Recycled Paper Tableware

Can there be much difference in the quality of one disposable table cloth to another? Does the method in which one is manufactured have much bearing on its quality, sustainability or suitability?

The answer is maybe so.

There are numerous manufacturers of disposable table cloths, paper napkins and banquet rolls in the United Kingdom, but there only seems to be one which offers a product which is 100% recycled.

This paper table cloth is called Dispotex and is distributed by Dispo International and Event Supplies, both are catering supplies distributors in West Yorkshire.

The reason there is only one manufacturer which offers a 100% recycled paper table cloth is unclear, maybe it has to do with a confused understanding of our laws concerning recycled content in food packaging.

At the moment it is against the law for any disposable food container product which comes into direct contact with foodstuffs to have any recycled content, obviously one would not want something which was once toilet paper to then become something you put in your mouth! Most people don't eat their dinner directly from a tablecover, most still using crockery, therefore a disposable table cloth is the perfect type of catering disposable product to incorporate recycled paper (oddly you can find recycled paper serviettes available here, beware!)

With regard to the look and feel of the tablecloths most of the other manufacturers pin emboss their banquet paper to provide a basic pattern but the Dispotex product is damask steam embossed and looks more attractive. As the Tablecloth is steam embossed the paper is used to water and is more resistant to liquids should accidents occur.