Paper plates: Practical, versatile & consciously selected

Whether for a lively garden party 🎉, a professional catering job 👨‍🍳, or a quick lunch al fresco ☀️ – paper plates are an incredibly practical solution. They save time washing up, are easy to transport, and are hygienic. But in times of growing environmental awareness, many questions arise: How sustainable are paper plates really? What exactly are they made of? And how do you dispose of them properly?

As your experienced partner for packaging and catering supplies, Commerline not only offers you a wide range of paper plates for every occasion, but also the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision 💡.

A quick material check: Which paper plate can do what? 🔍

Choosing the right plate depends largely on what you want to serve. A simple, uncoated plate is great for dry cakes 🍰, but quickly reaches its limits when it comes to salad dressings 🥗. Here's an overview:

Material / coating Main features Suitable for... Disposal (normal case - check locally!) Sustainability information
cardboard, uncoated Natural, simple Dry, non-fatty foods Waste paper (if clean) 📄 Minimal material usage, recycling possible (clean)
Cardboard + PE coating Water & grease repellent, affordable Cold & warm dishes, salads, sauces residual waste 🗑️ Coating made of petroleum, makes recycling much more difficult
Cardboard + PLA coating Water & grease repellent Cold & warm dishes, salads, sauces Residual waste 🗑️ (rarely: organic waste bin allowed 🌱) Coating made of plant starch (renewable), industrially compostable (DIN 13432), not home compostable
Cardboard + wax coating Water-repellent Rather cold, slightly moist foods residual waste 🗑️ Often more natural waxes, check degradation behavior

DEFINITION: Food safe 🍴
All paper plates intended for sale in the EU must be food-safe. This means that no harmful substances can be transferred from the plate to the food. You can often recognize this by the glass and fork symbol. At Commerline, you can rest assured that all products meet this standard.

Variety for every occasion: Our paper plate selection at Commerline ✨

In addition to the various materials and coatings, Commerline offers paper plates specifically tailored to different requirements and occasions. Our product range typically includes:

Sustainability of paper plates: An honest look ♻️

Paper plates often have a bad reputation when it comes to environmental friendliness. But is this always justified?

    • Raw material: Cardboard is made from wood (virgin fiber) or recycled paper. Virgin fiber for paper products ideally comes from sustainable forestry (e.g., FSC® 🌳). Recycled cardboard conserves wood resources.
    • The coating is a problem: While the ultra-thin plastic layer (usually PE or PLA) makes the plate suitable for everyday use, it poses a problem when it comes to recycling and composting. It's difficult to separate from the paper.
    • "Bio" is not always "bio": PLA coatings are plant-based, which sounds good. However, they are only compostable under industrial conditions (DIN EN 13432 standard). In home compost or in nature, they decompose barely any faster than conventional plastic 🤔.
    • The disposal factor: The greatest lever for the environmental balance lies in correct disposal.

How to dispose of paper plates properly: 🗑️

Our French fries bowls impress with their stability and durability – whether you are serving currywurst or fries.

    • Rule No. 1: Coated paper plates (whether PE or PLA) and heavily soiled plates almost always belong in the general waste! They interfere with paper recycling and cannot be composted in most facilities.
    • Exception: This is only an option if your local waste disposal company expressly allows the disposal of PLA products via the organic waste bin (rare!).
    • Only clean, uncoated paper plates may be put in the waste paper/paper bin 📄.
    • Never throw it into nature! 🚫🌳

Conclusion on sustainability: ⚖️


Paper plates are disposable products with a corresponding environmental impact. However, they may be a better choice than other disposable options if:

    • The pulp used comes from responsible sources wherever possible.
    • They are disposed of correctly in the residual waste (if coated/dirty).
    • They should only be used when reusable packaging is really not an option.

Alternatives to classic paper plates

    • Other disposable materials: Plates made of palm leaves 🌴, sugarcane (bagasse), or bamboo are often compostable and have a unique appearance. However, their environmental impact depends heavily on production and transport methods.
    • Reusable tableware: The most environmentally friendly solution for frequent use or existing dishwashing infrastructure (e.g. porcelain, reusable plastic, bamboo) 🍽️💧.

      Paper plates (disposable):

      • PRO: ✅ Cheap, lightweight, no rinsing, hygienic.
      • CONTRA: ❌ Consider waste generation, resource consumption, and disposal.

      Reusable:

      • PRO: ✅ Very environmentally friendly with frequent use, high quality.
      • CONTRA: ❌ Purchase costs, cleaning costs (water, energy), transport.

    Commerline: Your reliable partner for paper plates & catering supplies 🤝

    Frequently asked questions about paper plates (FAQ) ❓

    1. Are all paper plates coated?
    No, there are also uncoated plates, but these are only suitable for dry, non-greasy foods. Most common plates have a PE or PLA coating to protect against moisture and grease.

    2. Where do paper plates go after use?
    Coated and/or heavily soiled paper plates belong in the general waste 🗑️. Only clean, uncoated plates may be disposed of in the paper recycling 📄 (depending on local regulations).

    3. Is PLA ("bio" plastic) better than PE?
    PLA is made from renewable raw materials 🌱, which is a plus. However, it's only industrially compostable and poses the same problems with recycling as PE. Since separate collection and industrial composting are rarely possible across the board, both usually end up correctly in the residual waste.

    4. What does FSC® mean for paper plates?
    The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certifies wood and paper products from responsibly managed forests. It's an important seal to look for in paper products in general to support greater sustainability in raw material extraction.

    5. Can paper plates withstand sauces and dressings?
    Yes, coated paper plates (PE or PLA) are designed for this purpose and remain leak-proof for a certain period of time. However, if left standing for a very long time or if very hot, liquid food is used, they can also become soggy.

    6. Are there sturdy paper plates for main courses?
    Yes, there are significant differences in cardboard thickness. 💪. Pay attention to product descriptions or choose plates specifically marked for menus or catering. You'll find sturdy options at Commerline.

    7. Are paper plates an environmentally friendly alternative?
    They're a practical disposable solution. They're generally no more environmentally friendly than reusable ones. However, within the disposable options, they can be a viable choice if you choose carefully (e.g., considering the origin of the pulp) and dispose of them properly.

    Find the right paper plates for your needs now!

    Browse our selection and use the filters to find the ideal plates for your event or business. If you have any questions about materials, quantities, or specific requirements, the Commerline team of experts will be happy to assist you.

    Get advice now

    Recently viewed products