Collection: Eco-Friendly Plates & Bowls

Are ceramic, terracotta and cork plates and bowls eco-friendly?

Thinking of the environment and of our connection to Mother Nature can really transform our everyday experiences. A simple dinner at home - alone or with friends - is no exception.

Ceramic and cork are two of the most splendid eco-friendly materials used in everyday dinnerware. Ceramic is made from clay; it contains no plastics or other synthetic compounds, and releases no toxic chemicals when used. Yet cork surpasses it: harvested from a type of oak tree (its harvest doesn't harm the tree), cork is fully renewable, biodegradable, and requires no kiln firing.

Longevity, however, is the strongest argument for these materials' sustainability, and for why they belong on your table. A well-made plate used daily for 20 years has a fraction of the environmental footprint of a cheaper alternative replaced several times over the same period.

Our plates and bowls are handmade in Portugal in small batches using traditional techniques, which means lower industrial waste and no mass-production overruns sitting in warehouses.

Aren't reusable plates and bowls always an eco-friendly choice?

It's true that reusable is always better than single-use - but reusables are not all the same: specifics matter, like the material, how it was made, and above all, how long it lasts. A cheap ceramic set that chips and needs replacing after two years is much less sustainable than a well-made product that lasts decades.

The same idea applies to alternatives - for example, in bamboo or melamine - that are marketed as eco-friendly but may have to be replaced soon if you wash them regularly. Our ceramic, terracotta and cork plates and bowls are all made to withstand daily use. Cork is naturally resilient, and our ceramic and terracotta pieces are handcrafted to a standard that lasts.

These aren't pieces made to be replaced, but to be used throughout the years.

Are handmade ceramic plates and bowls safe for food - no harmful glazes or chemicals?

This is a common - and quite sensible - concern, particularly with mass-produced ceramics where glaze composition isn't always transparent. Older or poorly manufactured ceramics can contain lead or cadmium in their glazes, which can leach into food, particularly with acidic dishes or hot liquids.

Our ceramic and terracotta pieces are handmade using traditional glazing methods, free from lead, cadmium and synthetic coatings. As for cork, it's the most straightforward, foolproof material in this collection from a safety perspective - it contains no glazes or chemical finishes, and is even naturally antimicrobial.

Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that you're not risking mixing anything unhealthy with your food.

How do you clean ceramic, terracotta and cork plates and bowls - do they need special care?

No special products are needed for any of the articles in this collection. Ceramic is not porous, and it naturally resists bacteria, so warm water with soap is all that's required for everyday cleaning.

Most of our ceramic pieces are dishwasher safe, though hand washing does help extend their lifespan - particularly for pieces with decorative glazes. Terracotta is slightly more porous and benefits from hand washing and thorough drying to prevent it from absorbing moisture. Cork bowls, on the other hand, should always be hand washed and dried promptly - prolonged exposure to water can cause warping.

None of these materials need chemical cleaners, which contributes to making them a practical as well as an eco-friendly choice for the kitchen table.