Busy days demand quick and easy meal solutions, and microwavable containers have become a must-have in many UK kitchens. These containers allow for fast reheating without the hassle of transferring food, saving precious time. But convenience isn’t their only benefit. The microwavable plastic containers also help reduce waste and support eco-friendly habits.
The rise in demand for microwavable containers can be analyzed by the growth in its market size. It is expected to grow from USD 6.57 billion in 2023 to USD 10.2 billion by 2032. Whether you are a professional, a student, or someone who loves to eat hot food as if freshly served, then microwavable containers with lids are your go-to food storage containers!
What are Microwavable Containers?
Microwavable containers are food storage containers that are safe to use in a microwave for reheating purposes. These containers are made of plastics (BPA-free polypropylene (PP), which is labelled as microwave-safe.
To understand this, it is important to understand how a microwave works. There is a magnetron inside the microwave that produces microwaves, which are a form of electromagnetic radiation. The microwaves bouncing off the metal interiors of the oven can cause the water molecules in the food to vibrate. The vibration of water molecules causes friction, and it produces heat as a result. This is how you get a hot meal within 30 seconds.
These radiations are capable of degrading certain types of plastic that are not labelled as microwave-safe, and their shape and structure can get distorted. However, that’s not the case with microwave containers.
The microwavable containers will retain their original shape and form, and can easily endure high temperatures that are high enough not to melt. However, a microwave-safe label is only for the container, and it has nothing to do with human health. The leaching of chemicals continues even when a microwave-safe plastic container goes inside the microwave.
Regardless, How Microwavable Containers Save Time?
Using microwavable containers can help simplify meal preparation, storage, and reheating. These containers not only save time but also contribute to reducing food waste by keeping meals fresh and easy to reheat. Let’s understand how these plastic food containers can save time, and how they have become kitchen essentials:
Quick Reheating
Usually, the food need to transferred to another container which doesn’t melt in microwave. However, microwavable containers are safe to use in microwave, so the food can be quickly reheated without needing to transfer food to another dish. This cuts down preparation time and reduces cleanup.
Leak-Resistant Lids and Reusable
Most microwavable plastic containers come with tightly sealing lids that lock in moisture and prevent spills. This makes them ideal for transporting meals or storing leftovers. High-quality microwavable containers withstand repeated use without cracking or degrading, making them a sustainable choice compared to single-use packaging.
Portion Control
These containers often come in various sizes, so you can practice precise portioning, which helps in meal planning and avoiding food wastage. Suitable for a wide range of foods, from soups in specialized soup containers to solid meals stored in plastic bowls with lids, these containers cater to diverse culinary needs.
Stackable Design
Space-efficient stacking options make storing multiple containers in refrigerators or cupboards easy, maximizing kitchen storage. Many manufacturers now produce microwavable containers with recyclable or biodegradable materials, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly food packaging solutions.
How Microwavable Containers Help Reduce Waste?
Microwavable containers play a significant role in cutting down food waste, which is a growing concern in households and businesses alike. By extending the shelf life of meals and making it easier to reheat food safely, these containers ensure better food management and minimize the amount of leftovers thrown away. Here’s how they help reduce waste effectively:
- Preserve Freshness: Airtight lids and quality plastic materials slow down spoilage by protecting food from exposure to air and moisture, keeping meals fresher for longer periods.
- Encourage Leftover Use: Easy reheating in the same container makes it more likely that leftover meals will be consumed rather than discarded.
- Easy Storage: By using containers designed for specific portion sizes, it becomes easier to prepare and store appropriate meal quantities. It reduces the chance of cooking excess food, and the leftover food can be stored easily. Stackable designs help organize food storage efficiently in refrigerators and freezers, preventing forgotten or lost items that might spoil.
- Less Single-Use Packaging: Reusable microwavable containers cut down reliance on disposable wraps, bags, or takeaway boxes, which often end up in landfills.
Tips for Safe Use of Microwavable Containers
Using microwavable containers extends the life of your containers. Here are some important tips to get the best and safest use out of your microwavable plastic containers:
- Check for Microwave-Safe Label: Always verify that the container is explicitly marked as microwave-safe. This indicates it’s been tested to withstand microwave heat without melting.
- Avoid High-Fat and High-Sugar Foods for Long Heating: Foods high in fat or sugar can reach higher temperatures that might cause the plastic to warp or degrade. Use shorter heating times or stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
- Remove Lids or Vent Properly: When reheating, remove the lid or use containers with vented lids to allow steam to escape. This prevents pressure build-up that can cause spills or container damage.
- Don’t Use Damaged Containers: Cracks or scratches in plastic containers can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of chemical leaching. Replace containers showing any signs of wear.
- Avoid Using Plastic Wrap or Aluminum Foil: These materials are unsafe in microwaves and can cause fires or uneven heating.
- Cool Before Cleaning: Allow containers to cool before washing to prevent warping and maintain their durability.
Always ensure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations because each container may have specific guidelines for temperature limits and usage duration.
The Bottom Line
Microwavable containers offer a convenient way to heat and store food while helping reduce waste and save time. Their design allows for quick reheating without transferring food to different dishes, cutting down on cleanup and single-use packaging.
However, it is essential to remember that the microwave-safe label is only for the plastic container. The plastic container can withstand the heat without melting. They are labelled as safe because they are BPA-free, but still, BPA-free plastics are dangerous because they contain alternatives, like bisphenol S or bisphenol F, that can leach hazardous chemicals. BPA-free plastics contain phthalates that are endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Microwave-safe containers are beneficial if used wisely, safely, and within limits. For restaurants and food businesses, delivering the food in microwavable containers becomes a plus point. If you are interested in buying the containers in bulk, Food Packaging Direct provides a large selection of high-quality containers that you can purchase at cost-effective prices and get delivered at the earliest.