Melamine – Page 2 – Elite Global Solutions

Where’s Melamine Used?

June 27, 2022

Melamine is used in more products than you may think. It’s used to make a decorative film on laminate floors, countertops, walls, and other building materials. It is commonly added to wood and particle board to improve water resistance. Specially formulated melamine resins are used to produce highly durable coatings on metal, paper, fabric, and wood. Melamine resin is also used on paper products to improve wrinkle resistance and protect against moisture. The chemical properties of melamine also have flame-resistant properties which make it perfect for specialized paints, textile products, insulation, furniture, and bedding.

Melamine’s unique qualities open an entirely new world of possibilities when it comes to conceptual dining options. Elite Global Solutions’ quality of service and innovation is renowned throughout the food service industry. Our products are used by many of the world’s forward-thinking hotels, restaurants, universities, food service operators, supermarkets, and caterers. When you choose Elite Global Solutions products, you are choosing the classic look of porcelain, stoneware, marble, and wood without breakage. All our products are dishwasher-safe and designed to handle both hot and cold food applications. Elite Global Solutions proudly serves these food service industries, one plate at a time.

Grocery – Melamine’s insulating properties make it the most practical option for food storage and display. This unique temperature holding capability is why grocery stores commonly use melamine to showcase food products in deli cases, bakeries and refrigerators.

Universities – the first use of melamine was on Naval ships as mess ware, due to its high durability features. Similarly, universities around the world use melamine dining products to minimize breakage and increase profitability.

Poolside Dining – Melamine allows hotels, caterers, and restaurants to elegantly serve their food in areas where glass is universally prohibited. With the help of melamine serveware, companies can achieve high-end presentations with outdoor-friendly serveware.

Pizzerias – Melamine replaces traditional wooden pizza peels when it comes to serving presentation. The anti-bacterial properties of melamine make EGS pizza peels a safe alternative to porous wood serveware.

Fast Casual Dining – The fast-paced dining concept offers the convenience of restaurant-quality food without full-service dining. Melamine shines in these environments where high-quality dinnerware is used to increase presentation without sacrificing durability.

Hospitality – Resorts, hotels, and motels rely heavily on melamine products for serving utensils, soap dishes, drinkware, serveware and dinnerware. Melamine is the best choice for this industry due to its durability and long product lifespan.

Faux vs. Real

June 27, 2022

Stoneware, wood, and cast iron have become a staple in food service applications. With modern technology and materials, the food industry has adapted to using melamine, which has a similar aesthetic as naturally made alternatives, but without the cost. Melamine has become an unrivaled low-cost substitute for the fast-paced food service industry. Using melamine instead of naturally sourced elements benefits the environment as well as restauranteurs.

Featured above is our faux bamboo Fo Bwa collection.

One problem with using real wood instead of melamine is bacteria which resides on porous surfaces. Health departments prohibit the use of wood in most establishments due to safety issues. Although the look of wood is beautiful, the sanitary concerns are problematic. The cost of wood scales with supply and demand. If you select only the best-looking pieces, be prepared to pay a high price. Another issue with real wood is the lifespan of your tableware. Wood has the shortest life span due to warping, staining, and dulling. To protect your staff and prevent workplace injuries, consider replacing wood pieces with lightweight melamine faux wood. Natural wood is known to be much heavier than melamine and causes splinters, ouch!

Featured above is our faux stoneware Basalt Serveware collection.

Stone, while stunningly beautiful, is known to be one of the heaviest options for serve ware. Granite, slate, marble, and other forms of stoneware can be twice as dense as melamine without the added benefit of durability. These natural options are environmentally troublesome due to limited supply, cost of production, and disposability. The average melamine plate will outlast its porcelain counterparts when it comes to signs of wear, use, and abuse. A simple drop test would prove that melamine is shatterproof, chip-resistant, and superior at maintaining its like-new appearance.

Featured above is our faux cast iron Illogical collection.

While cast iron provides a unique look for your cuisine, it is known to be extremely hard to care for and wash. Each time you use and clean a cast iron pan, you must re-season with flaxseed oil to maintain a non-stick surface. The maintenance doesn’t stop there, every so often you’re required to season your dull or patchy skillet with a routine cycle of heating and oiling. This process can be avoided by replacing those cumbersome skillets with faux melamine cast iron. Preserve that rustic look and feel without sacrificing your precious time and resources. EGS melamine faux cast iron is lighter, easier to clean, and doesn’t rust!

Melamine is superior in the following ways.

- Lighter – Melamine is lighter than natural elements such as wood, stone and iron which reduces employee fatigue and injuries.
- Less Expensive – Compared to traditional materials such as stoneware, cast iron, and wood products, melamine has very low overhead costs. Additionally, EGS melamine is scratch and chip-resistant and shatterproof which greatly lowers the need for replacements.
- Easier to Clean – Melamine is commercial dishwasher safe, much faster, and simpler to clean than porous natural elements such as wood or stone.
- Durable – During production, EGS melamine is cured with strengthening compounds, becoming a shatterproof substance perfect for indoor and outdoor dining.

Use and Care

June 14, 2022

MELAMINE USE & CARE

Melamine is not to be used in the microwave or oven.
For best results, use only non-abrasive plastic pads or a plastic-type bristle to clean or remove dried food.
Harsh or abrasive cleaners, steel wool or metal scouring pads are not recommended for melamine products.
Melamine is commercial dishwasher safe. However, on low temp dishwashers, avoid excessive use of chlorine over 100ppm, or bleach.
Please consult your chemical specialist for the best solution made specifically for use on melamine and other plastic products.
Pre-soak melamine products, if necessary, in a high quality pre-soak dishwashing detergent.
Serrated knives will damage products over time.