The topic of sustainability and wellness has been in the limelight over the past few years. Thus, consumers are gravitating toward materials that remind them of nature in all its forms. At a time like this, conventional catering is compelled to reinvent itself, and that’s where spun bamboo tableware comes in.
What Is Spun Bamboo?
Bamboo, known as green steel for its durability, is among the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Bamboo can regrow to its adult size in just 3-5 years. This plant is naturally mold-resistant, and does not require any fertilizers or pesticides. Bamboo is native to tropical and temperate climates and is most commonly found in Asia and South America.
Spun bamboo, also called ‘Coiled bamboo’, is an 800-year-old handicraft technique that derives from Vietnam to make homewares. It is called spun bamboo in that slats of bamboo are literally spun and then glued to create exquisite round shapes. Spun bamboo material is produced exclusively from the Nua (Neuhouzeaua Dullooa) variety which often grows in the highlands and delta areas of Vietnam, particularly in the Northern provinces such as Thanh Hoa, Nghe An.
Key Features of Spun Bamboo
Bamboo fibers are anti-bacterial in nature and require no toxic treatments, thereby preventing bacteria and microbes from growing on bamboo products. This property makes spun bamboo an ideal fit for naturally hygienic products like utensils, bowls, plates, and much more.
In addition, spun bamboo possesses outstanding strength and lifespan, so consumers can rest assured that, with proper care, it will certainly stand the test of time. It is not only suitable for use indoors but also elegant and durable enough for outdoor gatherings. Specifically, spun bamboo bowls as well as other homewares can last up to 3–5 years of use and more if given with proper care.
Once carefully crafted, spun bamboo possesses a smooth finish. That’s why it is used in various decorative household products such as bamboo utensils, bamboo trays with handles, and spun bamboo vases.
In view of the aesthetic qualities, it is worthwhile to further explore its application in larger interior design objects such as bamboo plant pots indoor and bamboo lamp shade for table lamp. Bamboo toothbrushes, combs, and other items are also growing in popularity. Wholesale bamboo fiber salad tableware, in particular, is also a great choice as they come in various sizes and pave the way for a greener future.
How Are Wholesale Bamboo Fiber Salad Tableware Made?
Bamboo Processing
After being harvested, the raw bamboo is chopped into pieces of about 1 meter for easier transportation. The fresh pieces are then submerged in water for 3-4 months to become softer and resist molds and termites. Next, they are exposed to the sun to fully dry and subsequently stored for gradual production. The bamboo processing stage will have the effect on products’ coloring, as well as preventing warping.
Depending on the dimension of the desired product, bamboo pieces are split into small slats with widths ranging from 1-2 cm. After that, only the middle parts are retained and bent into curved rings over a wood or ceramic mold.
Molding/ Shape Making
The bamboo slats are then soaked with PVA glue, skillfully spun into flat forms, and fixed by steel outer rings. Once this is completed, they are bent with wooden or cement molds to frame the basic shape of the final product and are then dried in the sun.
Planning
Like many Vietnamese handicraft products, the molds undergo a planning process to ensure it has a smooth surface. This entire process is usually carried out in the spun bamboo handicraft village households.
Incoming QC
Once the spun bamboo products’ base is completed, the raw bases are brought into a factory to be finished. One of the reasons for this is that it allows for the incoming QC to inspect every single mold collected from villagers.
Mold Gluing & Drying
At the factory, molds are soaked with water-resistant glue to make them more robust. To completely dry, they are typically placed in a drying room where the moisture level is around 6-8%. This is to determine whether the structure is sturdy enough or the material emits humidity. Cracked molds are to be singled out and filled with a mixture of strong PVA glue and stone powder. This is a crucial step to ensure that the products can withstand high temperatures or inclement climates.
Filling
At this stage, a layer of stone powder and water-resistant glue will be added to the surface of molds, after which they will be left for drying again.
Sanding
The raw products are then smoothed by simple machines and sanding papers to prepare for paint application or finishing steps.
Finishing (Painting)
This is a vital stage during the spun bamboo making process, which necessitates a significant amount of expertise on the part of the craftsmen. Painting rooms with running water will be utilized so as to safeguard artisans against the smell of paint.
An adhesive is applied to each side, the outer covered with special PU paints and pigments for protecting bowls from scratches and achieving the colors as required by customers, while the inner one is painted with water-based paint for food-contact purposes.
There are 4 common kinds of finish for spun bamboo bowls:
- Transparent or grainy color: Natural bamboo grain exposes and can be seen, might have a transparent paint layer
- Solid matte (paint): The bamboo grain is hidden underneath a matte color
- Solid gloss (paint): A thin layer of gloss (PU) like lacquer is added, delivering a brightening surface while covering bamboo grain
- Eggshell inlaid: Ducks’ shells, after being collected from incubators, are sealed on the bowls’ surface. Then, artisans will cover the pieces with decorative paint according to the customers’ demands.
Labeling & Packing
Sturdy as they are, bamboo bowls are not immune to heavy falls or repeated knocks during shipping and storing. Thus, our products must be wrapped with bubble wrapping in order to protect them against cracks, splits, or scratches. Personalized logos and labels are also available for customers’ demands. Each and every item is liable to a final QC by the end of the manufacturing process. All aspects will be thoroughly inspected before delivery.
Special Notes Of Wholesale Bamboo Fiber Salad Tableware
How do you care for a bamboo bowl?
Our products ought to be hand washed immediately after every use. They should not be soaked in water for long periods and should be wiped dry with a clean cloth. Then, you should keep the bowls in a dry ventilated place to prevent any moisture buildup. In addition, spun bamboo bowls are advised to avoid high heat, high and high humidity areas so that they will not warp.
Are bamboo bowls dishwasher safe?
Even though bamboo is very sturdy, our bowls should not be placed in a dishwasher or microwave. This is advisable as high heat and long exposure to moisture would cause the bowl to swell, crack, break, and shorten its lifetime.
Can you put hot food in bamboo bowls?
Yes, you can. However, we recommend that this sustainable bamboo dinnerware is ideally suited for cold and warm dishes. Salads, snacks, popcorn, fruits and vegetables can be served in it without any doubt.
Do bamboo bowls mold?
In fact, spun bamboo is not totally waterproof and weather resistant. Bamboo materials may absorb water due to improper handling or prolonged exposure to moisture, which can cause cracks or molds.
Are bamboo bowls safe to use?
You can rest assured that our wholesale bamboo fiber salad tableware surpasses food safety testing. All our products are thoroughly tested in order to comply with the requirements of LFGB Food Contact Grade Testing and REACH Certificate of Compliance. For spun bamboo bowls, their inner is coated with safe water-based paint according to Formaldehyde emission standard E0.
Key Takeaways
The use of wholesale bamboo fiber salad tableware solves many environmental issues in an incredible way. Due to its naturally renewable property, spun bamboo is one of the most sustainable raw materials. Be it at home or on the go, they are a practical, timeless classic. Absolutely no harmful chemicals are involved during the manufacturing process, significantly diminishing the carbon footprint as opposed to its plastic counterparts.
Artex Nam An is proud to offer this stunning product to the home decor industry. Its sustainable features truly make it a product unlike any other, without compromising on beauty, durability, or functionality!
