What is the heat tolerance of bio-plastics?
The heat tolerance varies because some additional additives (like wheat, tapioca and potato starch) may be used to allow higher temperatures. Generally speaking, PLA (clear bioplastic) has a heat tolerance of 110 degrees, but the cutlery can handle 140 degrees. As long as the cutlery is not immersed in hot food for prolonged periods of time. it can also effectively handle higher food temperatures. Some manufacturers add petroleum based plastic resin to raise the heat tolerance. However, these products are not approved by Cedar Grove as petroleum based plastics or additives will not compost.
