How much do broken plates cost your establishment in a month? 
In busy professional environments, the cost of replacing tableware often goes unnoticed, but it adds up quickly. Lacor’s melamine collections offer a solution that reduces waste, makes it easier for staff and ensures reliability in everyday use – without compromising on appearance.
Professional tableware is a key element in every establishment – from restaurants and hotels to catering companies and buffet lines. When the workload is heavy and the demands on appearance and durability are high, traditional materials such as porcelain and glass often prove impractical. That’s why more and more professional establishments are choosing melamine tableware, which combines an elegant appearance with exceptional durability.
Lacor’s collections offer modern designs, high functionality and reliability, suitable for everyday use in busy environments.
Advantages of professional melamine tableware
1. Durability in intensive use
Melamine tableware is unbreakable when dropped and hit, making it ideal for:
- Restaurants with high turnover
- Hotels
- Catering
- Buffets
- Outdoor spaces
They reduce replacement costs and provide peace of mind and safety at work.
2. Lightness and convenience for staff
Unlike porcelain, melamine is significantly lighter. This makes it easier for waiters, speeds up service and reduces fatigue when carrying large quantities of dishes.
3. Professional look
Lacor collections offer:
- imitation of porcelain
- imitation of stone
- imitation of ceramic
- modern matte and textured surfaces
This achieves an elegant presentation of food, suitable for both restaurants and buffet lines.
4. Suitable for outdoor areas
Melamine tableware is safe and practical around:
- swimming pools
- gardens
- terraces
- beach bars
They do not break and do not pose a risk to guests.
5. Stain and scratch resistance
Professional melamine retains its appearance for a long time, even with daily use and frequent washing in the dishwasher.
6. Economical solution
Less breakages = lower costs. Melamine dishes have a long life and pay for themselves many times over in busy environments.
7. Certified for food contact
Lacor dishes meet all European safety standards and are suitable for professional use.
Comparison Table: Melamine vs. Porcelain
| Characteristic | Melamine | Porcelain |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Breakability | Break‑resistant | Breaks easily |
| Durability | High | Medium |
| Suitable for outdoor use | Yes | No |
| Suitable for catering | Yes | Limited |
| Long‑term cost | Lower | Higher |
Where is melamine tableware most often used?
- restaurants
- hotels
- swimming pools
- cafes
- bars
- daycare centers
- hospitals
- catering
- buffets
- cruise ships
Why choose Lacor collections?
Lacor is an established European brand known for:
- professional quality
- sustainable materials
- modern designs
- long product life
The collections are designed for objects that need reliability, efficiency and aesthetics in one.
Explore melamine collections at Tirol Professional In our catalog you will find a wide variety of professional melamine tableware with different functionality and stylish look from Lacor:
- plates
- bowls
- plates
- trays
- service elements
See Lacor Melamine Collections.
Melamine tableware is a practical, reliable and cost-effective solution for modern establishments. It combines a professional look with durability, which significantly reduces costs and makes everyday work easier.
What you need to know about melamine in the professional environment
You can often find articles on the Internet that discuss melamine in the context of home use or cheap mass products. These materials do not refer to the professional melamine used in restaurants and hotels.
Professional melamine tableware, such as that offered by Lacor, is made to different standards, undergoes strict controls and is certified for contact with food. It is designed for intensive use in establishments where durability, safety and a long product life are required.
It is important to distinguish between:
- home melamine products, which are often cheap and not subject to strict controls
- professional melamine, developed specifically for the food industry
Lacor collections fall into the second category - they are designed for professional use, meet European standards and are suitable for daily work in a busy environment.
Melamine tableware regulations and safety
Melamine tableware is approved for food contact in the European Union and is subject to strict safety requirements. It falls under Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, which stipulates that all materials used in food contact must be safe, inert and not release substances that may endanger health. Additionally, melamine is included in Regulation (EU) 10/2011, which sets specific migration limits for melamine and formaldehyde and describes the tests that manufacturers must cover to ensure safety in use.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also confirms the safety of melamine tableware when used correctly, emphasizing that it is suitable for serving and storing food, but should not be used in a microwave oven.
External sources:
- European Commission – Materials in contact with food (EC 1935/2004)
- European Commission – Plastics in contact with food (EU 10/2011)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Melamine Tableware
Is melamine tableware suitable for professional use?
Yes. Melamine tableware is specifically designed for restaurants, hotels, catering services, and buffet lines. It is durable, lightweight, and built to withstand intensive daily use.
Can melamine tableware be washed in a dishwasher?
Yes. Professional‑grade melamine is heat‑resistant and fully suitable for dishwashers, including industrial machines.
Is melamine suitable for outdoor areas such as pools and terraces?
Yes. Melamine is ideal for pools, gardens, terraces, and beach bars because it does not break and is safe to use around guests.
Does melamine look like porcelain?
Yes. Modern collections from Lacor imitate porcelain, stone, or ceramic finishes. They offer an elegant, professional appearance while being significantly lighter and more durable.
Is melamine suitable for serving hot food?
Yes. Melamine tableware is suitable for serving hot dishes and maintains its shape under normal professional use.
Can melamine be used in a microwave?
No. Melamine should not be used in a microwave — this is a standard requirement for the material.
Does melamine scratch easily?
Professional melamine is scratch‑resistant and maintains its appearance over long periods, even with daily use and frequent washing.
What is the difference between melamine and regular plastic?
Melamine is a high‑quality professional material — much stronger, harder, and more durable than regular plastic. Visually, it resembles porcelain rather than plastic tableware.
Is melamine suitable for catering and mobile events?
Yes. Its light weight, strength, and professional look make it ideal for weddings, corporate events, buffets, and mobile catering services.
How should melamine tableware be maintained?
-
Dishwasher‑safe
-
Do not use abrasive sponges
-
Do not place in a microwave
-
Store like standard professional tableware
Why choose melamine instead of porcelain?
Melamine offers:
-
break‑resistance
-
lower replacement costs
-
easier handling for staff
-
safety in outdoor areas
-
a modern, professional look
This makes it a more practical choice for high‑volume professional environments.
What melamine collections does Tirol Professional offer?
We offer the full Lacor product range, including the Classic, Earth, Stone, Sea, White & Black, and Wood collections:
-
plates
-
bowls and cocottes
-
trays
-
platters
-
service elements
All are suitable for professional use.
