Paper Table: Placemats, Napkins and Coasters

A sophisticated table. Cloth placemats just aren't practical for everyday use with kids, but it can be hard to find attractive alternatives that allow for a quick and clean getaway. Enter Paper Table - a misnomer, really, since their placemats are made of synthetic paper which is waterproof, tear proof and reusable day after day.

posted originally from: AT:Nursery

The placemats, $22 for 4, are tree-free, recyclable and available in seven themes (12 designs in all).

Paper Table also sells coordinating napkins and coasters though these are made from disposable paper and might be better saved for a party than for everyday use.

See the whole collection here.

Comments (6)

Y'all do know that "synthetic paper" is polypropylene film with a coating, so you're basically touting plastic placemats as "green," right?

posted by wende in the twin cities on September 5th 2007 at 5:12am
view wende in the twin cities's profile

Yeah, tree-free and recyclable kind of confuses me. Do I put them out with the paper or the plastic bottles?

posted by Anne (in Reno) on September 5th 2007 at 6:32am
view Anne (in Reno)'s profile

I emailed them to ask how these recycle and will post the answer if/when I get it. I am actually curious...

posted by wende in the twin cities on September 5th 2007 at 7:05am
view wende in the twin cities's profile

I usually really like what you guys have to offer, but I have to call "uncle" on this one. I use cloth placemats and napkins everyday. I don't find them the least bit impractical. When they're soiled, we throw them in the wash with the dish towels.

Also, paper products are renewable, and things made from plastic aren't. Recyclable is one thing, but shouldn't be the first consideration.

posted by akaijen on September 5th 2007 at 11:31am
view akaijen's profile

The company was very nice about emailing back an answer -- these products recycle as plastic #5, also used for bottle caps, drinking straws, and yogurt containers.

According to RecycleNow.org, "Recycling centers almost never take #5 plastic."

EarthEasy reiterates this point and notes that "green" food companies are switching to plastic #2 for their yogurt tubs. Plastic #2 is the type used for plastic grocery bags.

So plastic grocery bags -- which ATG has justifiably taken a stand against as not-green -- are more recyclable than these place settings which you're holding out as a green product.

Much as I love y'all, that's not logical.

posted by wende in the twin cities on September 5th 2007 at 3:49pm
view wende in the twin cities's profile

Oops! #4 is bags. They're still more recyclable than these mats, though.

posted by wende in the twin cities on September 5th 2007 at 3:55pm
view wende in the twin cities's profile