Question from E.K
I came across a placemat that is made of durable sheets that have been laminated. I did a search on laminates but I couldn’t find anything pertaining to this type of lamination or if it has any relation to laminate flooring. I was hoping you would be able to help with this situation. I’m looking for non-toxic placemats that are not cotton. (Have a toddler and would like something that I could wipe down) I have come across silicone placemats and children’s rubber placemats but that’s about it. Are there any other option that you know of? Does the laminate off gas or unsafe to eat off of? Thanks so much for all you do!
Debra’s Answer
The word “laminate” simply means that multiple layers have been fused together to improve performance. A laminate is usually made permanent with heat, pressure, welding, or adhesives.
A laminate floor is made from layers of wood and adhesives.
A laminate placemat is usually some type of artwork sandwiched between two pieces of plastic. If you’ve ever taken a driver’s license or luggage tags to a copy store to be laminated, it’s the same process. You put the driver’s license between two sheets of plastic and run it through a machine that applies heat and pressure, and when it comes out, it’s protected with a thin film of hard, clear plastic.
The standard plastic for lamination is polyethylene perephthalate (PET), the same plastic used to make soda bottles.
Antimony is used as a catalyst in the production of PET. After manufacturing, a detectable amount of antimony can be found on the surface of the product. This residue can be removed with washing. Antimony also remains in the material itself and can, thus, migrate out into food and drinks. Would this be a danger on placemats? Probably the more you wipe it, the less antimony there would be.
Personally, I don’t have any laminated placemats in my house. I use cotton placemats that I can throw in the washer and sanitize with hot water.
