These are not traditional paper plates. They are made from reclaimed sugarcane pulp and reclaimed wood scraps, both renewable resources that would otherwise end up in landfills. This combination gives our plates their beautiful white appearance without the need for chlorine bleach, while the two materials make them strong enough to hold up to the microwave, freezer, or any meal. They are also compostable so they break down in a matter of months, not millennia. Repurpose products are certified compostable and meet ASTM standards for compostability. Our Ingeo products are guaranteed to break down in 2-3 months in industrial facilities. Please check locally, as the facilities are not available in all communities.