Bamboo takeout boxes are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic or paper containers. They're made using natural materials and processes that minimize environmental impact and help to reduce waste. These particular boxes are even more unique in that they've got a clear window that doesn't have to be removed before composting. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a plastic polymer that's derived from plants instead of petroleum - which means it can biodegrade and compost. The trade-off versus petroleum plastics is that it's less durable and heat/moisture resistant - but that's not a huge problem for single use disposable boxes.
How are bamboo takeout boxes made?
What is the process for making bamboo takeout boxes?
Fully grown has hard outer layer that's unsuitable for paperboard, which is removed after chopping the bamboo into tiny pieces.
Much like paper, the bamboo is ground into fine fibers and water is introduced to make a slurry that is more malleable and can be run through a press to dry (again, much like paper manufacturing.)
The pulp is then pressed into a thin sheet of material, similar to paperboard. Then, the PLA Window (plant-based bioplastic) is applied. Next, the sheet is cut, folded and glued into its final shape before packaging.
The containers are stacked inside of each other thanks to their tapered-trapezoid shape, and packed into a box for shipping.
Why use bamboo for takeout boxes?
What is the process for making bamboo takeout boxes?
Bamboo is considered a reasonably sustainable and renewable resource. The plant grows to a point at which it can be harvested in 3 to 5 years. This makes it easy to replant and re-harvest.
It can also be grown in a wide range of warm regions, including Southern USA - which can help with lowering the carbon impact due to raw material transport.
The bamboo plant is also highly versatile - with 1,200 different varieties of plant - it's used to make more than just packaging - but also toilet paper, clothing, bedding, flooring, blinds and more.
An environmentally import feature of bamboo growing - is that bamboo requires less water than a lot of other types of fibrous crops that can be used for paper-like material.
On top of that - since it's still plant matter - it's biodegradable and compostable.
Overall, bamboo takeout containers are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional plastic or paper containers. They are made using natural materials and processes that minimize environmental impact and help to reduce waste.
