Lesson #2 - "Palm Leaves."
We are extremely pleased to see that customers' environmental awareness is growing - they are now far more likely to reach for products from proven environmentally friendly companies, and overlook in their purchasing decisions those companies that put care for nature in last place. Thanks to this, the HoReCa industry (hotel and catering sector) is slowly introducing new solutions that are close to nature. Usually the first, and at the same time one of the most important steps, is considered to be the abandonment of products made of plastic in favor of ecological alternatives, such as dishes made of palm leaves. This is our second ECO lesson, during which we will introduce you to the topic of vegetation, providing a wealth of possibilities!
Palm - characteristics of the palm leaf plant.
Palm is, in the simplest terms, a monocotyledonous plant, of which we are able to specify about 3000 species. Without a doubt, its distinguishing feature is palm leaves, growing to a surprisingly large size. As for the tree itself - it can reach up to 60 m in height. Know that its holiday climate is just an addition to how much we can gain from it. It is a source for supplying the market with fruits such as dates and coconut, as well as many other valuable raw materials, among others:
- oil;
- wax;;
- spices;;
- fibers;
- construction materials;
- disposable dishes made from palm leaves.
Where can palm leaves be obtained from? Area of occurrence and favorable conditions
Palm leaves, as the name suggests, are obtained from palm trees. Anyone can easily recognize them due to their extremely distinctive fan-like shape. In addition to the fact that palm trees can be a decorative element of a boardwalk, garden or home interior, not least the fact that their leaves are extremely popular in manufacturing - they are used to create, for example, plates.
Where exactly do palm trees grow? The answer to this question is not at all that simple, since there are currently thousands of species of them found almost all over the world. On the other hand, it is certain that they come from areas where tropical forests and warm climates reign supreme. Palm leaves, which are used for production purposes, are supplied from Asian countries.
Organic palm leaf plate consisting of 5 parts is a proposal that will be ideal for serving cold and hot snacks. Aesthetic serving and saving space on the table guaranteed.
Individual stages of production - palm leaf dishes.
Palm leaf plates, like many other products made from them, are a great alternative to harmful plastic products, which unfortunately we can still buy on the market. Thanks to the fact that only this natural material is relied on during the production process, there is no question of posing a danger to humans and the environment.
How are palm leaf dishes made?
- Palm trees shed their huge branches with leaves several times a year through a natural process.
- The fallen, dry palm leaves are collected by local farmers, who clean them.
- The leaves are subjected to drying in the sun.
- Heat pressing of the leaves is carried out, as a result of which we get various and interesting shapes from them.
In this way, we are able to create beautiful and functional trays, bowls and plates, in fact, anything we can "mold".
Using palm leaves vs. tree life - does one harm the other?
You are probably wondering whether the process of making bowls or plates from palm leaves has a negative impact on this plant. Well - these activities do not affect the life cycle of the palm tree, since the dishes are made only from dried and naturally fallen leaves. Green palm leaves are not suitable for the production of packaging, because they have too high moisture content, so that the vessel would simply become moldy.
What is particularly important to keep in mind is that the production of palm leaf utensils, like sugar cane utensils, does not cause environmental degradation.
Natural palm leaf bowl with a capacity of 425 ml is a solution that, in addition to being extremely practical and durable, is also unique - no two copies are identical.
Curiosity - how was the palm leaf once used? Where did it all start?
An enterprising New Yorker, while traveling in India, met on his way an old woman who was absorbed in her daily chores. Using an iron press and palm leaves, the woman created unique plates on which she served local delicacies to her family. A businessman fascinated by the quality and unique appearance of Indian dishes decided to use this original idea. After returning from his vacation, he took up the production of palm leaf dishes on a large scale - their popularity and recognition increased dramatically. As a result, today we can use fully biodegradable and eco-friendly disposable dishes made of palm leaves all over the world.
Is palm leaf dishware compostable?
If palm leaf dishes are 100% natural and no chemical additives or plastic coatings were used in their production - you are assured that they are biodegradable and, importantly, fully compostable. This means that their consumption will not leave any negative trace, as they will decompose within 90 days. By reaching for alternatives to plastic, you are not only able to give yourself and your loved ones the best, but in doing so you will also take care of all that is most beautiful around you.
If you want to increase your enjoyment of your food and want your meal to be served appetizingly, you should reach for the biodegradable palm leaf plate measuring 20 cm x 20 cm x 1.5 cm. It is distinguished by its unusual shape and beautiful and original design.
Where are high-quality palm leaf dishes available?
Any purchase, to be fully satisfactory, must come from a reliable and proven source. Without a doubt, the best place to look for palm leaf dinnerware is organic wholesaler SlowPack, whose offer is based only on the highest quality products created from natural materials. You don't have to worry that their durability will let you down - nothing of the sort! Dishes such as bowls, lids and plates made from palm leaves, for example, are lightweight, waterproof, odorless and resistant to high temperatures. For this reason, they are suitable for storage in freezers, in addition to which you can use them in the oven or microwave without any risk.
SlowPack's palm leaf products
Being customer-conscious, we have an extremely wide range of products made from palm leaves. We know very well how great they work, so every owner of a catering establishment should include them in their supplies. In this way you take care not only of the environment, but also of the image of your business - give your customers quality products from SlowPack. Our range includes not only eco-friendly packaging, but also, among others:
- eco-friendly trays and plates made from palm leaves;
- natural palm leaf bowls and bowls;
- eco platters made from palm leaves;
- biodegradable finger food dishes made from palm leaves.
Thus selected tableware is a solution with which you can positively surprise both consumers and your guests. When hosting a family party or picnic, natural accents do just as well as they do on the premises. Palm leaves are a practical way to serve a meal in beautiful style.
