About this article
What actually is palm leaf as a packaging material and how can you apply it to your food packaging and tableware? Your questions answered.
13 Aug 2021
4 min
James Pitcher
What is palm leaf as packaging material?
Palm leaf products are made from the discarded leaves of palm trees. In India, these leaves are collected, thoroughly cleaned with high-pressure water and pressed into various shapes to create disposable food packaging products.
Why is it a great material for food packaging and tableware?
Palm leaf is an excellent choice for food-related products due to its unique properties.
- With their natural wood-like appearance, these pressed leaves are often used to make visually appealing tableware like plates and bowls.
- The process used creates a safe, durable packaging material that is strong enough to handle hot and cold foods without bending or breaking.
- Products made from palm leaf are naturally resistant to oil and moisture, making them ideal for serving meals or packing food.
- This material is microwave and oven-safe up to 200℃, allowing for reheating or cooking directly in the container.
Read more on our top tips for choosing the best sustainable food packaging for you.
What is the best end-of-life option for palm leaf products?
The optimal choice for disposing these items is industrial composting. In a controlled composting environment, they decompose effectively. Learn more about compostable packaging here.
If industrial composting facilities are not available, they be disposed of in the general waste bin.
Does palm leaf decompose in the environment?
No, not really.
Palm items should never be littered. They require high temperatures to break down and won’t decompose efficiently in the open environment.
Therefore, like any other packaging, such as plastic or aluminium, proper disposal is essential. Discover more about the life cycle of packaging here.
Do palm leaf products contain chemicals or coatings?
None.
Verive’s palm leaf products are made from natural materials. The production process relies solely on steam, heat and water to shape the leaves—without any chemical additives or coatings.
It is also an SUPD-proof material.
More questions?
You can find palm tree tableware in our SUPD-proof catalogue.
Get the PDF version of this factsheet.
If you have any questions about our products or their materials, please get in touch with us, we’d be happy to hear from you.
James Pitcher
Sustainability isn’t about choosing to do the right thing OR grow your business, we can help you to do both
