Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our biodegradable picnic tableware. We're here to help you make informed choices for your outdoor events.

Our product range includes items made from bamboo fibre, sugarcane bagasse, palm leaves, and birch wood. Bamboo fibre plates are pressed without chemical additives and offer durability similar to traditional plastic. Sugarcane bagasse products are made from agricultural waste after sugar extraction, creating sturdy bowls and containers. Palm leaf plates retain the natural texture of fallen leaves and are heat-pressed into shape. Birch wood cutlery is sourced from sustainably managed forests in Northern Europe.

Each material meets EN 13432 composting standards and contains no PFAS coatings or plastic linings. We provide material specifications and certificates upon request for bulk orders.

In commercial composting facilities operating at 58-60°C, our tableware breaks down within 90-180 days. Home composting takes longer, typically 6-12 months, depending on conditions such as moisture levels, temperature fluctuation, and microbial activity in your compost bin.

Palm leaf and bamboo products decompose faster than wood items. If disposed of in landfill, decomposition slows significantly due to lack of oxygen. For best results, cut larger items into smaller pieces before adding to your compost heap. We recommend checking with your local council about green waste collection services that accept certified compostable tableware.

Yes, our tableware is designed to handle both hot and cold foods. Bamboo and sugarcane plates can withstand temperatures up to 100°C, making them suitable for grilled meats, hot pasta, and warm soups. Palm leaf plates tolerate heat up to 120°C and can be used in conventional ovens for brief warming periods.

The materials do not release harmful substances when heated and maintain their structural integrity without becoming soggy or weak. For very oily or sauce-heavy dishes, we recommend our deeper bowl designs which have reinforced edges. Items remain comfortable to hold even when containing hot contents, though we suggest using napkins for very hot dishes as a precaution.

We provide tiered pricing for orders exceeding 500 pieces. Discounts start at 8% for orders of 500-1000 items, increasing to 15% for 1000-5000 pieces, and 22% for orders above 5000 pieces. These rates apply to mixed product orders, allowing you to combine plates, bowls, and cutlery within a single bulk purchase.

For corporate events, festivals, or regular catering needs, we can arrange quarterly supply contracts with fixed pricing. Delivery is included for orders over £200 within Greater London. We require 5 working days' notice for orders exceeding 2000 pieces to ensure adequate stock. Contact our team for a detailed quote tailored to your specific requirements and delivery schedule.

Absolutely. Our tableware contains no toxic chemicals, artificial coatings, or sharp edges that could pose risks to children. The materials are splinter-free and have smooth surfaces. Plates and bowls are sturdy enough to prevent easy breakage, even when handled enthusiastically by young guests.

For children's events, we recommend our 18cm bamboo plates and 400ml sugarcane bowls, which are appropriately sized for smaller portions. The natural appearance often sparks conversations about environmental responsibility. Many parents appreciate using these products as a teaching opportunity about sustainable choices. All items are food-safe certified and meet UK safety standards for contact with foodstuffs intended for children.

Standard delivery to addresses in England, Wales, and Scotland takes 3-5 working days from order confirmation. Express delivery is available for orders placed before noon, with next-day arrival in most mainland locations. Northern Ireland and remote Scottish areas require an additional 1-2 days.

We dispatch from our warehouse in Enfield, North London. Orders are packed in recyclable cardboard boxes with paper cushioning. Tracking information is provided via email once your order ships. For time-sensitive events, we recommend placing orders at least one week in advance. Weekend and bank holiday deliveries can be arranged for an additional fee. Contact us if you need urgent delivery to confirm availability for your location.

While designed as single-use items, our tableware can be gently rinsed and reused for dry foods or light snacks if handled carefully. Hand washing with mild soap is possible, but the materials will gradually soften with repeated water exposure. We do not recommend dishwasher use as high temperatures and harsh detergents will compromise structural integrity.

Palm leaf plates tend to maintain their shape better through gentle washing compared to bamboo or sugarcane items. Some customers reuse them 2-3 times for similar food types before composting. However, for food safety reasons, we suggest single use for events where hygiene is paramount. After your picnic, simply brush off food residue and add clean plates to your compost rather than attempting extensive washing.

We offer sample packs containing one piece of each product type in our range. The sample pack costs £12 including delivery and contains approximately 8-10 items representing different materials and sizes. This allows you to assess quality, durability, and appearance before committing to larger quantities.

