What are disposable tableware made of? Marking on plastic utensils and containers. Helpful information. Paper disposable tableware

Bogdana Zhuravskaya

The production of disposable tableware is a promising and profitable line of business for an entrepreneur who is not afraid of a high threshold for entering the market. Along with significant capital investments, it is necessary to be ready to overcome a number of risks. The main one is the lack of a large number of highly qualified technologists and open information about the nuances production process. In addition, the environmental movement is becoming more and more popular in our country. This means that it is necessary to build your activities taking into account the fact that sooner or later you will have to reformat the enterprise for the production of a biologically degradable product.

In anticipation of the launch

There are many types of disposable tableware. Conventionally, products can be divided into several large groups: plastic, paper, wood and the so-called environmentally friendly. The latter category includes both dishes made of biodegradable plastic, and recent developments, when cups and plates are made from a wide variety of raw materials, such as cereals (edible dishes), cane, corn starch, leaves, bamboo, etc.

Before launching a project, an entrepreneur needs to clearly indicate what type of product he will produce. There are no universal lines at the moment, and the launch of an enterprise with a large number of installations for products from different materials will require huge investments. Another difficulty is to obtain an efficient technology for the production of disposable tableware. Finding detailed information in the public domain is not easy, and qualified technologists are worth their weight in gold. Therefore, the easiest way to set up the process is to train personnel from the equipment manufacturer.

Further, agreements should be concluded with suppliers of raw materials. There are not so many of them on the territory of the Russian Federation, so we can consider options for cooperation with foreign partners. In any case, it is not advisable to focus on only one manufacturer, because a supply failure can cause downtime for a new enterprise.

Having decided on the above questions, you can begin to search for equipment and develop project documentation. As already mentioned, the financial threshold for entering the market is quite high. So, just for the purchase of a minimum set of equipment for the production of plastic disposable tableware, about 12 million rubles will be required. Having a well-developed business plan in hand, it makes sense to start working using investors' funds.

Basic risks

Potential customers are in no hurry to conclude preliminary contracts with a new manufacturer and are ready to consider proposals only if they have the required volume of finished products and a package of documents confirming the compliance of goods with the requirements of GOST and SanPiN.

As for competition, here you will have to deal with a pool of domestic and foreign companies, most of which hold strong positions in the market, have certain experience and, what is important, the trust of customers. For example, Chinese manufacturers, due to the huge volumes, are able to offer very attractive price offers.

Another conditional difficulty is the seasonal demand for products. Keeping the balance will help expand the range.

The main consumers of disposable tableware

Among the wholesale buyers that the manufacturer of disposable tableware needs to focus on:

, canteens, pizzerias and other establishments Catering;
seasonal stalls selling takeaway food;
food delivery services;
markets of various formats, catering companies with their own culinary production;
agencies for organizing picnics and outings;
enterprises engaged in the sale of vegetables and fruits.

As you can see, the list of opportunities for marketing products is quite wide. The entrepreneur only needs to form a profitable offer and convey information about it to as many partners as possible.

Types of disposable tableware

In order to comprehensively meet consumer demand, the manufacturer's assortment should include disposable tableware for drinks, soups, second courses, snacks, packaging of various products, as well as salad bowls, cutlery, tubules, plastic lids takeaway drink glasses and stir sticks.

For the manufacture of products, several types of raw materials can be used: plastic, including its degradable variety, special paper, wood. In addition, dishes made from natural materials are gaining popularity.

Disposable plastic tableware

Plastic cookware has a number of advantages. It is convenient, hygienic, practical, and is very inexpensive. The versatility of the material allows the production of a wide range of products - plates, cups, cutlery, straws, stirring sticks of various colors, shapes and sizes. If necessary, you can apply a logo or a bright pattern.

Equipment for the production of plastic tableware

The standard line for the production of disposable tableware contains:

thermoforming machine;
extruder;
mold;
compressor.

The minimum cost of a set of equipment is about 3 million rubles. costs for the first batch of raw materials - from 100 thousand rubles.

Manufacturing technology + Video

Two types of plastic are used for the production of dishes:

polypropylene foam (durable, plastic, resistant to heat, dishes from it can be used for hot dishes and drinks, denoted by PP with the number 5);
polystyrene (products do not withstand heat, food cannot be stored in them, denoted by PS with the number 6).

The raw materials for the production of plastic dishes are granular polymers that look like balls of. The price per ton of granules fluctuates in the range of 45-100 thousand rubles, which depends on the brand, diameter and other characteristics.

This raw material is used by full-cycle enterprises, where it is supposed to melt the granules and make a film from which plastic utensils are produced. In an incomplete cycle, the manufacturer uses finished film worth 100-190 thousand rubles. per ton.

