Takeaway Packaging and Disposable Container Tips for Restaurants

Digital technology has become a part of many people's daily lives. At the same time, more and more people are ordering food to eat at home. As a result, takeaway packaging has changed a lot. It used to be just a simple food container. Now, it's an important way for businesses to communicate with their customers. According to statistics, the global online takeaway market was worth more than $300 billion in 2023. This growth is due to the high-frequency use of hundreds of millions of containers, boxes, bags, and tableware.

In this blog post, we will talk about what materials takeaway packaging is made of, the different types of takeout food containers for restaurants and food service businesses, and tips for buying in bulk. Let's start by looking at the different types of materials used for takeaway packaging.

Types of Materials Used in Takeaway Packaging

Paper-Based Materials

There are three types of paper: kraft paper, paperboard, and cardboard. Kraft paper is durable, biodegradable, eco-friendly and commonly used for wrapping sandwiches, burgers, and dry foods while paperboard is widely used for boxes and trays, which is suitable for packaging pizzas, pastries, and salads. Cardboard is recyclable and often lined with wax or biodegradable plastic to improve grease and moisture resistance.

Plastic Packaging

There are four types of plastic takeaway packaging that are commonly seen: PP, PET, PS, and PVC.

• Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Clear, strong, and commonly used for salads, cold drinks, and desserts. PET is recyclable and makes it easy to see what's inside.
• Polypropylene (PP): It’s durable, heat-resistan and microwave-safe, perfect for hot meals.
• Polystyrene (PS): It is lightweight and insulating, and it is often used for hot beverages and foam containers. However, it is not as eco-friendly as other materials.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): It is used in some food wraps and blister packs, but it is not used as much for direct food contact because of environmental concerns.

Aluminum Packaging

Aluminum Foil Containers are great for keeping food hot. They are perfect for dishes like curries and baked dishes. Aluminum can be recycled, but it takes a lot of energy to make.

Compostable and Biodegradable Materials

There are three types of common biodegradable materials: bagasse, PLA, and bamboo.

• Bagasse (Sugarcane Fiber): It is made of a compostable, sturdy material that is ideal for hot, oily, or saucy foods. It can handle heat and is environmentally friendly, but it's best composted in large facilities.
• PLA (polylactic acid): PLA is made from cornstarch or sugarcane. It can be composted and is used mainly for cold foods and drinks. It needs certain composting conditions and is not good for hot foods.
• Bamboo: It is sometimes used for containers or utensils that can be composted. It is strong and can be renewed.

Choosing the appropriate material for your takeaway packaging is essential for ensuring food safety, enhancing presentation, achieving cost-effectiveness, and minimizing environmental impact. Next, you will explore some of the most commonly used restaurants and food service disposable containers.

Disposable Takeout Containers for Restaurants or Food Service Business 

For Solid Food (Entrées, Burgers, Fries, Rice, etc.)

Clamshell Containers (Hinged-Lid Containers)

Material: Foam, plastic (PET, PP), sugarcane/bagasse

Best For: Burgers, fried foods, sandwiches, rice meals

Features: Hinged lids, compartments available, stackable, some are microwave-safe (PP, bagasse)

Rectangular or Square Takeout Containers

Material: bagasse, PP

Best For: Combo meals with sides

Features: Designed to keep food items separate and offers eco-friendly options.

Paper Food Boxes

Material: Kraft paperboard and white paperboard (with PE or PLA lining)

Best For: Pasta, noodles, rice, and stir-fry.

Features: It is leak-resistant and foldable.

Tray Containers

Material: Aluminum foil, plastic, and paper

Best For: We have baked meals, lasagna, and grilled items.

Features: Aluminum can be used in the oven and comes with a lid made of either aluminum or plastic.

Soup Containers (Round)

Material: It is usually composed of polypropylene (PP) plastic, paper with polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PLA) lining.

Best For: Soups, stews, broths, noodles, and curries

Features: These round containers are equipped with tightly sealed lids. Insulated options are available. The containers that are made of polypropylene is microwave-safe.

Deli Containers

Material: The material should be either clear PET or microwave-safe PP.

Best For: Soups, cold pasta dishes, sauces, fruit salads

Features: These lids are designed to prevent leakage, are stackable, and are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 8 oz to 32 oz.

Plastic Cups with Lids

Material: The material is either PET or PP.

Best For: Smoothies, milk teas, and cold beverages.

Features: The lids should be domed or flat, with a straw slot and a clear design for optimal presentation.

After learning about commonly used restaurant takeout containers for different meal types, you may want to know which types of disposable containers are microwave safe. Let’s explore more.

Is Takeaway Packaging Microwaveable?

Whether takeaway packaging is microwaveable depends entirely on the material it’s made from. Here are common types of microwave-safe takeaway packaging for your reference.

Tips: To tell if a container is microwave safe, you can look for a microwave-safe symbol or check for any labeling on the bottom. However, don’t microwave containers with metallic accents or foil lids. Avoid overheating any container even microwave-safe ones.

When making bulk purchases, customers often consider whether a container is suitable for microwave use. Furthermore, they assess the durability of the takeaway container. Next, let’s explore some essential features of the best takeaway containers.

What Is the Best Packaging for Takeaway Food?

A good takeaway container must meet several critical criteria to ensure food safety, quality, convenience for takeout and delivery.

Food-Grade Safety

The container must be made from materials that are safe for food and do not contain BPA. These materials must also meet government safety standards. This can prevent chemicals from leaching into the food and contaminating it.

Durability and Leak-Resistance

It should be sturdy enough to protect the food during transport without breaking, leaking, or spilling. It's important to make sure the lids are secure and are sealed tight. This helps to keep the food fresh and intact, and prevent it from getting contaminated.

Heat Resistance

Containers that can safely be reheating without deforming or releasing toxins are better for customers and food safety.