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en:materials:melamine

Melamine

Melamine is a hard, durable, and BPA-free plastic resin used to create tableware that mimics the look of ceramic or porcelain while being virtually unbreakable. It is the gold standard for high-volume environments, outdoor dining, and children's dinnerware.

Unlike traditional plastics, melamine is a thermosetting compound, meaning it is highly resistant to heat (up to a certain point) and chemical degradation.

1. Key Characteristics

  • Durability: Shatterproof and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for high-traffic environments and household use with children.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Can be manufactured in any color or pattern, often mimicking the texture of Stoneware or marble.
  • Heat Retention: It is an excellent insulator, staying cool to the touch even when serving hot foods.
  • BPA-Free: Most modern high-quality melamine is certified BPA-free and food-safe.

2. Melamine vs. Porcelain

Feature Melamine Porcelain
Weight Lightweight Heavy
Break Resistance Extremely High (Shatterproof) Low (Fragile)
Microwave Use No (May damage resin) Yes (Usually safe)
Price Affordable Premium

3. Safety Guidelines

  • Temperature Limits: While heat-resistant, melamine should typically not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 70°C (158°F) to 100°C (212°F) depending on the quality.
  • No Microwave or Oven: Never use melamine in a microwave or oven. High heat can cause the material to degrade and potentially migrate chemicals into food.
  • Avoid Scouring Pads: Use soft sponges to clean; abrasive pads can strip the protective glaze and lead to staining.

4. Care and Maintenance

  • Dishwasher Safe: Most melamine is dishwasher safe (top and bottom racks).
  • Stain Removal: For stubborn coffee or tea stains, use a specialized oxygen-based soaking solution rather than bleach.
  • Phasing Out: If a melamine plate becomes heavily scratched or charred, it should be replaced to ensure food safety.

5. Notable Manufacturers

  • Zak Designs (USA) - A leader in colorful, fun, and functional melamine dinnerware for all ages.
  • Le Creuset (France) - While famous for cast iron, they offer premium melamine collections for outdoor use.
  • Cambro (USA) - The industry standard for durable melamine products in professional food service.
  • RICE (Denmark) - Known for vibrant, high-quality melamine with a focus on ethical production.
en/materials/melamine.txt · Last modified: by winson