5 Popular Types Of Plastic Takeout Containers Explained

What Are The Best Practices For Using Plastic Takeout Containers?

Plastic take out food containers are some of the strongest-standing products used in restaurants and coffee shops.

Despite plastic’s bad reputation, this specific type of material provides durability and versatility that are uncommon in other materials. 

Plastic is not the easiest material to dispose of, but new technology has been developed to provide this reliable material for restaurants. 

There’s the development of plant-based plastics and recyclable plastics, which lower the environmental impact of the material.

You’ll also notice restaurants or food businesses use plastic takeaway containers for specific use cases to manage the environmental impact. 

Therefore, what are plastic takeout containers, and how can your restaurant best use them?

History of Plastic Takeout Containers

Plastic was a popular material for disposable food containers in the mid-20th century, especially in fast-food restaurants. 

Paper and aluminum were still common food packaging materials, but they needed more durability and versatility than plastic take out food boxes. 

The major advantage of plastic take away containers was that they were 

• Lightweight
• Resistant to moisture
• Available in various shapes and sizes

These unique properties made them the perfect take out food boxes. 

Especially in the 1950s, with the growing fast-food culture, restaurants and vendors could package food quickly and cheaply. 

The high demand for the material in food packaging also saw advancements in plastic technology, with the rise of polystyrene(PS) and polypropylene(PP). These materials provide durable plastic to take out food containers.

A need for sustainability from consumers and restaurants alike led to a push for recyclable plastics like PET. 

The new plastic types provided safer materials for disposable containers and also ensured consumer protection.

Therefore, can you still use plastic takeaway containers? 

Yes, plastic takeout containers remain relevant today due to their affordability and practicability. 

Although most countries ban plastic, Canada permits using and manufacturing recyclable plastic food containers.

Types of Plastic Takeout Containers

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

PET is preferred for clear plastic take out food containers such as salad boxes and beverage cups. 

Its transparency and recyclability make it a popular choice for restaurants and coffee shops. 

They are safe for cold or room-temperature food, so they make good cold cups, portion cups, or condiment cups. 

Their structure also makes them accepted in most recycling programs, making them an environmentally friendly option.

It is better not to expose PET plastic takeout containers to high heat as it may release harmful chemicals.

2. Polypropylene (PP)

If you are looking for the best plastic takeout containers for hot meals, consider polypropylene, which is heat resistant. 

Their properties also make them microwave-safe, allowing customers to reheat their meals directly in the container. 

PP Polypropylene is also good for freezing food and offers great impact resistance to keep food safe. 

The plastic takeout containers are also resistant to chemicals, preventing food contamination or the containers reacting with food. 

PP is also considered a recyclable material, hence environmentally friendly, and provides a good alternative to plastic food containers for take out.

3. Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene, often called styrofoam, is a common material for plastic takeout containers, especially for burgers, sandwiches, and hot beverages. 

It is cheap and effective in keeping food warm. 

However, its use in restaurants and most other industries has been shunned due to its environmental impact. 

It’s rarely recycled, takes years to degrade, and, under high temperatures, may release chemicals that pollute waterways and soil.

4. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE makes sturdier and thicker containers and lids. It is an opaque plastic with a high strength-to-density ratio, making it lightweight and durable. 

HDPE plastic take out food containers are resistant to UV light, moisture, and chemicals, making them ideal for food storage and packaging acidic or oily products.

5. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a pliable and transparent plastic used in products like bread bags and food wraps. 

Despite its malleability and flexibility, it is tear-resistant and can serve various uses. 

The plastic takeout containers are resistant to humidity and chemicals, making them a safe option for food contact. 

Notably, the material is not heat-resistant and may melt at high temperatures. 

All things considered, are plastic takeaway containers safe?

Food-grade plastic take out food containers are generally safe for food use. Ensure you are using FDA-approved plastics for food contact. 

In addition, check if the plastic takeout containers are labelled as BPA-free. This means they won’t leach chemicals into your food, especially during reheating. 

Advantages of Plastic Takeout Containers

Plastic take out food containers provide unique properties not found in any other use and throw containers. 

The following properties are why consumers and restaurants prefer this material:

– Convenience

Plastic disposable food containers Canada reduce the need for washing and cleaning after use, reducing the preparation time and effort. 

Their lightweight design makes them easy to carry and store, making them the perfect to-go containers. 

