Melamine: The rising popularity of the material
Over the past few years, there has been one distinct change when it comes to serveware within the hospitality industry. A change which has been brought about due to a need for increased durability and improved usability of products, especially during the summer months and breakfast / buffet serving periods. The change being the introduction of melamine as a material for hospitality.
But what is Melamine?
Melamine is renowned for its durability, heat resistance, and resistance to staining and scratching, making it a great choice for busy environments. It’s also lightweight, easy to clean, and low maintenance, which can help reduce operational costs. In addition to its practical benefits, melamine is also non-toxic and BPA-free, making it safe for use in catering operations. It’s made from virgin paper pulp sourced from sustainable forests, melamine resin (a chemical by-product of petroleum), and titanium dioxide, which is used for colour retention and to create solid colours. Colour pigments are also added to create different shades and patterns.
So, is Melamine safe?
Where our suppliers are concerned, yes! Dalebrook for example ensure that 100% of their melamine serveware and dinnerware comply with EU directives and are made from food-safe materials. It’s also good to know that Dalebrook regularly tests their products to ensure their safety and that their products don’t contain any urea or fillers. The fact that their name is embossed on the bottom of every product and is traceable to source is a testament to their commitment to quality and safety.
Is it breakable?
Yes, despite it’s highly break and scratch resistance qualities the material is not 100% unbreakable and can be scratched with a serrated knife or abrasive cleaning chemicals. With that being said, melamine still possesses a superior quality and lifespan when compared with other serveware materials.
Is it microwave and dishwasher safe?
Melamine is not suitable for use with direct heat, microwave or oven use. It is important to note that melamine must not be heated while in contact with food. Therefore, we recommend avoiding using Dalebrook’s melamine products in the microwave or oven. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Where dishwasher safe is concerned, melamine products are designed to withstand the pressures of daily cleaning by commercial dishwashers. This is thanks to melamine’s excellent heat retaining and insulating properties, which help the products dry faster than traditional serveware or dinnerware. However, to ensure that your products remain in the best condition throughout their lifespan, we recommend hand washing them whenever possible. If you do use a dishwasher, it’s important to avoid the use of harsh chemicals, chlorine-based detergents, and bleach.
Melamine temperature tolerances
Melamine has been found to have better temperature retention than ceramics and tempered glass and can withstand food and drink temperatures from -20°C to 120°C (-4°F to 248°F). Additionally, melamine is a great insulator, which means that it can keep your food and drinks at the desired temperature for longer periods of time.
Another advantage of melamine is that it remains cool to the touch, even when hot food is served on it. This is because melamine is a poor conductor of heat, which means that it does not transfer heat as quickly as other materials.
Dalebrook
Dalebrook are a leading supplier of melamine products and have recently brought out a variety of new serveware products including the following:
- Hoxton – Designed to complement both the food service as well as food presentation, the sleek and distinctive matt finish makes the Hoxton range a guarantee to be a success. Utilising chip and stain resistance to increase durability, the Hoxton melamine dish is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- HU– The HU range by Dalebrook is a complete solution for food service that is both environmentally friendly and practical. As part of Dalebrook’s commitment to sustainability, the HU range features a closed loop system that minimizes waste and reduces environmental impact. The clever and intuitive design of the HU range offers several benefits to users. The stackable design saves on storage space, while the innovative interlocking base and lids make the containers transportable. The HU range is also attractive to display in refrigerated units, making it a great choice for food service providers who want to showcase their products.
- Trafalgar White – The Trafalgar range of square melamine two-tone plates are great for businesses looking for a unique way of showcasing buffet food and serving large canapes. The finish is exquisite whilst the plate benefits from melamine’s durable and lightweight qualities. The selection offers hospitality companies a practical, non-chip option which will not shatter or break.
- Casablanca – Inspired by Moroccan cuisine and culture, the Casablanca range from Dalebrook is a premium melamine option for serving and displaying food. Its rustic crackled effect gives the tray itself a unique charm and character but acts as a reasonably neutral canvas for your food to sit upon ensuring your meals will always be the focal point.
Dalebrook Supplies are the world leader in the design and manufacture of melamine food display solutions. With over 75 years’ experience we are always developing our product range by introducing new styles, shapes and finishes while ensuring the quality of our items is paramount. Their products are used in food service, retail and merchandise sectors and their client base ranges from hotels to contract caterers, from supermarkets to fine dining. Their accreditations endorse their commitment to delivering excellent products supported by a world-class service. To view more of their products click here to view their supplier shop on Alliance Online.
