut out of the film;
- finished plates are stacked and packaged.
Varieties of disposable plastic plates
Disposable plates are functionally different. They can be divided into the following groups:
- by material of manufacture: made of paper and plastic; the surface of paper utensils is laminated so that liquid food can be eaten from it;
- by diameter from small to large;
- by depth: for liquid food - deep, for solid food - flat;
- by density: thin and dense, the latter allow the product not to lose its temperature. For the same purpose, you can use plates with double walls and a lid;
- by color scheme: The colors of the plates are very diverse, it is possible to choose products with a pattern suitable for a particular event. Commercial companies often order disposable plates with a logo or inscriptions;
- by configuration: round, triangular, rectangular, oval, etc.;
- by design: with smooth or carved edges;
- for a special purpose: disposable foil utensils designed for baking in the oven, as well as utensils with separate sections so that food does not mix.
When choosing disposable tableware, you should take into account the properties of each of the above groups.
Which disposable plastic plates are better in properties
Round white disposable plates, which are thin, are the cheapest and are therefore most commonly used in low-cost food service establishments. It is convenient to eat dishes at room temperature from these plates, but they are no longer suitable for hot and cold dishes.
The choice of color and shape of disposable plates depends on the individual preferences of the consumer. For example, to create a festive mood at a fun event, bright dishes of an interesting shape are suitable. In order to make it convenient to impose different foods and not mix them (for example, meat, salad), there are disposable plates with partitions. These dishes are similar to lunch boxes. These plates are well suited for a buffet or a picnic in nature when there is no opportunity to sit down at the table.
What are disposable plastic plates used for?
The scope of disposable tableware can be symbolically divided into two groups.
Household is the retail sale of disposable plates (one by one or in small packages) for ordinary people. Industrial consumption is the purchase of dishes in large volumes (wholesale and small wholesale) by organizations and enterprises. Accordingly, firms purchase plates at a lower cost per piece.
In everyday life, disposable plates are often used for:
- Nature trips and picnics where it is impossible to wash the dishes, as there is no clean water nearby.
Thus, in nature it is more convenient to throw out disposable dishes than to carry dirty ones home. If you plan to kindle a fire in the forest, it is better to take paper utensils with you, which you can later burn without harming nature;
- For family events with a large number of invited people(most often this applies to events held on the street) .
When there is a use of plastic or paper plates, the organizers of the holiday can be calm that there will be enough dishes for all guests. Buying several packs of disposable tableware will help with this issue;
- For children's parties, at such events you can please children with colorful plates depicting your favorite cartoon characters and fairy tales; disposable tableware in this case is also relevant because it is safe for children (it is impossible to break and injure yourself on glass).
In the trade area, disposable plates are most needed at enterprises that organize catering, these are:
- budget restaurants and eateries who save money in this way so as not to spend it on dishwasher work;
- outlets providing takeaway food;
- large fast food chains, here disposable plates are used, not only to save money, but also to show the solidity of the organization. For such companies, dishes are made to order with a logo and other corporate information.
Another mass consumer of disposable tableware are organizations that are not related to the work of catering establishments. Business receptions, tastings and other events that involve treating participants are often not held in special banquet halls, so the use of disposable tableware will help save employees money and time.
Truths and myths about disposable plastic plates
Literally 10 years ago, plastic utensils were used very little and were unusual. Over time, people began to wonder about her safety. We found the most famous opinions about disposable dishes and tried to find out which of them are true and which are myths.
The polymers from which disposable tableware is made are absolutely harmless: true
Yes, they are safe. Before mass production of polymers, hygienists carefully studied their properties in laboratories. The result of the study was that if all the technological features of the manufacture of products are observed, as well as the correct use of disposable dishes, they do not pose any harm to human health.
Based on a positive toxic-hygienic assessment of experts, the Ministry of Health allowed mass production of disposable tableware.
Plastic products can be used several times: myth
If you purchased a drink in a plastic bottle, then you should not use it in the future to store fruit drinks, water, milk and other liquids. The dishes are called "disposable" precisely because they are not intended for repeated use: high temperature, prolonged contact with food, oxygen and UV rays contribute to the aging of polymers.
