Toxic bamboo fibers - What you need to know.

The anti-waste law for a circular economy provides for the phasing out of all single-use plastic packaging by 2040.

Since January 1, 2021, straws, disposable cutlery, stirrers, lids for take-out cups, expanded polystyrene boxes, steaks, balloon sticks, plastic confetti and other objects made of oxodegradable plastic (which fragments by oxidation under the action of environment or degradation catalysts) are prohibited. 

To be able to have lunch on the go, you may have chosen bamboo fiber tableware  (mugs / cups / lunch boxes / plates / cutlery...)?

What is bamboo fiber?

Bamboo fibers are a type of plant fiber extracted from the bamboo plant. These fibers can be used for many different purposes such as dishes, utensils, and bowls.

Bamboo is a type of plant that grows quickly. It grows about four feet per day. This makes it a sustainable resource for many products, including fabric. Bamboo fiber is extracted from the bamboo plant and spun into yarns or woven into fabrics.

Do not confuse bamboo with bamboo fibers mixed with melamine!

But beware of the melamine of certain utensils and dishes mixed with bamboo fiber because more and more dishes and other utensils containing this fiber are spreading on the market.

Promoted as more natural or as an alternative to disposable tableware, however, they are not only made from bamboo fibers.  

Contrary to what one might think, bamboo tableware is not only made from bamboo. It also contains melamine, a polymer resin which is not toxic in itself but contains compounds which can be dangerous when exposed to heat or in contact with acidic products.

In 2020, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BFR) conducted a survey of 228 types of bamboo cups. 

The results showed that the cups showed alarming levels of toxins  when a very hot liquid (70°C and more) was poured into them. According to the researchers, the melamine that went into the composition of these mugs decomposed in the form of formaldehyde and monomers, compounds classified as carcinogenic.

Migrations can take place from the plastic material to the food or drink, often under the effect of heat or in an acid medium. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment revealed that 35% of the mugs analyzed exceeded the European limit values ​​in this area. Some even exceeded the recommended threshold for children by 120 times.

These objects presented as natural and organic are not because they contain polymers such as melamine.

But then, how to choose and see the difference?

Be careful, choose products only made of bamboo, without melamine or other plastic materials.

Each product contains logos  relating to the use that can be made of it. Dishwasher, microwave: a logo on the back of the plate or bowl, for example, tells you if its use is authorized. If it is bamboo, these logos will be crossed out to indicate prohibition.  

Visually, too, the consumer can distinguish. If it is a 100% bamboo utensil , he will clearly see the wooden structure of the bamboo. In the case of bamboo fibers, the material has the appearance of plastic, without a wooden structure.   

If in doubt, use glass, stainless steel, porcelain or wooden containers.

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Such as bamboo  plates and cutlery to personalize with first name, surname, text or logo, bamboo toothbrush, recycled canvas bag to personalize, mugs and reusable insulated bottles to personalize,...  

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Impress your employees by respecting your commitments and your values ​​by creating an original, tailor-made and REALLY responsible corporate gift box . We select for you the best eco-responsible, customizable, original and useful products. 

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