Wooden cutlery is made from natural wood (e.g. birch, bamboo, oak), often from sustainable sources. Its manufacturing process is relatively simple and usually includes steps such as wood cutting, molding, sanding and polishing. Different types of wooden cutlery, such as birch, bamboo and oak cutlery, each have their own characteristics in terms of durability, weight and grain. Birch cutlery is lightweight and durable; bamboo cutlery is lighter but slightly less strong; and oak cutlery is the most robust and durable, but also relatively heavy in weight.
The main advantages of wooden cutlery are its biodegradability, renewable resource utilization and absence of harmful chemicals.
Plastic cutlery is made from petroleum-based polymers (e.g. polypropylene, polystyrene). The production process is a complex industrial process involving the polymerization of raw materials, injection molding, cooling and trimming. Polypropylene cutlery is usually more durable and heat-resistant; polystyrene cutlery is cheaper but less strong and heat-resistant.
The main disadvantages of plastic cutlery are that it is not biodegradable, causes significant plastic pollution, and can release harmful chemicals.
Wooden cutlery offers significant environmental advantages. Its biodegradability prevents it from polluting the environment in the long term, whereas plastic cutlery lasts for hundreds of years or more. In addition, wooden cutlery uses renewable resources, while plastic cutlery relies on non-renewable petroleum resources. Choosing wooden cutlery helps reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
Wooden cutlery is safer for human health as it is made from natural wood and contains no or very few harmful chemicals. Plastic cutlery, on the other hand, may release harmful chemicals, such as Bisphenol A, during production and use, which are potentially harmful to human health.
Wooden cutlery is relatively less durable and is easily deformed or damaged by moisture. Plastic cutlery is more durable and less prone to deformation or damage, but is prone to scratches. Wooden cutlery needs to be washed and dried in a timely manner after use to prolong its life.
While the initial cost of wooden cutlery may be higher than plastic cutlery, in the long run, wooden cutlery is more cost-effective given the cost of disposing of plastic cutlery and the damage it causes to the environment. For businesses, choosing sustainable wooden cutlery also enhances brand image and attracts environmentally conscious consumers.
Wooden cutlery has a natural texture and aesthetics that are more in line with the modern pursuit of nature and the environment. Plastic cutlery, on the other hand, is often cheap and lacking in aesthetics.
Plastic cutlery has the advantage of convenience due to its single-use and easy-to-distribute nature. Wooden cutlery is less convenient as it needs to be reused and cleaned.
Plastic cutlery, especially polypropylene cutlery, usually has better heat resistance and is able to withstand higher temperature foods. Wooden cutlery is less heat resistant and is not suitable for serving overheated food.
Wooden dinnerware is suitable for a variety of occasions:
Celebrations (weddings, parties, picnics): Wooden cutlery is environmentally friendly and beautiful, perfect for all kinds of celebrations.
Everyday use (home, office, on the go): Wooden cutlery is convenient and sustainable, suitable for everyday use.
Commercial use (restaurants, catering, cafes): Wooden cutlery is cost-effective and attracts eco-conscious customers and enhances brand image.
Q: Can the wood cutlery be washed and reused?
A: Yes. The wood cutlery is meant to be disposable and recommended for single use only.
Q: How long does it take for wood cutlery/plastic cutlery/compostable plastic cutlery to degrade in a landfill?
A: Currently, there is no study that confirms an exact timeframe for wood cutlery to degrade in a landfill. Since landfills are designed for waste to degrade much slower than in a natural setting, it will take longer though, that in your backyard compost!
As a natural product, the birch cutlery can be compared to food waste. Food waste is estimated to decompose within 6-24 months in a landfill.
Plastic might take anywhere from 10-100 years in a landfill. So called "compostable plastics" do not easily degrade in a natural setting and it is safe to assume the time for them to degrade in a landfill is closer to that of plastic, than that of wood cutlery.
Q: Does using wood cutlery harm tree populations?
A: It is a common misunderstanding that wood products harm tree populations. Wood is one of the most sustainable materials that can be used. It absorbs CO2 while it is growing and creates habitats for wildlife. It is important though to only use raw materials from responsibly managed forests.
Q: How much wood is needed to make the cutlery?
A: The manufacturing process for wood cutlery is very efficient. One tree the size of a telephone pole can produce up to 20,000 pieces of cutlery.
Wooden and plastic cutlery have their advantages and disadvantages. Wooden cutlery has significant advantages in terms of environmental protection and health and safety, while plastic cutlery is superior in terms of convenience and durability. The choice of cutlery depends on the specific usage scenario and personal preference. However, considering the long-term environmental and health impacts, wooden cutlery is definitely the more sustainable choice.