As a result, low molecular weight substances are formed in them, which pass into the food stored in such dishes. The liquid that has absorbed these components becomes undrinkable.
Polymers Can Cause Cancer: True
With uncontrolled production and improper storage, polymers begin to release up to 15 different toxic compounds with an unpleasant specific odor into the environment. Once in the human body with food, they can cause discomfort, fatigue, headache, allergies, and asthma attacks. Animal experiments have shown that certain compounds can be the basis for congenital malformations and malignancies.
Domestic plastic is safer than imported: not always
The country of origin of plastic dishes is not as important as the company that makes them. On disposable plates of good quality, there should be a code, type of material of manufacture and scope of use (“for food”, “for bulk products”, “for cold water”, etc.).
By buying plastic dishes from a dubious manufacturer, you can harm your health: low-quality materials produced by a handicraft method may include heavy metals, non-natural dyes and other hazardous substances.
Hygienic features of using disposable plastic plates
We often use disposable plastic utensils in everyday life. It has advantages over glassware - plastic does not break, it is light, durable and does not need to be washed.
The information that the material from which plastic utensils are made is not dangerous to humans is correct. Disposable tableware is made from polymers. Before launching a product into large-scale production, specialized laboratories investigate the effect of polymers on human health. Provided that plastic utensils were produced in accordance with all technological rules, and also used for their intended purpose, they will not cause any harm to human health.
Currently, the hygienic assessment of materials and products in contact with food products is carried out in accordance with the technical regulations of the Customs Union "On the safety of packaging" TR CU 005/2011.
In order to avoid the negative impact of products made of polymers, some rules should be observed. First - when buying a product, look at the manufacturer. If the company has established itself as law-abiding, following all production standards, then a code will be printed on the product, as well as the composition. Pay attention to the scope of the dishes (for liquid, solid, bulk components, for hot and cold products).
For reliability, it would not hurt to learn to understand the special designations on the product (code). For example, if there is a sign in the form of a triangle of three arrows at the bottom of the vessel, then this indicates the possibility of further recycling of the material and a closed cycle of use (creation, application, disposal). Inside the triangle, numbers are often indicated by which you can recognize the type of material (1-19 - plastic, 20-39 - paper, cardboard, 40-49 - metal, 50-59 - wood, 60-69 - fabrics and textiles, 70-79 - glass).
PS (PS) or the number 6 indicates that the product contains polystyrene. In such dishes it is necessary to store cold products. When in contact with hot food or when heated in the microwave, these plates will release toxic styrene.
PP (PP) - polypropylene, these letters are sometimes replaced by a pattern of a fork and a glass or the numbers 0.5 and 1. This type of dish can withstand temperatures above 100 ⁰C, that is, it can be used for hot food and drink (tea), as well as it is used to heat food in the microwave.
Products made of polymers should be used only once. With repeated use of disposable tableware, its protective surface is violated, which leads to the release of toxic substances such as cadmium, lead, formaldehyde, phenol, which can later have a negative impact on the human body.
High temperature of food or air, prolonged contact with food particles, UV rays, oxygen cause aging of polymer materials. As a result, toxic substances are released from them, which, in turn, pass into the food contained in disposable containers. By following all the rules for using plastic utensils, you will not do yourself any harm, but will only make life more comfortable. However, it is better to resort to this type of product not too often, but as needed, for example, on a camping trip, going out into nature, to a summer cottage.
Where to buy disposable plastic tableware in bulk
The Ecocenter company supplies coolers, pumps and related equipment to Russia for bottling water from bottles of various sizes. All equipment is supplied under the trademark "ECOCENTER".
We provide the best ratio of price and quality of equipment, as well as offer our partners excellent service and flexible terms of cooperation.
You can be convinced of the attractiveness of collaboration by comparing our prices with the cost of similar equipment from other suppliers.
All our equipment complies with the standards established in Russia and has quality certificates. We deliver dispensers to customers, as well as all the spare parts and accessories they need in the shortest possible time.
