The vast majority of disposable plates, cups, and utensils are made overseas (often with questionable environmental standards), and it’s increasingly important to seek out American made alternatives. Fortunately, several U.S. companies continue to produce disposable tableware domestically, using a mix of traditional and eco-conscious materials. Whether you’re aiming for sustainability or just want to support American jobs, here are all the brands we could find making disposable tableware in the USA.
Complete List of Disposable Tableware Brands Made in the USA
Tellus is based in Belle Glade, Florida, and manufactures compostable tableware using leftover sugarcane fiber (bagasse) from the local sugar industry. Their product line includes compostable plates, bowls, and takeout containers, all made in the USA and BPI-certified compostable. Tellus focuses on zero-waste production and sources raw materials domestically, making them a strong option for eco-conscious buyers seeking fully American-made alternatives.
Genera operates from Vonore, Tennessee, and produces a range of sustainable molded fiber tableware. Their products are made from agricultural residues, such as switchgrass and wheat straw, and all manufacturing takes place in their state-of-the-art U.S. facility. Genera’s mission centers on reducing plastic waste and supporting American agriculture while offering high-performance compostable plates, bowls, and food containers.
Based in Ohio, Green Paper Products offers a range of compostable and recyclable tableware, including plates, utensils, cups, and containers. While not all products on their website are made in the USA, they clearly label domestically produced items. Their American-made offerings include molded fiber tableware and compostable flatware, many of which are sourced from U.S.-based manufacturers like Tellus and Genera.
Solut!, headquartered in Ohio, manufactures innovative disposable bakeware and food packaging made from paperboard. Their signature pressed paperboard trays and containers are oven- and microwave-safe, and are widely used in bakeries and foodservice establishments. All Solut! products are made in the USA, and the company emphasizes local sourcing, recyclable materials, and sustainable business practices.
A longtime household name, Chinet produces a wide range of disposable tableware, including paper plates, cups, and napkins. The brand is owned by Huhtamaki North America (a Finnish company, unfortunately). It operates manufacturing facilities in Maine and across the U.S. Chinet Classic White paper plates are made in the USA with recycled paper. At the same time, some of their other product lines may include imported materials. Always check the packaging or contact customer support to confirm.
Dixie, a Georgia-Pacific brand, manufactures many of its disposable tableware products in the USA, including its iconic paper plates and disposable cups. While some raw materials or coatings may be globally sourced, most of Dixie’s production takes place at U.S. plants in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. Dixie plates are coated for strength and leak resistance and are widely available in retail stores.
Founded in 1955 and based in Federalsburg, Maryland, Maryland Plastics manufactures plastic cutlery, plates, serving trays, and cups for foodservice and consumer markets. All of their production takes place in the U.S., with a focus on quality, style, and affordability. While the products are not compostable, they are reusable and recyclable, making them a popular choice for events that require durability and elegance.
Solo, a subsidiary of Dart Container Corporation, is best known for its iconic red party cups. Solo produces a wide range of disposable cups, plates, and containers at U.S. facilities in Michigan and other states. The company emphasizes domestic manufacturing and offers both plastic and paper-based products. While some materials may be imported, the majority of their production and workforce are U.S.-based.
Preserve is a sustainability-focused brand headquartered in Massachusetts. They produce disposable tableware from 100% recycled #5 polypropylene plastic, which is both BPA-free and dishwasher safe. Preserve products are made in the USA and designed for reuse and recyclability. The brand also offers take-back programs to help close the loop on plastic waste.
Based in Minnesota, SelfEco manufactures compostable cutlery, cups, and plates made from PLA (a plant-based bioplastic). All products are made in the USA using renewable materials like corn starch. SelfEco designs its tableware for single-use applications in foodservice and event settings, with full industrial compostability. The company is committed to both American manufacturing and environmental responsibility.
How to Find Disposable Tableware Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines “Made in the USA” as a product that is “all or virtually all” manufactured in the United States. This includes not just assembly, but the sourcing of significant materials and labor. However, companies often use terms like “Assembled in the USA” or “Made in USA with Global Materials,” which fall short of the FTC’s definition and can mislead consumers.
To avoid confusion, always look for clear product labeling and read the company’s website carefully. Brands that genuinely manufacture in the USA usually disclose this proudly and offer additional sourcing information. We have more guidance on shopping for American made goods in our complete guide, linked here.
Materials
Disposable tableware can be made from a variety of materials, each with implications for sustainability and sourcing transparency. Here’s a breakdown of the most common materials found in U.S.-made products:
Molded Fiber
Molded fiber, including bagasse, switchgrass, and wheat straw, is increasingly used in the production of compostable plates and bowls. Companies like Tellus and Genera use domestically sourced agricultural byproducts and manufacture these items in the USA. Molded fiber is fully compostable and provides a strong, eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Paperboard and Recycled Paper
Paper plates and trays made from recycled paperboard are popular for their familiarity and environmental benefits. Chinet and Solut! use recycled paper sourced in the U.S. to manufacture tableware that is compostable, recyclable, or both. The American paper recycling industry ensures a steady domestic supply of raw material.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources, such as corn starch. Brands like SelfEco use American-grown corn and U.S. manufacturing to produce compostable utensils, plates, and cups. PLA products are industrially compostable, but they are not suitable for backyard composting.
Recycled Plastic (Polypropylene)
Preserve manufactures tableware from recycled #5 plastic, which is sourced and processed domestically. The U.S. has significant capacity for recycling polypropylene, primarily through closed-loop programs like Preserve’s Gimme 5 initiative.
Traditional Plastic
Companies like Maryland Plastics and Solo use virgin or recycled polystyrene and polypropylene for durable, single-use items. While these materials are not biodegradable, many of these products are recyclable in communities with the appropriate infrastructure. U.S. resin production ensures reliable domestic sourcing.
Labeling
According to U.S. law (Title 19 Chapter 4 Section 1304), imported goods must be clearly marked with their country of origin. Domestically manufactured products may be labeled “Made in the USA” if they meet the FTC’s requirement that they are “all or virtually all” made within the United States.
Watch for misleading phrases such as:
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Made in USA with Global Components”
- “Designed in the USA”
To confirm a product’s origin, look for detailed manufacturing disclosures on the company’s website or contact the customer service department. Companies proud of their domestic production often make it easy to verify.
Final Tips
Whether you’re hosting a large event or simply trying to reduce dishwashing, you don’t have to sacrifice your values for convenience. Brands like Tellus, Genera, Chinet, and Preserve offer a wide range of disposable tableware that supports American jobs and sustainability. From compostable plates to reusable cups, there are U.S.-made options for nearly every occasion.
Before purchasing, check the product labeling, dig into the company’s sourcing claims, and when in doubt, reach out directly. Third-party retailers can also be an option – they sometimes list the country of origin. Supporting American-made disposable tableware means choosing quality, integrity, and local impact – one plate at a time.
Disposable Tableware Not Made in the USA
Below are a few major paper plate and disposable tableware manufacturers that we discovered are not made in the USA.
- Pickytarian: Designed in America; manufactured in China.
- Chuk: Manufactured in India.
- Huhtamaki PPL: Headquartered in Finland with manufacturing facilities in multiple countries, including India.
- Changya New Material Technology Co.: Manufactured in China.
- Guangzhou Eco Tableware Co.: Manufactured in China.
- Thooshan: Manufactured in India.
