There are safety concerns about their long-term usage with formaldehyde from this packaging leaking into food and drink. (FSA) In addition, these products when mixed with plastic are not compostable or recyclable - so far from the sustainable dream.

From 100% bamboo to plastic composites 

Certainly, bamboo has potential as it’s fast-growing (some species can grow over a metre a day) without pesticides or fertilisers and needs very little water. Although it is tough like wood, it’s a grass and releases 35% more oxygen into the air compared to trees the same size. 

However, the process of turning bamboo into disposable packaging often involves chemicals and additives that may pose health risks and are damaging to the environment. 

To increase durability or water resistance, bamboo fibres are often mixed with plastics or coated with chemicals, making them unsuitable for composting, even in industrial settings. In addition, the safety of these residues, especially with long-term exposure, is not well-studied, raising concerns about the health implications of using bamboo packaging for consumables.

Toxic bamboo cups

Back in 2019, it was found that reusable coffee cups made from resin containing bamboo fibre leak so much harmful formaldehyde and melamine into the drinks that the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warned that they should not be used for hot liquids. These cups were reusable but not compostable. Studies showed these bamboo mugs released ‘alarming’ levels of toxins into drinks at 70°C temperatures. Regular usage was thought to pose a significant health risk with up to 30 times the EU’s safe limit for adults and up to 120 times the limit for children. (Chemistry World)

Enter the FSA on bamboo food packaging

In the UK, last year, the FSA called for evidence on the safety of plastic containers or utensils which contain bamboo and other unauthorised plant-based materials (rice husks, wheat straw, and hemp). 

The Committee on Toxicity (COT) found that the presence of bamboo in plastic materials could result in above-safe amounts of formaldehyde or melamine migrating into food and drink. As it was unknown what the long-term health effects of this would be, consumers were advised to not use these products until further studies had been conducted.

It’s the long-term impact here that is unclear. Although formaldehyde is naturally produced by the body, ingesting it at high levels can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. Similarly, while melamine has low acute toxicity in the short-term, long-term effects could be harmful, including kidney or urinary tract damage.

These warnings are especially important when placing utensils or containers in the microwave or using them for hot and acidic foods and drinks - as it increases the likelihood they would be exposed to higher levels of harmful chemicals. 

After reviewing the evidence, in July 2024, the FSA continued its advice to not use plastic containers or utensils containing bamboo or other unauthorised plant-based materials, and they are not compliant with the relevant legislation due to safety concerns. 

Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA said: 

"Following our robust risk assessment process, we have found there to be insufficient evidence to provide us with confidence that these products are safe for consumers to use and therefore, our position remains that food containers and utensils containing bamboo composite material should not be sold in GB.

“We don’t know the long-term impacts to health from using these products and we continue to have concerns that chemicals such as formaldehyde and melamine might leak from these materials when they are in contact with food, especially hot or acidic foods.” (FSA, July 2024)

In Northern Ireland, these products have already been prohibited for sale as a food contact material, following the European Commission Food Contact Materials legislation.

It is important to note this advice is only related to products combining bamboo (or other unauthorised plant-based materials) and plastic - not for items that are 100% bamboo plant-based. 

Non-compostable bamboo/plastic products

Where bamboo is combined with plastics, the resultant packaging can contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution. Left in landfill, these products can release microplastics and toxic chemicals that are harmful to wildlife and ecosystems. 

These bamboo/plastic food products, which should not be used in your catering business, are not compostable and can’t be recycled. Therefore, they need to go in the general waste or be repurposed for non-food usage.

So far from being ‘eco-friendly’, bamboo disposables have turned out to be quite the reverse. 

Greenwashing - the need for transparency and better alternatives

The marketing of bamboo disposable packaging as an eco-friendly solution has led to widespread misconceptions about its environmental and safety credentials.

At Planglow, being sustainable and reducing the harm of disposables on the environment is our top priority. As part of this, we strive to be transparent. 

• Over half (63%) of our packaging lines have recyclable, home and / or industrial certification. 
• All of our packaging products are made from plant-based materials.
• All of our packaging is suitable for our closed-loop waste disposal solution.

Have you considered the potential risks of using bamboo packaging in your business? For an open discussion about “Eco packaging”, click here. 

Shop compostable packaging and labels here.