Got Questions About Our Non Toxic Tableware? You're in the Right Place!
At EcoCubs, we’re all about making mealtimes safer, simpler, and more sustainable for your little cubs with our plastic-free dinnerware.
Here you’ll find answers to our most commonly asked questions:
What is your plant-based dinnerware made from?
Our plant-based kids' dinnerware is crafted using natural bamboo fibre and bound together with cornstarch at high temperatures. Any prints or decals are made with soybean-based dyes- safe for little bears and the planet.
The type of starch binder we use depends on the product range. Our plain-coloured dinnerware is made with Polylactic Acid (PLA), while our patterned range uses straight starch binders.
Fun Fact: We were actually the first brand for plant-based dinnerware in Australia!
What’s not in your dinnerware?
Our dinnerware is 100% free from harmful materials, including:
- Harmful Plastics
- Melamine
- Heavy metals like lead or mercury
- "Forever Chemicals" (PFAs)
- BPA and phthalates
- Nasty hidden toxins
They're kid-safe, and earth-friendly - just the way mealtimes should be.
Are bamboo plates non-toxic?
The short answer is no, not all are. The majority of bamboo plates sold on the market actually contain some form of melamine or synthetic plastic-based glue that acts as a binder. But not us- EcoCubs bamboo plates are absolutely non-toxic (we're not your average bamboo dinnerware)! Our range is 100% plant-based and completely free from harmful additives, making them safe for your little ones and the planet.
Are your products safety certified?
Yes! All of our kid's dinnerware products undergo rigorous independent testing and are certified to ensure they’re safe for your little ones and kind to the planet. Including:
- FDA approved & CE certified for food-contact safety
- Independent third-party testing for biodegradability, and microwave & dishwasher safety
- (We've even conducted our own testing at home for lead!)
We also work closely with our trusted manufacturing partner to maintain consistent safety and quality checks. We do all the research so you don't have to!
Where is your eco kids' dinnerware made?
Our designs are created with love on the South Coast of NSW, Australia, by our in-house designer (who’s also our little bear’s aunt!).
However, due to the advanced technology required for plant-based manufacturing, our products are ethically made in China by trusted partners who share our commitment to sustainability and safety.
How durable is your plant-based dinnerware?
We use our bamboo dinnerware daily with our three energetic little bears here at EcoCubs HQ. We also proudly supply multiple childcare and hospitality settings, with commercial dishwashers, without issue.
That said, because they’re made from all-natural materials using relatively new technologies, the consistency of their durability isn’t always predictable. By avoiding synthetic plastic and melamine, we do sacrifice some of that control- so while we can say they’re sturdy for every day use, they aren’t completely unbreakable (particularly if dropped at certain angles or heights). They do need a little more TLC than typical plastic or melamine kids’ plates, so please consider if they’re the right fit for your home.
If you're looking for unbreakable kid's dinnerware, we suggest you check out our stainless steel plates and bowls!
Is all of your dinnerware dishwasher safe?
Yes! You can pop your EcoCubs plant-based and stainless steel dinnerware straight into the dishwasher. Just avoid temps over 70'c and prolonged soaking or high heat cycles for longevity.
The only product that shouldn't go through the dishwasher is our baby spoons.
Can you microwave bamboo plates though?
Well, not all bamboo plates can be, no- that's because they contain melamine and harmful additives... But you guessed it- ours can! EcoCubs is made differently. For our 100% plant-based dinnerware range we recommend only short bursts to a max temp of 70'c. Because they’re made from plant-based materials (just like food), they can heat up quickly and cause drying. Always use protective gear and check the temperature before serving to children.
No for our stainless steel range (as you'd expect!)
Should I choose stainless steel or plant-based dinnerware for my kids?
It really depends on your family's needs! Here's how we break it down:
Choose our plant-based bamboo dinnerware if:
- You want microwave-safe plates and bowls
- You prefer lightweight options for little hands
- You want to have colour in your dinnerware drawer.
- You're okay with a bit more gentle care
Choose our stainless steel plates and dinnerware if:
- You want literally unbreakable tableware (perfect for toddler throws!)
