FAQs

We manufacture our products where we source our primary material. Because China grows 80% of bamboo in Asia, we targeted factories that specialize in manufacturing bamboo flooring and chopsticks. While cutting and shaping the raw bamboo, a high percentage of sawdust is shed, then either thrown away or burned as energy. We found that this non-transformed organic bamboo “waste” material could be ground to a fine powder and mixed with resin to create durable eco-design objects. Our manufacturing partner is located near the chopstick factories around Shanghai and is specialized in transforming bamboo fibre on site.

Yes! EKOBO chose bamboo because it is one of our earth’s most renewable resources. It is a fast-growing, naturally-regenerative woody grass which flourishes organically without pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides.

It can be continuously harvested every 3 years without damaging the plant or the surrounding environment. The bamboo used in BIOBU products is collected from the sawdust that is shed from cutting and shaping bamboo chopsticks and bamboo flooring.

All dyes used on our products are 100% food-grade and entirely non-toxic. Dry color pigments (mineral or non organic) are mixed with the powder composite used to make the products. Because the color is in the mass of the product, and not coated on top of it, there is no color transfer or leaching. As there is no external varnish, the product maintains its original appearance and color over time.

BIOBU® is an alternative to traditional plastics, fragile and disposable dishware. This composite material is described as a biopolymer, which means it is comprised of natural woody fibers and 100% non-toxic food-grade A5 melamine binder, which helps to extend the life of the products (a sustainable practice!). BIOBU products comply to all food safety standards (FDA and LFGB) and are free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury.

Absolutely! Our A5 food-grade melamine binder is 100% non-toxic and food safe. EKOBO products comply to FDA and LFGB standards which acknowledges that our dishware is suitable for all types of food and liquid below boiling temperature.

The only condition where migration of the resin binder may occur is if it is heated to temperatures above boiling (100°C/212° F) for an excessive period of time (90 minutes +). Heating under extreme temperatures essentially melts the material, changing its molecular structure - for this reason, we do not recommend microwave and conventional oven use.

Yes! EKOBO products are manufactured in China in collaboration with carefully chosen partners. In addition to brand new facility that is in compliance with current safety and health codes, all of our employees are paid a fair living wage. No child labor is allowed.

While our products are durable and long-lasting, this eco-friendly material is not unbreakable. It will not shatter like ceramic or glass but if knocked dropped at a bad angle on a hard surface, a chip or crack may occur. We now offer a silicone base for our kid's range to help avoid unnecessary drops from the table. 

Yes! we recommend washing at 70°C / 160°F.

We've added silicone tops and sets to our range as it's a flexible, long-lasting, safer alternative to plastic made from an abundant resource. The silicone molecule is comprised of silicon, oxygen and quartz, which is the most common component of sand. Silicone won't harden, crack, peel, crumble or become brittle over time, nor does it support the growth of fungus, mold or bacteria. It is non-toxic, odorless – contains no BPA, latex, lead, phthalates and may be 100% recycled at select locations; non-hazardous waste.

  • Dishwasher safe
  • If your silicone smells of food or takes on the taste of soap, your silicone has oil build up. To remove use a fresh lime and rub it all over the silicone. Let sit for 20mins.  Rinse with hot water. Avoid soaps with essential oils.
  • Stains may be removed by washing with hot soapy water or by using the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
  • Dry products with a towel to avoid water-marks
  • Store products in a dry place, away from direct sunlight
  • Don't cut on it with a very sharp knife

Yes! Our silicone dishware and inserts are freezer and microwave & oven-safe up to 230°C (446°F). Of course, no open flame... 

RePET stands for recycled polyester. PET is a strong, durable, highly-recyclable plastic that is used to make soda bottles, water bottles and food jars. RePET is produced by collecting, sorting and recycling PET, then refining the material into flakes. Billions first-generation PET bottles are discarded each year; RePET helps to reduce plastic waste and directly diverts it away from landfills. The production of recycled polyester PET uses 2/3 less energy and about 90% less water than production of virgin polyester. Using more recycled polyester reduces dependence on petroleum (no new petroleum is required to produce rePET).