Glasses and mugs, plates of various depths, multi-colored knives, forks and spoons made of plastic are produced every year in millions of tons. Not a single party at work, a picnic, and sometimes even a coffee break at business meetings can do without this simple serving. The use of such packaging is convenient and saves a lot of time - that, perhaps, is all the advantages of disposable tableware. There are many more cons.
Disposable plastic packaging does not decompose, it cannot be burned, and when thrown into the street, it turns the city into a garbage dump. But that is not all. Plastic packaging can harm the body of its consumer. Manufacturers, of course, do not report anything about the existing danger, but this does not make the toxicity of products less.
What are plastic utensils made of?
The most common materials for plastic disposable tableware are polystyrene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride.
Polystyrene
Dishes from it are white. Polystyrene is indicated by two large letters PS. This means that the packaging is for cold foods only. When hot tea or coffee is poured into such a container, the plastic heats up and begins to release styrene. The same thing happens when heating products in polystyrene packaging in the microwave. Of course, a single ingestion of styrene into the body will not bring harm, but if you constantly buy lunch in such a package and heat it in a microwave oven, a dangerous substance accumulates in the body. Which in the future can lead to disruption of the kidneys and liver.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene produces brown disposable tableware, such as coffee cups. Unlike polystyrene, polypropylene utensils marked PP do not change their properties even when heated to +150 C, but are easily chemically attacked, releasing formaldehydes and phenol, which are also dangerous to health. Therefore, you should not drink alcohol from such dishes. Polypropylene containers are also not suitable for storing fatty substances, for example, butter or sunflower oil, since upon contact with fats, polypropylene is destroyed and formaldehydes and phenol are released.
PVC
But the most dangerous PVC plastic container. Mark it with the letters PVC (PVC). Containers are usually made from this substance. It actively releases vinyl chloride, a carcinogen that can cause cancer. Therefore, it is better to choose disposable tableware with PS and PP designations.
Dishes from melamine - a substance from which formaldehyde resin is obtained in the chemical industry. Outwardly, such dishes look like porcelain, but much lighter and stronger. Melamine containers hold the record for the amount of harmful substances they contain. Firstly, such packaging contains a lot of formaldehyde, and it has toxic properties, and its amount can be tens of times greater than any allowable norm. Secondly, in addition to melamine itself, which negatively affects the body, dishes may contain asbestos. Although its use in the manufacture of packaging is prohibited, as it causes cancer. As soon as hot food gets into such dishes, toxic formaldehyde is released. In addition, lead may be added to the paint for durability, which is also hazardous to health.
But what if these markings are simply not on the product?
How to distinguish polypropylene dishes from polystyrene or PVC?
When a hard object is pressed on a PVC product, a mark is formed on its surface, the surface of others will remain smooth. Polystyrene cookware emits a loud crunch when deformed and cracks easily, and softens when heated. Polypropylene - does not break during deformation, but only bends, and does not deform when heated.
The right choice - paper utensils
It is made from natural raw materials and is quickly disposed of without harm to the environment. In addition, paper containers retain heat longer and have a lower thermal conductivity, which allows you not to burn your hands. When heated, no harmful substances are released.
Paper cups are made from thin cardboard. It can be laminated on one or both sides. The lamination of the outer layer prevents the glass from soaking on a hot day when condensation can form on it. Thanks to modern technology, the edges of paper cups are glued together without glue. A strong connection occurs due to ultrasonic or heat treatment of the laminated layer.
Compared to plastic and polystyrene cups, paper is a safe material for microwaves. It is made of natural wood with small additions of other safe substances.
Rules for the use of disposable tableware
Disposable tableware should be disposable. Never use disposable tableware more than once. After all, it is impossible to wash it to hygienic cleanliness after use, and microscopic damage and cracks will further enhance the release of harmful substances.
Do not store food in plastic dishes, and even more so, heat them in the microwave. Not suitable for microwave plastic containers, such as ice cream. Nothing happens to them in the freezer, but under the influence of high temperatures they can be deformed. At the same time, plastic begins to decompose and release hazardous substances. In addition, the destruction of plastic occurs under the influence of oxygen, sunlight and room heat.