The Best Bamboo Plates for Kids

How to Find the Safest Materials

You would think choosing safe bamboo plates for kids that are non-toxic and eco-friendly is pretty straight forward, right? But what’s often overlooked is that many bamboo dishes include a resin to enhance their strength and binding capabilities. Unfortunately, these resins are more often than not melamine, which is derived from formaldehyde- non-biodegradable, and potentially harmful to human health. This in itself has led to the ban of bamboo dinnerware in various parts of Europe (read more about that here). 

So What Could Possibly Be Dangerous About Bamboo Plates For Kids?

It’s essential to be read the fine print when it comes to the ingredients used in bamboo plates. Many manufacturers bond bamboo fibres with chemical compounds like melamine and formaldehyde, both of which can pose health risks. According to Foodwatch, a citizen based food monitoring organisation which isn’t government or industry funded, formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen, while melamine may harm the urinary tract and kidneys. The risk intensifies when these products come into contact with acidic foods or are exposed to heat, as this can trigger chemical reactions that potentially release harmful substances. Therefore, understanding what’s in your bamboo dinnerware is crucial for ensuring a safe mealtime experience for you and your family (and psssst - ours pass the test!

And Don’t Forget Microplastics!

Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments measuring less than 5 millimeters—about the size of a sesame seed or smaller, with some particles even resembling grains of sand. Melamine and other thermosetting plastic materials in traditional non-breakable kids plates can break down into microplastics with age or exposure to heat or water in a process known as photo-degradation.

The accumulation of microplastics in the food chain poses significant health risks for both humans and wildlife. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to the potential toxins associated with these particles, making it crucial to minimise their exposure. Research indicates that microplastics can lead to inflammation and toxicity from absorbed chemicals, with possible links to serious diseases, including cancer. While the long-term effects are still under investigation, early findings raise alarming concerns about their impact on health.

It’s yet another reason why we want to avoid melamine bonded plant based plates - because while yes, the composition of plastic is minimal, it is still there posing a health hazard, and what’s more, it won’t break down over time (whereas our compostable plates will!)

So What Are The Best Bamboo Plates for Kids?

When it comes to safe plates for kids, 100% plant-based dinnerware is an excellent choice. Unlike many alternatives that use synthetic resins like melamine, plant-based options utilise natural binders made from plant starch or sugarcane. These materials are biodegradable and compostable, breaking down into safe components without leaving harmful residues.

EcoCubs plant based dinnerware features bamboo dishes that are composed of 70% bamboo fibres and 30% plant-based starch binders like corn or PLA. This means that they are truly 100% plant based, not “mostly plant based with melamine binders” - they're the ultimate choice for safe plates for kids.

Making the Right Call for Safe Bamboo Plates for Kids

Non toxic and eco-friendly dinnerware is crucial for the health of our families and the planet, it’s essential to be discerning about the materials used in these products. Many bamboo fibre dishes contain resins like melamine, which can pose significant health risks due to their toxic properties and non-biodegradable nature. By choosing dinnerware that is truly plant-based and free from harmful additives, we can ensure safer mealtimes for our children and make a positive impact on the environment.

Prioritising transparency and quality in our dinnerware choices not only protects our health but also sets a responsible example for future generations. At EcoCubs, we want to promise you that we have done all the research so that you don't have to in truly bringing the best bamboo plates for kids to the market.