- You need something for commercial dishwashers or high-heat cycles
- You want tableware that lasts through multiple kids
- You prefer a minimalist, sleek look
Both ranges are 100% non-toxic, free from BPA, melamine, and harmful plastics. Many EcoCubs families actually mix and match!
What stainless steel is used in your dinnerware and utensils?
We use only the best- premium food-grade 18/8 stainless steel (also known as 304 stainless steel) for our unbreakable dinnerware and kid's cutlery sets. This high-quality stainless steel is known for its excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and safety for everyday use with kids.
Our stainless steel products are built to last, combining strength and sustainability for worry-free mealtimes with your little bears.
What makes your stainless steel cups better than regular kids cups?
Our premium double-wall stainless steel toddler cups are designed with features that matter to busy parents:
Double-wall insulation: Keeps drinks at the right temperature for hours - cold smoothies stay cold, warm milk stays warm. It also prevents condensation (no more water rings on your table!) and protects little hands from drinks that are too hot or cold.
Versatile design: The standard opening is compatible with most sippy cup lids, straw lids, and smoothie lids on the market - so one cup grows with your child from bottle transition through to independent drinking.
Built to last: Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, they're completely unbreakable, won't retain odors or stains (goodbye, stinky sippy cups!), and will literally last through multiple children.
100% non-toxic: Unlike plastic cups that can leach chemicals, especially when heated, our stainless steel cups contain zero BPA, phthalates, or harmful plastics.
Many families tell us these are the cups that finally survived toddlerhood!
Can I use different lids with your stainless steel cups?
Yes! Our stainless steel toddler cups are designed to be super versatile. They work with:
- Open mouth drinking - perfect for practicing independent drinking skills
- Sippy cup lids - ideal for transitioning from bottles
- Smoothie cup / Straw lids - keeps thick drinks contained, great for on-the-go and reducing spills
The standard cup opening makes them compatible with most universal toddler cup lids available on the market. This means one cup can grow with your child - start with a sippy lid, move to a straw, then graduate to open cup drinking. No need to buy multiple cups as they develop!
Are you stainless steel sippy cups leakproof?
Yes! Our stainless steel toddler cups come with a unique all-in-one silicone lid design that's completely leakproof when closed - perfect for busy toddlers on the go. The best part? The single-piece silicone lid means no mould or gunk can build up in hidden gaps like traditional sippy cups with multiple parts.
Our cups also come with our silicone straw lids, so you can also use them as a smoothie cup or just an open cup for practicing independent drinking skills at home.
The cup itself is made from premium food-grade 304 stainless steel (the same as our dinnerware), making it completely non-toxic, durable, and resistant to odors and stains.
What's the best baby cutlery for BLW (baby-led weaning)?
Our stainless steel baby first cutlery set is perfect for BLW! They're designed with rounded edges for safety, easy-grip handles for little hands learning to self-feed, and are made from food-grade 304 stainless steel with no harmful coatings. They won't harbour bacteria and are dishwasher safe for busy parents. We recommend starting around 6 months when bubs begins showing interest in self-feeding.
What age should toddlers start using your metal cutlery?
Great question! Most toddlers are ready to start using our stainless steel toddler cutlery around 12-18 months, once they've mastered the pincer grasp and show interest in using utensils independently. Our rounded fork tines and ergonomic handles make them perfect for this stage. If your little one is already comfortable with our baby fork and spook cutlery set, they're likely ready to try our full stainless steel cutlery set!
What should I do with my EcoCubs dinnerware at the end of its life?
For our plant-based dinnerware, please compost it responsibly as it’s made from biodegradable materials that break down naturally without harming the environment.
Our stainless steel range is 100% recyclable, even through your kerbside aussie recycling bin!
What about the silicone components?
We care about reducing waste at every step. EcoCubs silicone products can be sent back to us through our Silicone Send-Back Scheme.
Simply mail your used EcoCubs silicone items back to EcoCubs, and we’ll ensure they are properly recycled or repurposed- helping keep them out of landfill.
Don’t just take our word for it- check out our 5-star Google reviews from happy parents! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Still have questions about our non toxic dinnerware range or want to know more?
Get in touch via our contact form - we’re always happy to help! 🐻