For corporate clients or event planners considering orders above 2000 pieces, we can provide samples at no charge. Simply contact our sales team with details of your planned order. Sample packs typically arrive within 2-3 working days. Many customers find it helpful to test the tableware with actual food and observe how different materials perform with various dishes before making their final selection.

All our tableware meets EN 13432 European standards for industrial composting and carries the Seedling logo from European Bioplastics. Products are also certified to OK Compost standards by TÜV Austria. Our bamboo and wood items hold FSC certification, confirming sourcing from responsibly managed forests.

Food contact safety is verified through compliance with EU Regulation 1935/2004 and UK-specific regulations post-Brexit. We conduct regular testing for heavy metals, PFAS substances, and microbial contamination. Certificates are updated annually and available for download from our website. For catering businesses requiring documentation for health inspections, we provide comprehensive compliance letters upon request at no additional cost.

Our products typically cost 15-30% more than conventional plastic disposables when comparing individual piece prices. However, this gap narrows significantly with bulk purchases. A 25cm bamboo plate costs approximately £0.28 per unit in quantities of 1000, compared to £0.22 for a plastic equivalent.

The price difference reflects sustainable sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and genuine biodegradability. Many customers find the additional cost worthwhile given environmental benefits and the positive impression made at events. For businesses subject to single-use plastic charges or those prioritising corporate responsibility, our products offer better value when considering compliance costs and brand reputation. Prices have remained stable over the past 18 months despite material cost fluctuations.

We pack all orders carefully to minimise transit damage, but occasionally issues occur. If you receive damaged items, photograph the packaging and affected products, then contact us within 48 hours of delivery. We'll arrange collection of damaged goods and dispatch replacements immediately at no charge.

Our damage rate averages below 0.5% of total orders. For bulk orders, we include a 2% overage to account for any minor defects. If damage exceeds this threshold, additional replacements are sent free of charge. We work with reliable couriers but cannot control all aspects of the delivery process. Should damage result from courier mishandling, we handle all claims directly, ensuring you receive perfect products without hassle or delay to your event schedule.

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Our team is ready to help with any specific queries about products or orders.

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About Hiqagu

Since 2015, we have been supplying compostable tableware made from renewable plant materials. Our products serve outdoor events, catering companies, and families across the United Kingdom.

Our Beginning

Hiqagu started in a small warehouse in East London when three friends noticed the amount of plastic waste generated at summer festivals. They researched alternatives and discovered bagasse - a byproduct of sugarcane processing that can be pressed into sturdy plates and bowls.

The first order consisted of 5,000 plates delivered to a music festival in Brighton. Festival organizers reported that the tableware performed well throughout the weekend and composted within 12 weeks. This practical result led to more orders from event planners and catering services.

Hiqagu warehouse with eco-friendly disposable tableware

What We Do

We source tableware manufactured from bagasse, bamboo fiber, and palm leaves. These materials break down naturally without leaving microplastics. Our product range includes plates in three sizes, bowls, cups, and cutlery sets.

Each item meets EN 13432 certification standards for industrial composting. We work with 47 catering companies and supply products to parks, corporate events, and private celebrations throughout London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol.

Our warehouse in Richmond Road stocks inventory for next-day delivery within Greater London. Orders to other UK regions typically arrive within 2-3 business days through our logistics partners.

Compostable plates and cutlery for outdoor dining

Over 2.3 million pieces of compostable tableware delivered since 2015, preventing approximately 18 tonnes of plastic waste from entering landfills.

Our Principles

We operate on straightforward principles that guide product selection and customer service.

Material Transparency

Every product listing specifies the exact material composition, manufacturing location, and composting timeframe. We provide certification documents upon request.

Practical Testing

Before adding any item to our catalog, we test it with hot liquids, oily foods, and typical outdoor conditions. Products that leak, bend excessively, or break easily are not stocked.

Clear Communication

Our team responds to inquiries within 4 business hours during office days. We explain composting requirements honestly and help customers choose appropriate quantities for their events.

Looking Forward

We continue expanding our supplier network to include manufacturers using agricultural waste from UK farms. Current trials involve wheat straw plates and oat husk bowls produced in Yorkshire.

Our warehouse team is testing new packaging methods to reduce cardboard use in bulk orders. We aim to cut packaging materials by 30% before the end of 2025 while maintaining product protection during transport.