What is melamine?
Melamine is a synthetic resin made from a colourless, odourless chemical substance combined with formaldehyde to form a resin that is the base material for all melamine tableware.
It's a heavy, mostly unbreakable resin with a more flattering appearance than traditional plastic, which is why you'll find a lot of melamine tableware, whether for children or for professional use by caterers and restaurateurs. Melamine tableware first appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in outdoor camping tableware.
It offers a wide range of colours, finishes and patterns.
The quality of melamine tableware depends on the other additives used in its manufacture.
Stellinox melamine tableware is distributed by APS Germany and is guaranteed to be BPA-free and 100% pure melamine.
There's also a material called "melamined", which has a chipboard base to which a decorative paper impregnated with thermobonding resin is glued. This material is known as melamined wood and is used in the same way as laminated wood in the manufacture of furniture.
The difference between melamine tableware and melamine coated bamboo tableware
Melamine coated bamboo tableware is crookery made by combining melamine formaldehyde plastic resin with bamboo fibres and powder; the melamine resin has acted as a binder for the bamboo fibres and powder. Bamboo fibres need a "glue" to hold them together.
After years on the market, this type of melamine coated bamboo tableware was officially banned in June 2021.
We do not stock this type of tableware. You can find melamine tableware with a bamboo, wood, concrete or slate look, but it's not a mixture of melamine and another material, it's a look of melamine.
Is melamine eco-friendly and sustainable?
Melamine is a thermosetting plastic: it is irreversibly hard and cannot be reshaped or moulded by heating. Like all thermosetting plastics, melamine is therefore non-recyclable, non-biodegradable and non-compostable.
With good care, melamine tableware can last a long time! It is important to respect the maximum temperature allowed (melamine must not be heated above 70°C). As it is mostly unbreakable, you'll be able to use it for many years to come.
Best uses and applications
Melamine tableware is ideal for outdoor use or in environments where glass or porcelain tableware can be easily broken, as it is highly impact resistant:
- Outdoor use: picnics, barbecues, camping. Melamine tableware can be used on any surface.
- Children's tableware: Because it is hard to break, it is also a good choice for children's tableware. What's more, the wide range of colours and patterns makes for attractive, colourful children's tableware.
- Events and parties: a practical alternative to disposable tableware for all festive occasions, banquets and events where the design, variety of aspects and colours can be very imaginative.
- Boats and caravans: Melamine tableware is often preferred for use on boats or caravans, where it can be easily stored in confined spaces and used without risk of breakage.
- Catering: Melamine tableware is widely used in restaurants and cafeterias due to its durability and ability to withstand intensive use.
Precautions for melamine tableware
It's important to note that melamine tableware should not be used in microwave ovens or washed at temperatures above 70°C; it's important to respect this maximum temperature because at high temperatures the resin breaks down and can mix with food, posing a health risk. Do not use boiling water on melamine tableware.
Do not use abrasive sponges for cleaning, to avoid the risk of scratching and damaging the material.
What's the difference between melamined and melamine tableware?
Melamined and melamine laminate are two materials that, although they share the same basic component (melamine resins), are used in different contexts, particularly for tableware and furniture. In short, although both materials contain melamine, they are used in very different products and have properties tailored to their respective uses.
Melamined is a chemical compound which, when mixed with resin, forms a hard, durable plastic. This material is often used to make household items such as plates, bowls, trays and other types of tableware.
Melamine tableware is popular because of its impact resistance and light weight. It is ideal for everyday use, especially for children or outdoor dining, as it is difficult to break. It is scratch resistant and doesn't warp easily. It is important to note, however, that it should not be used in the microwave as it can break down in the heat of the oven.
Melamined refers to particleboard (often chipboard) or MDF (medium density fibreboard) covered with a sheet of paper impregnated with melamine resin. This sheet is applied under high pressure to create a hard, decorative surface.
Melamined is widely used in furniture and furnishings, for cabinets, shelving and worktops. It is valued for its affordability, ease of maintenance and availability in a wide range of finishes (wood imitations, solid colours, etc.).
Melamined is scratch, moisture and stain resistant. However, it is less strong than solid wood and is more susceptible to damage if the melamine layer is scratched or if water penetrates the underlying panel.