The full production cycle of disposable tableware includes the following steps:

Pellet melting. White or, if we are talking about the manufacture of colored dishes, multi-colored balls are placed in an extruder, where the raw material is heated to the melting point with constant stirring screw press.
Film making. Having reached the desired consistency, the mass is fed to a press, through which a plastic sheet 2 mm thick is obtained.
Shaping products. The film enters the thermoforming unit, warms up to a plastic state and is pulled into molds.
Cutting elements. A single piece of cloth with formed dishes moves to the trimmer, where individual elements separated from the whole canvas. Plastic pieces are sent for recycling.
Next, the dishes are sorted and fed to the conveyor, where they are modified - applying logos, bending the edges, etc.
Package. The machine selects the required number of products and places them in a film.

In a similar way, the production of dishes from biodegradable plastic is carried out.

Video how to do it:

Disposable tableware made of bioplastic

Disposable tableware made of biodegradable plastic is positioned as "green", but the material, although to a lesser extent than its biodegradable counterpart, still pollutes the environment, since methane and carbon dioxide are released during decomposition. However, green lifestyle advocates welcome this “lesser evil” decision and are happy to use the product.

Main competitors

Among the giants of the disposable tableware market, the following companies can be noted: U2B, My Dishes, GORNOV GROUP, Plastic-Step, Misteriya, Papperskopp Rus, Huhtamaki, Trial Market, PapStar, The Paper Cup Company.

firmly entered our life plastic bottles, containers and utensils. But simultaneously with “plasticization”, there are more and more reports about the danger that this material is fraught with: under certain conditions, it releases toxic compounds that, when they enter the human body, gradually undermine his health.

American scientists claim that up to 80% of the "plastic" substances found in the human body get there from construction and finishing materials, in particular, from such popular plastic windows, furniture, but most of all - from dishes: from food plastic, all kinds of compounds pass into food. Domestic manufacturers, in turn, assure that certified plastic utensils are absolutely safe. True, they make a reservation: if you use it for its intended purpose.

The most common polymer materials(or plastics) - polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and polycarbonate. They produce both technical and food plastics. The polymers themselves are inert, non-toxic and do not "migrate" into food. But here intermediates, technological additives, solvents, as well as chemical decomposition products can penetrate into food and have a toxic effect on humans.

This process can occur during storage of products or when they are heated. In addition, polymeric materials are subject to change (aging), as a result of which degradation products are released from them. And different kinds plastics become toxic various conditions- some cannot be heated, others can not be washed, etc.

Festive mood

So what is "mystery"? This is a large trading and manufacturing company operating in the direction of manufacturing products from foamed propylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). What is in the assortment of the holding "Mystery"? Disposable tableware, plastic furniture, household and industrial goods, bags and containers, overalls, household chemicals and even cosmetic accessories and stationery.

For the manufacture of products, the company uses several production lines, each of which has modern technical equipment. Raw materials for the manufacture of products will be used safe and exclusively primary.

All products have mandatory quality certificates (including international ones). This is extremely important feature company, because one of the most requested items in its catalog is children's dishes "Mystery" (disposable). This ruler is made of thick cardboard, on which a colorful image is applied (mostly popular cartoon characters).

It's delicious to drink!

Of the entire diverse list of brand products, the most popular are glasses and cups "Mystery". What are disposable cups and why they are needed, it is not worth explaining. We will delve only into the features of each position and find out the fundamental differences between one or another type of container.

The company makes products from different materials:

APET - cups made of sheet plastic by forming, suitable only for cold products (drinks, cocktails, necks);
cardboard is a safe raw material, suitable for cold and hot drinks, does not deform and does not distort the taste of the contents;
PS - material for dishes that will not be exposed to elevated temperatures, if you pour a liquid with a temperature above 60 degrees Celsius into a glass of foam styrene, it will begin to melt and release hazardous substances;
PP - such cups and cups are "not afraid" of hot, do not react to alcohol-containing substances, when deformed they are crushed, but do not crack.

The container can be different in volume and configuration. These are small glasses of 100 and 150 ml, and glasses from 185 ml to 0.5 liters. Product design is also represented by more than one standard solution. The range includes glasses, glasses, cups, wine glasses and goblets. Figured products are made of durable plastic, keep their shape perfectly, and therefore have ideal solution for table setting at crowded events (weddings, corporate parties, presentations, etc.).

And delicious to eat!

We almost figured out what "Mystery" is. Now let's talk about disposable plates. The company's catalog is rich in dishes with different diameters and depths. The manufacturer offers round dishes 11, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 25 cm in diameter. These are portioned plates, bowls, salad bowls, as well as sectional (two or three divisions) buffet containers.

Rectangular packaging plates are also available to clients of the Misteria company. This perfect solution for canteens, retail chains engaged in the sale of bulk food products and ready-made culinary products.

An excellent alternative to plastic disposable tableware will be plates made of coated or plain cardboard or formed paper. Such products have bright design, optimal dimensions and improved quality.

Wholesale is cheaper

Ware "Mystery" is sold for retail buyers and large wholesalers. The company not only sells its own products, but also cooperates with other manufacturers from related fields. The basis of the company's client base is made up of customers from the European part of Russia. It is in this region that the Misteria holding is a true leader in the market of disposable products and other goods for home and business.

