The Karat Guide to Going Green
As more cities begin to ban single-use plastics, the push for environmentally friendly restaurant supplies is bigger than ever. Alternative materials such as compostable PLA (Polylactic acid) or biodegradable bagasse are typical replacements and soon to be expected in every food service establishment. Whether your legislature has already approved a deadline or you want to be proactive for the cause, here is a simple guide on eco-friendly alternatives you need to make the switch and go green.
Take Out Containers
Common take out containers are made out of Styrofoam or plastic, both of which contain harmful chemicals and do not decompose in landfills. These Karat Earth items are perfect alternatives:
| Current Product | Eco-Friendly Option |
| Foam Square Take Out Container with Hinged Lid — Single Compartment | Karat Earth 9”x9″ Compostable Bagasse Hinged Containers |
| Foam Square Take Out Container with Hinged Lid — 3-Compartment | Karat Earth 9″x9″ Compostable Bagasse Hinged Container – 3 Compartments |
| Foam RectangularTake Out Container with Hinged Lid | Karat Earth 9”x6” Compostable Bagasse Hinged Containers |
| Plastic Round Deli Containers | Karat Earth 16oz PLA Eco-Friendly Deli Containers |
| Plastic Hinged Containers | Karat Earth 9”x9″ PLA Hinged Container |
| Plastic Clamshell Containers | Karat Earth 6”x6” PFAS Free Compostable Bagasse Hinged Containers |
The Karat Earth containers are also available in other sizes and in either natural or kraft colors.
Disposable Cups
Most restaurants, food trucks and food kiosks need disposable cups to serve beverages both for dine-in and take out orders. Cold beverages like soda and beer are either poured in a clear plastic cup or a plastic-lined paper cup to prevent condensation. The key issue in both those options are the unwanted plastic materials. Switching to cups made with plant-based material like PLA gives a feel of plastic but is commercially compostable!
| Current Product | Eco-Friendly Option |
| Poly-Lined Paper Cold Cups | Karat Earth Eco-Friendly Paper Cold Cups |
| Clear Plastic Cold Cups | Karat Earth PLA Eco-Friendly Cups |
| Poly-Lined Paper Hot Cups | Karat Earth Eco-Friendly Paper Hot Cups |
| Karat Earth Eco-Friendly Insulated Paper Hot Cups |
The Karat Earth cups are all available multiple sizes and in either white or One Earth print.
Single Use Utensils
Unless your customers are eating pizza or a sandwich, they will need utensils. Unfortunately it is difficult to recycle small plastic utensils so they all end up in landfills. To combat this issue, compostable plant-based materials can be used to provide a durable functional option.
| Current Product | Eco-Friendly Option |
| Plastic Fork | Karat Earth PLA Heavy Weight Compostable Forks |
| Karat Earth® WRAPPED CPLA Compostable Fork | |
| Karat Earth Wooden Compostable Heavy Weight Fork | |
| Plastic Spoon | Karat Earth PLA Heavy Weight Compostable Spoon |
| Karat Earth® WRAPPED CPLA Compostable Spoon | |
| Karat Earth Wooden Compostable Heavy Weight Spoon | |
| Plastic Knife | Karat Earth PLA Heavy Weight Compostable Knife |
| Karat Earth® WRAPPED CPLA Compostable Knife | |
| Karat Earth Wooden Compostable Heavy weight Knife | |
| Plastic Cutlery Kits | Karat Earth CPLA Compostable Cutlery Kits (Knife, Fork, Tea Spoon, 2-ply Napkin) |
Karat Earth PLA utensils are available in multiple weights from medium to heavy.
Plastic Straws
Plastic straws were among the first single use products to gain widespread concern and city bans. Many customers prefer to sip from a straw as opposed to drinking directly from a glass and straws are essential for enjoying a beverage on the go. Karat has 3 options to eliminate the troublesome plastic straw.
| Current Product | Eco-Friendly Option |
| Plastic straw | Karat Earth Paper Straw |
| Karat Earth PLA Clear Straws | |
| Karat PET Plastic Strawless™ Sipper Lid |
Karat Earth paper and PLA straws are available in multiple sizes and can be found either wrapped or unwrapped.
Disposable Plates
Foam plates are great for buffets, barbecues and tailgates but foam goes straight into landfills when finished and does not decompose. Selecting biodegradable bagasse plates is the sustainable option to continue serving meals on single use plates.
| Current Product | Eco-Friendly Option |
| Foam Plate | Karat Earth Compostable Bagasse Round Plates |
| Foam Plate — 3 compartments | Karat Earth Compostable Bagasse Round Plates — 3 compartments |
Karat Earth plates are available in multiple sizes and can be found in natural or white colors.
Shop Karat Packaging
A growing number of companies are stepping up their contribution to mitigate their environmental impact. Making the switch to eco-friendly alternatives does not have to be significantly more expensive. Karat Packaging offers competitively priced products and easily met thresholds. Your customers and the Earth will appreciate your business going green. For more information about Karat and Karat Earth products, please contact your Sales Rep or email us at info@karatpackaging.com.