Kitchen essentials are some of the hardest working products in the home, and the materials they’re made from shape their performance, price point and impact on the planet. Compare the options with our materials guide, so you can find the right chopping board for your kitchen.
nothing is left products are made using a bio-based material created from plant starch harvested from food production by-products – meaning no extra land, water or crops are used. Bio PBS is just as easy to use and hygienic as a plastic chopping board, but it’s 100% biodegradable. It breaks down completely into water, CO₂ and biomass in a similar timeframe to a wooden board. The material doesn’t leave behind any microplastics, and it can also be recycled within its own dedicated system.
Plastic is a cost effective, low maintenance material to choose if sustainability or microplastics aren’t a concern. It can be recycled, but the majority of designer chopping boards combine two different plastics (e.g. polypropylene and silicone) resulting in a material which can't be recycled, and will probably end up in landfill or being incinerated.
Bamboo is a fast-growing wild grass. In its natural state it has good sustainable credentials, but bamboo chopping boards aren’t just made from bamboo. They’re formed of bamboo strips glued together with formaldehyde or low‑VOC adhesives, resulting in microplastics and no sustainable end of life.
Wood is a great natural option for cutting bread or dry goods. During food preparation, bacteria from raw meats and fish can absorb into wood via the natural pores in the material. Wooden boards can’t go in the dishwasher, and they need regular treatment with oil to maintain their finish. As long as the wood is FSC-sourced it’s a sustainable choice, and wooden boards are often knife-friendly and long lasting.
Titanium, stainless steel or glass boards feature zero micro plastics – they’re also hygienic and dishwasher safe. Boards made from these materials can be recycled after use (if they don’t include plastic non-slip feet). The issue with these materials is the large fossil fuel usage required in their production, and the destructive effect they have on knife edges. Cutting on these surfaces creates more noise which can be irritating, but they are long lasting.
Paper or wood composite boards are similar to bamboo chopping boards, but with the added benefit of being dishwasher safe. They are formed by combining wood or paper with adhesives such as formaldehyde or phenolic resin. This combination result in a material which isn't knife friendly, cant be recycled and will create persistent microplastics.
Our products have been thoroughly tested over the last 3 years within a domestic kitchen environment so that they perform to the highest standard. We’ve also completed independent laboratory testing over and above industry requirements, to ensure performance is aligned with normal plastic boards. See more information on testing in our FAQs.
Our products have passed all food contact regulations for the European market, as well as the elevated sensory testing specifically required for the German market.
nil products have been tested to ensure that they meet domestic dishwasher standards. The bio-based polymer chains in our boards only break down when microorganisms are present. Dishwashers use heat, water and detergent but no microorganisms - so the material remains stable and resists warping up to 70°C.
Over the last 5 years we have meticulously researched nearly 100 different materials from every corner of the globe to ensure we can bring the right product and material to market. This has not been an easy challenge to overcome, very few materials can be food contact approved, dishwasher safe and break down naturally with "nothing left" at the end of their lifecycle. A big thank you to the various material professors, sustainability experts and production guru's who have helped guide us along the journey.
Over the next few years you will see some exciting innovation from nil in terms of product and materials but if you have the next breakthrough material we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out at hello@nothingisleft.com