There are various types of plastic take out food containers, such as compartmentalized containers, which help you serve different recipes in one secure packaging. 

We also have plastic food containers with lids, some detached and others attached. This functionality promotes easy packaging and enhances customer satisfaction, securing the food and maintaining its freshness. 

– Reduced Risk of Contamination

Plastic take out boxes are the first line of defence, forming a barrier against external contaminants. 

Most carryout food containers can experience cross-contamination, especially during transportation or deliveries. 

Using plastic containers with lids helps prevent cross-contamination thanks to their rigid structure and tight seal with the lid.

The material is also inert, ensuring it doesn’t react with the food and prevents contamination.

Their impact resistance is another quality of plastic take out food containers that helps prevent contamination. 

Unlike other materials, such as paper products, plastic use and throw containers offer great impact resistance, which means they don’t crack easily, reducing leakages. 

– Cost Effectiveness

Restaurants, among other food businesses, operate on thin profit margins. Therefore, finding affordable food packaging boxes could make or break the business. 

Plastic take out boxes stand out as the most affordable packaging solution thanks to their low manufacturing costs. 

Buying take away food containers wholesale can be especially advantageous, as you can get the best deals, saving your business on operating costs. 

You can also save more by leveraging the various functionalities of food packaging boxes, such as portion cups. 

Portion cups can help with portion control, helping your food business manage inventory by ensuring consistency in each serving. 

– Durability and Versatility

Plastic takeout containers came in various shapes, sizes and colours, catering to various restaurant needs. 

Moreover, the material’s unique properties allow various applications, from packaging salads to serving hot soups and desserts. 

The durability of plastic take out food containers lies in their ability to be shock and shatter-resistant. 

The quality means an enhanced customer experience and ease in packaging and delivery, as you can stack them with food and maintain their shape. 

Their impeccable heat resistance makes the plastic take out containers wholesale microwave and freezer-safe. 

Therefore, you can reheat or store your food without transferring it to another container.

Furthermore, for very busy restaurants, you can prepackage the meals, especially condiments, enhancing productivity. 

Top 3 Plastic Take Out Food Containers

1. Portion Cups

Plastic portion cups are plastic take out food containers Canada used to provide a controlled amount of a certain food or ingredient. 

They are available in various sizes and are often used for packaging dressings, sauces or small sides. 

Depending on your restaurant’s needs, you can opt for a portion cup with a hinged lid or with cups and lid separate. 

Both work for a dining experience, but with a hinged container, you give your customers more flexibility for take aways. 

Unlike a separate lid and cup, it also reduces wastage without replacing a lost or misplaced lid. 

The plastic take out food containers are also sold with a rounded top for easy serving of the contents and providing a tight seal with the lid. 

2. Cold Cups

If you’ve been looking for disposable containers that can showcase the artistry of your cold beverages and desserts, try your hand with our plastic cold cups. 

They are clear containers of different sizes boasting a cool ergonomic design for easy handling, serving and presentation of your wonderful recipes. 

The cold cups are sold with stylish lids enhancing the appeal of your presentation. The lids snap tight reducing leaks.

The cold cup lids are also uniquely designed to suit various purposes. For example, we have clear or black lids with stoppers, ensuring you can enjoy your take away for longer without worrying about leaks. 

We also have flat lids and dome lids for our plastic takeout containers. 

3. Hinged Containers

Plastic-hinged containers are the model of convenience for restaurants and consumers.

For a start, the lids are hinged to the plastic take out food containers, improving productivity when packaging meals and stacking for deliveries. 

Your kitchen staff also don’t need to waste time finding the right lids for your take away containers. 

The takeout boxes’ rectangular shape holds more food and enables easy stacking and storage of the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. 

You can also invest in hinged-compartment containers that can help with packaging special recipes that need the ingredients to remain separate. 

Purchase Plastic Takeout Food Containers Canada with QNP Supplies

Plastic takeout containers are versatile and durable food packaging providing value for your business and consumers.

They offer numerous advantages over other materials such as cost effectiveness and convenience. However there’s major concern on their environmental impact. 

You can manage their impact by investing in recyclable plastic take out food containers and only having them for specific use cases. 

At QNP Supplies, we focus on recyclable, BPA-free, and FDA-approved plastic takeout food containers. 

Review our site for top take out containers wholesale or contact us today for a personalized quote.