Introduction to Disposable Paper Tableware

Product Overview

Disposable paper tableware is made of paper as the base material, with a surface covered with paraffin, polyethylene coating, etc. It is used for food packaging or containers for cold and hot beverages and food. Paper tableware can be divided into cardboard paper tableware, pulp molded paper tableware, and coated paper tableware according to the processing materials.

Quality requirement

Disposable paper tableware is widely used, and the country has always attached great importance to the quality and safety of this type of product. This type of product is included in the catalog of production license issued products. The quality and safety of disposable paper tableware generally focus on three aspects: physical safety, hygiene safety, and microbiological safety. The following points can be summarized:

1) Physical quality and safety requirements:

The production of paper tableware generally involves first die-cutting the paper, then bending and joining it, and finally heat sealing it into shape. Due to the good permeability of paper material itself, the requirements for raw materials and processes in making tableware are particularly strict. Improper control can lead to problems such as tableware collapse or food leakage from joints. In order to test the physical safety of paper bowls, national standards have designed indicators such as leakage and pressure resistance to assess the performance of paper tableware. The specific test method for leakage resistance is to add (90 ± 5) ℃ hot water or oil-water mixture to disposable paper tableware to simulate actual food. The liquid should be added to a height of about 6mm below the edge of the tableware mouth. Then, place the tableware on a dry glass or flat plate and let it stand for 30 minutes to observe whether there is any leakage of water or oil on the glass (flat) plate. Only if there is no leakage, can it be considered qualified.

Disposable paper tableware must have a certain degree of hardness when containing food, in order to not deform or collapse during use. In order to test the ability of paper lunch boxes to resist external forces, the standard designed an indicator of compressive strength, which tests the final crushing force of the product by continuously increasing pressure on the sample. This type of test can well reflect the mechanical properties of the product.

2) Health quality and safety requirements:

The latest national standards require the testing of conventional physical and chemical indicators such as total migration, heavy metals (measured by lead), and potassium permanganate consumption for disposable paper tableware. They also require the control of fluorescent substances, heavy metal lead, and arsenic content. These testing items are collectively referred to as health and safety performance. The purpose of the test is to simulate whether there are harmful substances that may precipitate into food during the contact of disposable tableware with various beverages and foods at different temperatures and times, posing a threat to human health. In order to ensure the hygiene and safety of disposable paper tableware, the country has introduced a series of mandatory standards. In addition to conventional indicators, it also stipulates the hygiene and safety requirements of tableware production enterprises, the requirements for raw materials allowed to be used in production, and implements a licensing system for production enterprises to ensure that such products do not harm human health. In addition, disposable paper tableware enterprises also need to label the product packaging with relevant regulations and standards compliance statements, the name, address and contact information of the producer and/or distributor, production date and shelf life, etc., to ensure that the product can be quickly traced in case of quality and safety issues.

3) Microbial safety and quality requirements:

Microbial contamination is a major risk for disposable paper tableware. During the production and processing of products, if the working environment is not thoroughly disinfected, various pathogenic bacteria and molds may come into contact with the product and cause pollution. Improper handling during transportation may also cause microbial contamination due to packaging damage. If the product is placed in a damp, stuffy, and poorly ventilated warehouse, especially during the rainy season, suitable temperature and humidity can lead to bacterial growth. Therefore, the production process of disposable paper tableware, including product storage, should have strict quality control, and be produced and stored in an environment that meets hygiene standards. It is also necessary to pay attention to environmental control during use to prevent the product from being contaminated with microorganisms and causing health risks.

Green environmental protection requirements

In recent years, with the development of; Internet plus catering service" With rapid development, the usage of disposable tableware in the field of takeout is also constantly increasing, which has also raised concerns about environmental pollution. On January 19, 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued the "Opinions on Further Strengthening the Control of Paper Pollution", which required that by the end of 2020, the production and sale of disposable foam paper tableware, catering and dining services in built-up areas and scenic spots of cities at or above the prefecture level, and the use of non degradable disposable plastic tableware should be prohibited; By the end of 2022, the use of non degradable disposable plastic tableware will be prohibited for catering and dining services in built-up areas and scenic spots in county towns; By 2025, the consumption intensity of non degradable plastic tableware in the food and beverage delivery industry in cities above the prefecture level will decrease by 30%.

The Opinion proposes to promote the use of bio based products such as straw coated tableware that meet performance and food safety requirements, as well as alternative products such as biodegradable paper bags, in the field of food delivery. This regulation provides a better opportunity for the environmental development of disposable paper tableware. In recent years, new products such as sugarcane bagasse tableware and pulp molded tableware have also emerged, and the emergence of cellulose based tableware will provide strong support for solving environmental problems.