A wide range of products allows the client to make all the necessary order from one seller. Experienced designers have assembled ready-made universal sets of dishes, complemented by other accessories for table setting (napkins, tablecloths, tubules). At the same time, there are kits for all occasions, the most popular correspond to the following topics:

"Children's Party"
"New Year".
"Picnic in nature".
"Elegant".
"Economy".

The standard set consists of glasses (1-2 types), plates (1-2 types), spoons, forks, knives, napkins, tablecloths and cocktail tubes.

Special offer

In addition to the fact that the Misteria company sells ready-made sets of disposable tableware, customers can make the selection that suits them best on their own. In this case, the customer individually negotiates with the company manager the number of items included in the purchase, as well as their design and delivery terms.

In the "Mystery" catalog, customers can pick up not only all the necessary disposable tableware, but also various serving accessories:

skewers;
cocktail umbrellas;
various straws;
stirrers;
forks for canapés and sandwiches.

A wide selection and richness of product lines allows you to create harmonious sets, where all serving items will be made in the same style. All products are made from improved material with excellent strength and aesthetic characteristics.

After direct use or by buying new disposable tableware, you can give it a second life - make various crafts out of it with your own hands. Moreover, such an activity is suitable for both small children and adults, it all depends on the complexity of the idea.

Ladybug made of plastic spoons

Everyone from childhood remembers and loves beautiful red bugs with black dots. Any child, no doubt, will enjoy making such crafts from disposable tableware.

To work, you will need the following tools and materials:

Three disposable spoons;
Flat button without through holes;
White, red and black acrylic paints;
Paint brush;
Scissors;
Wire;
Glue gun.

At the very beginning, it is necessary to cover the prepared spoons with paint, apply red on two spoons, and black on one. After the paint has completely dried on red spoons, you should draw dots in black. The button also needs to be painted black, and draw eyes with white paint on the sides.

Now you need to cut off the handles from the spoons with scissors, trimming the edges for beauty.

The next step is gluing the red winged spoons by stacking them one on top of the other. Here you will need a glue gun.

Then the finished wings are glued to the black spoon-body of the ladybug.

A button-head is glued to the base of the spoon-wings. If you want, you can make a mustache out of wire and glue them to an impromptu head.

So that the ladybug can be seated on a pot of flowers, a thicker wire is glued to the black spoon. Thus our ladybug from spoons is ready, now you can send it to the flowers.

You can watch the video on how to make snowdrops from plastic spoons.

Fan of disposable forks

You can create any crafts from disposable tableware, even from forks. For example, you can make a beautiful and practical fan for girls.

For this we need:

22 disposable forks;
Red and white lace;
Red satin ribbons;
beads;
Glue;
Cardboard or disposable paper plate;
CD-ROM;
Simple pencil;
Scissors.

on cardboard or paper plate we circle the CD-ROM with a pencil, cut out a circle along the contour and cut it exactly into two halves. On the outer side of the semicircle, we lay out the main attribute in such a way that the heads of the forks are tightly pressed against each other. In this position, the forks are glued to the cardboard semicircle with handles, about two centimeters from the edge. And a second semicircle of cardboard is glued on top.

Now you can start decorating the fan. Flowers are cut out of white lace and glued to each fork. You can also thread red lace between the handles of the forks at the base of the fan, and glue lace flowers with beads on the cardboard and fasten a satin ribbon bow in the very center. This craft, despite the apparent fragility, can last a long time if high-quality materials are used when creating.

Children's crafts from disposable plates

The smallest masters and craftswomen can easily make crafts from disposable plates. Having white paper plates, paints, brushes, colored paper and glue on hand, you can make interesting faces of animals or fairy-tale characters, as well as fruit platter from ordinary plates.

For this, a plate is taken, painted in desired color and is made out of pre-cut paper elements, although you can cope with the help of paints alone. Thus, a set of ordinary disposable plates turns into a whole zoo or a fairy tale.

Crafts from plastic cups

Anything can be made from disposable cups - from a child's toy to an interior detail, it all depends on the master's imagination. For example, having a glass, a marker and tubes, you can make a funny deer, which is shown in the photo.

And with the help of colored plastic cups, scissors and rhinestones, excellent flowers are made that decorate the walls for the holiday.

With a little more effort, you can collect a whole bunch of beautiful flowers from multi-colored cups.

You can watch a master class on making a snowman from plastic cups on the presented video.

As can be seen from the above, various crafts are made from disposable tableware with their own hands, be it forks, spoons, cups or a set of plates.

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 white color. Polystyrene is indicated by two large letters PS. This means that the packaging is only for cold foods. 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

Disposable tableware is made from polypropylene Brown eg 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, creamy 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 rate. 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.

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 technologies 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 microwave ovens. 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, for example, from ice cream. Nothing happens to them in the freezer, but under the action high temperatures they can deform. 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.