Liunova coordinates the sourcing and technical management of compostable tableware from audited manufacturers, aligning materials, certifications and performance with your sustainability targets and price points. We convert your range briefs into clear specifications and oversee independent Q/C so eco tableware programmes can be repeated reliably across retail, foodservice and promotional channels.
Technical Overview (Typical – Customisable)
Product Scope:
Plant-based disposable tableware including plates, bowls, trays, clamshells, cutlery, stirrers, hot/cold cups and lids made from materials such as bagasse (sugarcane fibre), paper/card, PLA/CPLA, bamboo and palm leaf. Suitable for quick-service restaurants, catering, events, retail multipacks and private-label foodservice ranges.
Key Parameters:
Substrate and construction by item type (bagasse moulded fibre thickness, paper grammage and coating type, PLA/CPLA wall and lid thickness, bamboo/palm leaf selection and finish); heat and liquid resistance for hot and cold applications; rigidity and cut resistance for plates/trays; stacking and nesting behaviour; lid-fit and leak performance for cups, bowls and clamshells. Compostability and food-contact compliance are set according to target markets (e.g. industrial compostability standards, regional food-contact rules), with agreed requirements for certifications, labelling and on-pack claims. Pack formats, counts and outer cartons are defined for retail shelves and bulk foodservice.
Liunova Q/C & Supply Control:
Supplier shortlisting and audits focused on moulded fibre, paper converting and bio-based plastics capability, followed by development of tech packs from client briefs specifying materials, dimensions, performance targets and claim language. Inline and pre-shipment AQL inspections cover dimensional and weight checks, visual and surface quality, rigidity and fit tests, leak and soak checks, stack/nest performance, pack count accuracy and packaging robustness for transport and storage.
At Liunova, we focus on simple and reliable international shipping. All products are shipped directly from China’s major seaports to ports worldwide. Our main goal is to give buyers clear cost, safe transport, and predictable delivery time.
We mainly support the following international shipping terms:
1. CFR (Cost and Freight)
Most Recommended for Buyers
Under CFR, we handle:
- export customs clearance
- trucking from factory to port
- container loading
- sea freight cost
- vessel booking
Buyer only handles:
- destination port charges
- customs clearance in their country
- local delivery to warehouse
This method gives stable cost and easy planning for buyers.
2. FCL (Full Container Load)
Best option for bulk orders
FCL means the container is only for your goods.
It is safer, faster, and cheaper per unit.
We recommend FCL because it offers:
- lower freight cost
- faster customs clearance
- zero mixing with other shipments
- less damage risk
- better packing control
This is the ideal method for serious buyers and repeat orders.
3. LCL (Less than Container Load)
Available but not recommended
We only use LCL for:
- small test orders
- small mixed orders
- first-time sample shipments
Why we do not recommend it:
- higher cost per unit
- risk of mixing with other suppliers
- slower customs clearance
- higher VAT and inspection fees
- more chance of damage or missing cartons
FCL is always the better choice for long-term business.
4. EXW / FOB (Optional on Request)
Available for buyers who want to manage their own freight.
- EXW: Buyer handles pickup from factory
- FOB: We deliver goods to the Chinese port, and buyer pays sea freight
These terms are used less often because CFR and FCL provide better cost control.
Why Source with Liunova?
Discover more in our FAQ
How is Liunova different from a normal sourcing agent?
Most agents focus on price and communication. Liunova is built as an end-to-end quality and compliance partner:
- We start with a technical brief (spec, standards, usage) instead of just a product photo.
- We work only with verified factories that have passed our internal audit.
- Every order is linked to a master specification + approved samples.
- We run independent QC at the factory before goods are shipped.
- We manage export documents and CFR/FCL shipping so the same team controls quality and logistics.
Therefore, you get one responsible partner for the entire process, not multiple disconnected middlemen.
How does your quality control (QC) process work in China?
Liunova uses a multi-stage QC system based on AQL:
- Pre-production – confirm raw materials, trims, tooling, artwork, labels and packaging against the approved spec.
- During-production inspection (DPI) – visit while production is running to check workmanship, dimensions and process control.
- Final random inspection (FRI) – AQL sampling on finished goods (critical / major / minor defects, measurements, appearance, function).
- Packing & labelling check – confirm inner/outer packing, barcodes, shipping marks and palletising.
Each inspection produces a written QC report with photos, measurement tables and defect statistics that you can review before shipment approval.
How do you keep quality stable when using many factories and product categories?
We work with a controlled supplier base, not open-market suppliers:
- New factories go through a vendor approval process (legal check, capacity, machines, export history, key customers).
- We create a Liunova QC checklist for each product type (textiles, machinery, chemicals, building materials, etc.).
- Approved golden samples and lab reports are stored and used as the reference for repeat orders.
- Supplier performance (defect rate, on-time delivery, response speed) is tracked so that poor-performing factories are corrected or replaced.
This turns a fragmented China supply base into a managed, measurable network for our clients.
Can I see QC reports, test results and photos before shipment?
Yes. Transparency is a core part of our model:
- For each inspected order you receive a full QC report with:
- Inspection date, location and AQL level
- Photos of goods, labels, packing and any defects
- Measurement sheets and functional test results
- Where lab testing is required (e.g. OEKO-TEX, REACH-related, CE-type tests), we share copies of certificates and test reports.
No shipment is released without your written confirmation when critical issues are found.
How do you handle non-conforming or failed inspections?
If an order fails our agreed QC criteria:
- The shipment is put on hold and the buyer is informed immediately.
- We issue a non-conformity report listing the exact problems and root-cause feedback from the factory.
- Corrective actions can include rework, sorting, replacement production or commercial compensation, depending on severity and timing.
- A re-inspection is arranged to confirm that corrective actions were effective before goods are loaded.
This process protects you from quietly shipped problem goods and surprise claims at destination.
How do you manage compliance (CE, REACH, OEKO-TEX, FDA, etc.) for different products?
Compliance is treated as part of QC, not an afterthought:
- During factory approval we check existing certificates and test reports for scope, validity dates and issuing bodies.
- For new projects we align product spec, test plan and documentation at the quotation stage (not after production).
- Where required, we coordinate third-party lab testing and ensure reports match the exact product and batch produced.
- For chemicals and lubricants we ensure MSDS/TDS, hazard labelling and UN packaging are correctly prepared before shipment.
This reduces the risk of customs issues, retailer rejections and liability problems in your home market.
What part of QC is linked to packing, loading and shipping?
Quality does not stop at the factory gate. Liunova also controls:
- Carton strength, packing method and palletising to reduce transit damage.
- Container loading checks (for key projects) to verify carton count, container condition and securing of cargo.
- Accuracy of export documents (CI, PL, HS codes, weight/volume) to avoid customs queries and port delays.
Because we combine QC + CFR/FCL logistics, we can track your order from production line to port, giving a more secure and professional sourcing experience than simple price-based agents.
