2011-12 Biodegradable School Lunch Trays
Forsyth County Schools
Forsyth County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department is excited to introduce biodegradable
trays in all FCS middle and high schools.
The trays are comprised of bagasse, which is an agricultural waste that remains after sugar cane
stalks are processed for their juices. The raw materials used for these trays leave a small
environmental footprint and they regenerate very quickly and abundantly in nature.
Product Characteristics
Raw Material - Agricultural Waste - Bagasse straw, wheat stalk, reed, bamboo
Degradation - Biodegradable in water, soil and garbage in 60 to 180 days Safety
Global hygiene and food safety standards
UV-sterilized
Acid, oil, and water resistant
No mold count, No yeast count, No Coli form Bacteria (MPN)
Natural material
Temperature Resistance Oil 302°F, Hot water 212°F, Refrigeration -13°F
Microwave safe, Steamer safe, Oven safe 428°F
Static Loading Strong and Rigid - no distortion
Leak Resistance - Waterproof, Oil-proof
Completely Customizable - design to specific shapes and sizes.
Product Advantages are designed to replace petroleum based packaging products.
Not a contributor to deforestation.
Not a contributor to food price inflation.
How bagasse products compare for environmental
responsibility
Specifically designed to utilize natural, abundantlyrenewable resources
Coated
Bagasse
Plastic Styrofoam
Paper
products
NO
NO
NO
YES
Uses agricultural waste and recycles it into useful products NO
NO
NO
YES
Level of greenhouse gas emissions
HIGH HIGH HIGH
LOW
Level of fossil fuels used in production
MORE HIGH HIGH
LOW
Biodegradable
NO
NO
NO
YES
Compostable
NO
NO
NO
YES
Use landfill space
YES
YES
YES
NO
Specifically designed with the environment in mind
NO
NO
NO
YES