Alternative materials are becoming more popular as the industry moves away from traditional materials that are harmful to the environment. Palm leaf, sugarcane, and bamboo are three of the leading options. Each one comes with its own set of benefits that make their products unique. Here is a look at the differences between Palm, sugarcane, and bamboo.

Palm Leaf

Eco-friendly restaurant packaging made out of Palm leaf tends to be flat items like plates and trays, or bowls. Palm leaf products are made using the leaves from Palm trees, which grow to be very large. They are easy to harvest since they fall from the trees naturally in complete pieces. Plus, they become sturdy when they are properly dried and shaped. Palm leaf products, like our Oval Palm Leaf Plate, come in a natural finish where you can see the textures and design of the leaves. Many manufacturers choose palm leaf products for this distinctive look.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane has been used in the foodservice industry for centuries as the primary source of sugar when it is processed. However, extracting the sugar from sugarcane leaves behind a pulp that can be used to create packaging products. Sugarcane grows quickly and is an easily renewable resource. Plus, it can be used to make products that work with cold or hot foods, and are microwavable, biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable. Sugarcane products usually have a soft white finish like our “Bio ‘n’ Chic” – Egg Shaped Sugarcane Dish, but they can also come in a brown finish like our “Bio ‘n’ Chic” – Brown Oval Sugarcane Bowl.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a type of wood that grows quickly and is easily renewable. It is lightweight and less rigid than other types of wood, making it easy to work with. However, it is sturdier than sugarcane and palm leaf, so it is a better option for packaging and utensils that need a more rigid structure. Many manufacturers use bamboo to make utensils like our Assorted “Bambi” Bamboo Cutlery, or trays like our AMAGI – Long Bamboo Dish. Bamboo can be used in products that hold hot or cold foods or that need to be microwaved. It is also biodegradable, but it is not recyclable or compostable. Since it is biodegradable, bamboo is a better option than traditional materials like traditional plastic.

Which One?

Choosing between the three options boils down to which restaurant supplies you need. If you are looking for restaurant supplies that need to be sturdy, like trays or utensils, bamboo trays and utensils will be your best choice. This will give you high-quality supplies that are sturdy but are lightweight. Palm leaf is mainly used for open packaging materials like bowls and trays. They make great single use alternatives to paper and plastic disposable supplies. Sugarcane products are often chosen when you need a replacement for traditional plastic in a more elegant setting. Because of its soft white finish, sugarcane products are often used for catering events like weddings or other formal events.

Choose All Three

While each material has some benefits, it is possible to add all three to your restaurant supplies by partnering with PacknWood. PacknWood provides some of the best eco-friendly restaurant supplies available. Call our office at (201) 604-3840 or send us a message through our 24-hour chat service to place an order for new eco-friendly restaurant supplies.