Reusable plastic dinnerware (plates, bowls, etc.) have been a mainstay on tables around the world for over 50 years. Each year, well over one billion pieces of are sold worldwide. Currently, virtually all of that dinnerware is molded from melamine resin (also known as urea formaldehyde), a plastic resin manufactured primarily in Asia. Melamine has two major issues that make it inhospitable in the modern kitchen:
In 1987, a plastic resin was developed by a Chicago-based company that would allow the airlines to microwave meals served in the coach cabin. (Remember those days?). It was the first thermoset plastic resin that was safe for food contact and did not absorb microwave energy - so only the food was heated - not the serving plate. After the airlines consolidated and 'hot meals in coach' became a fond memory, this material was put on the shelf. In 2013, through a series of coincidences, we were able to devise a commercially-viable process for applying digitally-printed images on the material we now call ThermoSāf ®. In 2014, DecoPlate® was formed to manufacture and distribute this unique and useful product and make it commercially available. ThermoSāf ® has a five significant advantages over melamine:
CBS News talks about the issues of melamine dinnerware.
LabDoor magazine gives a brief overview of the toxicity of melamine.
The World Health Organization has a great Q&A about melamine and the health risks associated with it.
The Food Packaging Forum has done some great research into the harm of melamine dinnerware.
Prevention.com is a good way to quickly learn about melamine dishes and their harmful properties.
Natural News explores the connection between kidney stones and melamine plates.