Designers across product, packaging and hospitality sectors are searching for lower-impact alternatives to conventional disposable tableware. Peelware, created by Peelable Dinnerware LLC, offers a new approach that reduces waste while keeping food safety and convenience in mind. The peelable design and plant-based material system make it a promising option for events, temporary spaces and catering environments where washing dishes is difficult.

A Layered System for Reuse

Peelware plates use unbleached, plant-based paper in a natural light-brown colour. The material contains no plastics, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), dyes, or bleaching agents. Each item includes up to twenty compacted layers. After a meal, users simply peel away the top layer to reveal a clean surface. This process extends the lifespan of each plate and reduces material use by up to a factor of ten compared with standard disposable products. A thick bottom layer gives the product strength, so the final layer remains stable and usable.

This approach is especially relevant for designers working on festivals, takeaway concepts, aviation services, mobility platforms or off-grid locations. It offers a practical way to cut down on disposable waste without relying on water-intensive washing.

Biobased and Compostable Materials

Peelware currently provides two paper types. The leak-resistant version works well for dry foods and is fully plant-based and backyard-compostable. The leakproof version includes an ultra-thin sand-based coating on the underside. Although the coating does not biodegrade in the biological sense, it is non-toxic and inert. Over time, it breaks down into mineral dust, unlike plastics that form micro- and nano-particles. Both material types degrade outdoors within two to five weeks, depending on conditions.

A third option, a plant-wax-infused leakproof paper, will be available in 2026. This development is important for designers and brands that want 100% biobased and compostable food-contact solutions.

Designed for Hygiene and Practical Use

Peelware adds several design details to improve hygiene. The folded edges protect the unused layers, while the hydrophobic paper allows brief rinsing if needed. The compact structure offers strong cut-resistance, except when using serrated or very sharp knives. The plates also heat food efficiently in the microwave without overheating themselves, which makes them suitable for quick-service environments.

Because the plates are lightweight and compact, they reduce the need for storage, transport and waste-handling space. Architects and interior designers working on cafés, canteens or food courts may find these advantages useful. Product and packaging designers may also draw inspiration from the layered construction and coating technology.

A Lower-Impact Alternative

Compared with conventional disposable plates, which often contain plastics or chemical coatings, Peelware focuses on safe, plant-based materials. Its compact format reduces emissions and costs throughout the supply chain. As interest in circular and biobased materials grows, Peelware shows how engineered paper composites can offer both convenience and a lower environmental footprint.

Source: Peelable