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Melamine 101

What is melamine, exactly?

Melamine is an organic-based, nitrogen-rich compound used to manufacture cooking utensils, plates, plastic products, and more. Melamine resin is durable, fire and heat resistant and virtually unbreakable, making melamine products more desirable than other plastic housewares.

What are the benefits of using melamine instead of traditional ceramic or porcelain?

Melamine is the best quality food-safe plastic on the market. It's durable, easy to clean and has anti-bacterial properties. Q Squared resembles the look of ceramic and porcelain, but it is shatter-resistant and easier to handle. Our restaurant-grade melamine can withstand the rigors of everyday use and is more resistant to scratch marks and use and abuse over time. Our dinnerware and serveware is also perfect for both indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining. Each original pattern is hand-drawn by Manhattan-based designer Alaina Young, inspired by her travels and love of multicultural design. Q Squared melamine is a sophisticated, practical alternative to ceramics and china.

What makes Q Squared melamine different from other melamine tableware?

Pick up a Q Squared dinner plate and you can actually feel the difference. Q Squared is made with 100% high-grade melamine and is more substantial than your typical melamine plate. Starting in a powdered form, each Q Squared product is heat-compressed into a compression mold, and pressed or “cooked” longer than average, making it stronger and more durable. Each piece is made with 100% natural dyes and hand-polished for a smooth, high-gloss finish, giving it that porcelain look.

Is melamine dinnerware safe?

Q Squared melamine is food safe and certified BPA-free. In fact, Tableware International has named Q Squared “the pioneer of superior quality melamine” and we take pride in setting high standards for safety. FDA Safety and Risk Assessment of Melamine states that melamine is food safe as long as conventional oven and microwave use is avoided due to high oven temperatures and microwaves causing damage to the integrity of the material. Q Squared melamine is also restaurant-grade, meaning it can be run through the dishwasher and show no signs of wear — it’s kid-friendly and perfect for everyday use.