Everything you need to know about tPLA & cPLA
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You may have heard of PLA, but what makes tPLA or cPLA different? These two variations on PLA products bring unique advantages to the eco-friendly packaging arena.
In this guide, we’ll answer the following questions:
What is cPLA and tPLA?
What are the environmental benefits of cPLA and tPLA packaging products?
Are cPLA and tPLA packaging products right for my business?
What is tPLA and cPLA?
To understand cPLA and tPLA, you have to know a little about PLA, or polylactic acid.
PLA products are bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. They are manufactured from any fermentable sugar, usually corn. PLA provides a much-needed eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. For a deeper dive on PLA, check out our PLA Guide.
PLA is a comparable, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. However because its made from corn and not oil-based materials, rigidity and heat resistance isn’t as high as that of conventional plastics. Conventional plastics come in a wide variety of numbered types with different properties for various applications.
This is why cPLA and tPLA were developed.
These two variations on PLA strengthen PLA’s weaknesses while offering the same benefits.
cPLA = C
rystallized PLA
.
It’s processed by applying high pressure and heat to PLA, chalk, and other biodegradable and bio-based additives. This causes the material to crystallize, resulting in a harder product that’s less susceptible to heat degradation.
CPLA lids
are commonly used for coffee cups.
tPLA = T
alc-injected PLA
iscreated by combining the two materials at a ratio usually around
70% PLA
and
30% talc
. Talc is a natural mineral with very high thermal stability that helps PLA mold into harder more heat resistant materials. For that reason,
tPLA utensils
are a common eco-friendly option. Talc is not renewable but it is
an abundant natural resource
.
What are the benefits of tPLA and cPLA products?
Like PLA, these two materials require 65% less energy to produce than traditional plastics. They also compost completely in industrial composting facilities.
1. Biodegradable – PLA meets international standards for biodegradability as it is a plant based material. Both tPLA and cPLA will naturally degrade over time. Like PLA, both varieties will decompose faster in a commercial composting facility.
2. Compostable – tPLA is 100% compostable in 3–6 months in a commercial facility. cPLA is 100% compostable in 2–4 months in a commercial facility.
3. No toxic fumes – Unlike traditional plastics, these two options won’t emit toxic fumes during incineration.
The food packaging benefits of tPLA:
The food packaging benefits of cPLA:
Can withstand temperatures up to 180°F
Link to sontex
Are tPLA or cPLA food packaging products right for my business?
If you currently use the following items and you’re passionate about providing eco-friendly packaging products, then tPLA and cPLA are terrific options for you:
We offer a large variety of samples of these products and many more for you to try before buying full cases. To learn more about Good Start Packaging’s cost-effective PLA and other environmentally friendly products, please reach out!
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Since its invention, disposable cutlery has always been designed for customers to eat their to-go orders at any location. However, these eating utensils are not only for your patrons' convenience. When packed in assorted sets, cutlery kits can be simply dropped into take out bags to eliminate the hassle of your staff searching for proper utensils to pair with meals.
A cutlery set with a fork, knife, and spoon included matches any meal and ensure your customer is never missing a utensil. In order to choose the best type of cutlery set for your business, read through our buying guide so you can learn about the different types of cutlery sets.
In the foodservice industry, there are two types of disposable cutlery sets:
Depending on the vendor, each cutlery pack will have two to five pieces. Some sets only include a fork with a napkin, while others may have a fork, knife, spoon, and napkin. Retail flatware packs consist of ten or more assorted pieces.
While a place setting typically consists of five pieces (dinner fork, dinner knife, salad fork, teaspoon, and tablespoon), cutlery sets include the most essential pieces (fork, spoon, knife, and napkin) for the pack to be more compact. Because of their disposability, cutlery sets are more suitable for informal or semi-formal events.
Whether it's wrapped or unwrapped, most disposable cutlery is crafted from plastic or wood. While most plastic cutlery is seen as harmful to the environment, some are constructed from compostable bioplastics, making them a nature-friendly option. Cutlery made out of natural wood is strong, sturdy, and environmentally-friendly with some even being made out of sustainable bamboo. Despite there only being two types of materials, these sets are available in various styles.
Wooden cutlery sets can be made out of different types of wood such as birch, bamboo, pine, poplar, and more. If the wood is natural, unvarnished, and made without chemicals, it can be composted. Thanks to their high heat tolerance, wooden cutlery can be used to enjoy all kinds of food. They are also very sturdy to keep from cracking during use.
However, wooden cutlery kits don’t just boast a strong and eco-friendly construction, each piece features a unique wood grain pattern to give your place settings a rustic touch. You can find many types of wooden cutlery sets such as wrapped cutlery kits, tied cutlery kits, retail packs, travel sets, and even handmade sets. One of the best things about wooden cutlery sets is that their look is versatile. Use them for take out and delivery orders, or add them to your tablescapes. They will never look out of place! To learn more about our wooden cutlery sets, take a look at the video below:
The most common type of disposable cutlery is plastic utensils made out of polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) plastic. Plastic flatware can be made in different sizes and colors, making it easy for you to find a set that complements your restaurant’s or event’s theme. Both types of plastic are recyclable and easy to dispose of in a nature-friendly way. While these plastic eating utensils might have a lot in common, they do have slight differences.
Most polylactic acid plastic (PLA) cutlery sets and crystalized polylactic acid plastic (CPLA) flatware sets include forks, knives, and spoons. Both of these plastics, also known as bioplastics, are made out of plant-based materials such as cornstarch. They’re both biodegradable and compostable and also known for their lightweight construction. The main difference between the two is that CPLA can tolerate temperatures up to 185°F while PLA can tolerate temperatures up to 105°F.
Disposable cutlery sets offer major convenience for catering services, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other foodservice establishments. They eliminate the need to clean cutlery after serving each guest and don’t have to be replaced if lost. Not to mention, they can be simply added into take out bags so you won’t have to rummage around your cutlery storage area to look for a small dessert spoon.
Cutlery sets include an assortment of pieces that can match multiple meals or be used to eat several courses. Including a prepacked cutlery set with every dish allows customers to have everything they need within reach. They also save you time arranging place settings or packaging meals to ensure you quickly give guests their orders.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit sustainable cpla tableware.