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Zuperzozial Bamboo and Corn Factlist

 

What is Zuperzozial made of?

The bamboo & corn based collection is based on bamboo-fiber and corn-starch. This is being reinforced with melamine-resin (known from child- and camping tableware) to shape the products and make them durable and dishwasher proof. Also, a food safe artificial pigment is added.


The bamboo & corn based collection profiles itself by using the maximum amount of plant fibers in the products - between 70 and 80% - without losing its functionality. This is how we keep away the competition which is using a much lower proportion of plant fibers and add artificial fillers.


The bamboo & corn based collection is for daily use, is dishwasher safe, but not safe for microwave, grill or oven. It is not suitable for cooking or baking, but using hot liquids such as tea, coffee and soup is fine. The material is strong but not unbreakable. 

The bamboo & corn based collection is food safe. We supply a Declaration of Conformity on our site and we also have several (e.g. REACH) migration test reports from SGS and TÜV for the European and American market.

All production batches from Zuperzozial are checked and certified by TÜV Rheinland according to European standards and legislation including the LFGB standard for Germany, thereby ensuring a consistent quality of our Zuperzozial products. 

All ingredients used are registered and approved in accordance with REACH. For explanation see: Understanding REACH Link to REACH rapport: REACH - To prevent harmful concentrations of melamine and formaldehyde from ending up in food, the EU has set limit values. The specifications are summarized in EU standards 10/2011 and 1935/2004. Every production batch from Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based is tested according to these standards.

As long as the user instructions are followed as described in the FAQ and on the product packaging, the amount of melamine in our products from Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based is not harmful for your health.

The Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products can be used for all hot drinks and liquids such as tea, coffee or soup. This also applies to long-term warm filling and direct filling with boiling liquids.

 

F.A.Q Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection

Why choosing consciously for Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products?

This collection is for the most part made from plant materials such as bamboo-fiber and corn-starch. A huge step forward! The natural aspect is evident in the products and the beauty lies in the colour and size tolerances. This makes each product unique and slightly different from the others without interfering with daily use. A collection that fits in a time when we are able to choose consciously for a responsible product.

What is Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products made of?

Main ingredients are bamboo-fibre and corn-starch. Bamboo fibre is the biggest ingredient. Cornstarch is added because of the outstanding production specifications. Food safe artificial pigment and resin are added and pressed in a mould under high pressure and heat. The corn-starch and coating provide a smooth surface and fine texture. The melamine-resin we use is identical to the one being used for the production of melamine children cups and camping dishes. This resin is needed for functionality and durability and it also makes the products dishwasher proof. Some products contain different materials, such as a silicone sealing ring or lid. Again, we proceed very carefully in this. The flexible material is made of a silicone containing no plasticizers, safe for food and the most environmentally friendly of its kind at the moment. Zuperzozial is a modern material that meets the latest European standards.

Are Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products food safe?

Yes, we have our products tested and certified for every production. See point 4 fact list.

The product is not smooth. Is that right?

Yes, Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are based on natural materials which all behave differently during production. Dots, white flakes, uneven spreading of the fibers and small colour differences are part of the products. All ingredients are pressed together in a mold. Some articles are pressed in a mold that consists of several parts (this mainly concerns products with a handle). These molds can leave seams on the products, on the places where the mold closes. Each individual product is finished by hand and is therefore unique.

Do the black and dark grey products have the same characteristics as the other colours?

As described above, each product is unique. Unevenness’s (such as scratches) may be more visible in dark colored products than in products with lighter colours.

Where do the ingredients of Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products come from?

Bamboo is common in Asia and is cultivated on a large scale in China. Because bamboo fiber is the main component of the collection, we manufacture our products in China.

Are bamboo and corn grown organically?

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth and is harvested after 3-5 years. This rapid growth has a minimal impact on the environment. The bamboo is cut with an official cutting license of the government. There is no use of pesticides. The ingredient corn is grown in the same way as food crop. There is thus limited use of pesticides, but it is not (yet) grown organically.

Does Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products compete with global food production?

Yes, but this relates only to the corn component.

What dyes are used for the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection?

Zuperzozial uses regular artificial food safe dyes. We have an "EU Food Safe Certificate" (Europe) and "FDA Food Safe Certificate (USA).

How are the working conditions during the production?

Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are made in China. Through contractual arrangements we guarantee that the production is (of course) free of child labor, that the workers work under normal conditions and do not comes into contact with hazardous or toxic materials. We are also regularly present at the factory to check this.

What about the colour authenticity of the material?

Due to the natural materials there’s a tolerance in the colour. In use, products can fade in colour. Certain colours, such as red and pink shades, are more sensitive to discoloration. We therefore advise you not to use the Zuperzozial products for long period of time in bright sunlight (such as on the terrace or in the shopping window).

Are Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products biodegradable? The plant fibers of Zuperzozial can digest. Bamboo-fiber and corn-starch will decompose faster, while the artificial resin needs longer to decompose. We strive to make also the resin natural based in order to speed up the process of biodegrading.

How long does this dissolution process take?

In normal use, the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection does not decompose. Only when the material comes into contact with certain enzymes (for example underground) the dissolution will start. Depending on the size of the product, the dissolution process of the bamboo-fiber and cornstarch takes about 12 to 24 months (average). The artificial resin needs more time for this process. Due to the duration of the dissolution process, the Zuperzozial products cannot be disposed as organic waste, but as residual waste.

What can I use Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based for?

The Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are suitable for everyday use and can be compared with products made of ceramic or melamine. It also has the same strength. Is the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection suitable for hot liquids? The symbol with the thermometer indicates that the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are suitable for hot liquids (less than 2 hours between -20 and 70 degrees), not for cooking or baking or prolonged exposure to a boiling liquid. A short-term use at high temperature, for example cooling soup, tea or coffee is okay.

Are Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products unbreakable?

The Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are not unbreakable. It will not shatter like ceramic or glass, but if it falls with a certain force, from a height and on a hard surface, a chip or crack may occur. Always check the products on fine cracks originated during transport, before use. We advise not to use products with cracks; they can become bigger when washing in the dishwasher or when using liquids.

How about small parts? It this suitable for children?

Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are strong but not unbreakable. Our small products, like spoons and forks, are not suitable for children younger than 3 years. Children under 5 years of age should only use these products under the supervision of an adult.

Is the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection sensitive to discoloration (from food such as curry, tomato soup, coffee)?

The surface has a coating that repels dyes. Nevertheless, we recommend cleaning the product immediately after use of strong colours and flavors. Coffee/tea/soup/ lipstick etc. may cause discoloration in the product and can be hard to remove.

Is the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection scratch-resistant?

Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products are, as with plastic/melamine plates, not scratchresistant. Scratches may become less visible after washing the plates in the dishwasher.

There is white powder on my Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based product with purchase. What to do?

This white powder is an excess coating and will disappear after a hot wash (dishwasher) because it draws deeper into the product.

Can the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products be put in the dishwasher?

The Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products behaves well in a domestic dishwasher up to temperatures of 70 degrees. Over time, flat products such as plates will deform slightly. This is due to the natural ingredients and has no adverse effect on the use. Note: the parts of bamboo, wood and cork cannot be put into the dishwasher. We give no guarantee on professional cleaning and intensive use in the catering environment, but our experiences are good so far.

Can Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products be put in the microwave/oven?

No, Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products can’t be put in a microwave, oven, (steam)oven or grill.

Can Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products be put in a freezer?

We do not recommend storing the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based products for more than two hours at minus 20 degrees Celsius.

How are the bamboo & corn based products packed?

To make the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection even more environmentally friendly, we choose to use as little packaging material as possible. Sets are packed in an open cardboard package or with a sleeve. All necessary information is on the label.

How to remove the product label?

For the label we use recycled paper with bio-degradable non-permanent adhesive. The combination of the adhesive with the coating on the product gives a lot of tolerance in the adhesive force of the label. Usually the label comes off effortlessly (see cut line in label and pull the label off in a circular motion), but sometimes this is difficult. We advise to rub the label before pulling it off. If this does not work you can use cooking oil (such as olive oil) to remove the label.

How does the Zuperzozial bamboo & corn based collection behave over time?

Due to the natural materials, there is a tolerance in the size and colour. Products can deform during use and / or fade in colour. Certain colours (such as red and pink shades) are more sensitive to discoloration. We therefore advise you not to use the products for long periods of time in bright sunlight (such as on a terrace). In particular, the flatter products (such as the plates) can deform. This has no effect on the use. Plates or bowls simply remain stackable. The products actually will improve over time. So, you will enjoy years of enjoyment from Zuperzozial service!