Plastic Food Containers: Benefits, Types, and Maintenance Tips

Amidst the rising concerns of plastic containers, plastic containers are still a significant part of our daily lives. Plastic food containers are highly durable because of the long polymer chains which constitute the plastic raw material, and do not break easily. From being lightweight to being shatter-proof, there are many reasons why it is difficult to move on from them.

While there is a risk of microplastics getting leached into the foods and beverages we consume, choosing the right plastic material, like HDPE and PP, can help reduce the risks. Whether you are selling beverages or packaging food products, plastic containers are a cost-effective option for many businesses and companies to deliver their services.

Why Use Plastic Food Containers?

Convenience and efficiency are imperative in today’s modern world. We rely on items and tools that make our lives easy. Given that, it is no wonder people choose plastic takeaway containers. From preserving the freshness of your meals to organizing your kitchens - these containers will take care of plenty of things.

1. Preserves Freshness and Flavour

Proper storage of your food isn't just about preserving your food. It's about maintaining its flavour and nutritional value. This is where plastic food containers with lids come into play, protecting your food against external contaminants like air and moisture. With their tight-sealing lids, you can ensure that your food remains fresh for a long period. Thanks to the added advantage, you will not be wasting food or money in replacing the containers frequently.

2. Durability and Longevity

Plastic food containers are designed to withstand the rigours of daily usage, resistant to stains, cracks, and odours. Unlike other materials, which might be degradative over time and compromise the safety of your food, high-quality plastics are engineered for durability. However, keep in mind to care for them properly and they will serve you better for many years. 

3. Seamless Mobility

Plastic food containers are light in weight, which makes them the perfect option for your on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you want to pack takeout orders for customers or store prepped ingredients in the kitchen, these containers are for easy shipping. Their seamless portability is one of the wonderful qualities that make them a popular choice over other materials in the market.

4. Safe and Reliability

The increasing storage demands strike as an opportunity for plastic food containers to reach more modern consumers. If you are planning to use the containers, you don't need to worry about your food getting damaged during transit. The containers feature reinforced walls that will protect your meals in any situation or condition. Plastics will not break down or degrade until and unless they are heated. The best part? Containers crafted with plastics are also waterproof.

5. Cost-Effective

Cost is and will always be an irresistible factor for businesses before they choose any product. Using plastic food containers means you can save a lot. You can use the container many times without having to replace it. Some plastic containers are microwave-safe, meaning they can be reused again without any concern. So, investing in high-quality containers is better than single-use plastic containers.

6. Space-Efficient

Apart from their affordability, plastic food packaging supplies help you to save extra space. You may want to store or deliver something - these containers will be your ideal space-saving solution, especially if you are living in apartments or homes with limited storage space. They are available in different shapes and sizes, which makes it easy for you to choose the right container for your kitchen, pantries, and refrigerators. You can easily sort, store, and handle different food types, making your meal planning more efficient. 

7. Assured Sustainability

Many modern plastic food containers are designed with sustainability in mind -  which means they are entitled to reusability and repairability. It reduces the need for single-use plastics and supports you to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Simply, if you choose plastic containers, you are helping to reduce adverse environmental impact.

Types of Plastic Food Containers

Do you know how plastic food containers are made? They are designed from different types of plastic materials, chosen to suit storing, shipping,g and preserving your food and beverages. You can find them in different shapes, sizes, and designs -catering to various food storage requirements.

However, not all plastic containers are suitable for food storage. Let’s sort out the diverse types of plastic food containers that are safe and sustainable.

Polypropylene (PP) Containers - A light yet sturdy type of food container known for its regular use. You can use them to heat the food inside. They are also standard for refrigerator food storage, medicine bottles, yoghurt containers, and meal prep boxes.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Containers - Do you want to be a part of green plastic packaging solutions? Then go for translucent lightweight containers to store your juices, drinks, or salad. However, they are not fit for microwave use.

Polystyrene (PS) Containers - A rigid and flexible container with good thermal insulation properties. You can store your soups, salads, and even puddings in these plastic food containers. However, keep in mind that PS containers lack high-temperature resistance, making them unfit for microwave application.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Containers - Are you seeking plastic containers that are long-lasting and effective in preserving your food? Get assured shelf life with PVC containers. Some of the typical examples include deli pots for meats, cheeses, and baked items.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Containers - Solid and solid HDPE containers store different foods like sauces, dry goods, or processed meals for a long time. You can keep them inside a fridge and on shelves.

Maintenance Tips for Plastic Food Containers

Plastic food containers are not just your kitchen accessory, it's a necessity for the modern era. Here are some maintenance tips to ensure that the quality of your food remains uncompromised. 

Steer Clear on Thorough Cleaning- Wash the plastic containers with warm, soapy water before their first use and after each use to maintain hygiene. Also, avoid using abrasive scrubbers as they might scratch the surface of the containers. 

Say No to High Temperatures - Not all plastic food containers are heat-resistant. Check if your container is microwave-applicable before reheating the food. Use only BPA-free containers to avoid leaching of harmful chemicals during heating.

Prioritize Proper Storage - Ensure the lids of the continents are tightly sealed to keep your food fresh as well as to prevent any accidental spills. Store dry and liquid foods separately to avoid overfilling and maintain the integrity of the container. 

Omit odourful foods - Avoid storing strongly pigmented or odourous foods like tomato sauces directly in your containers. You can use liners or glass containers to store such items. 

Keep on Inspecting - Keep inspecting your plastic food containers for any signs of wear and tear. Over time, plastics might get damaged. They might get cracked and stained, becoming unsafe for food storage. If you notice any visible cracks, change it as soon as possible. 

The Bottom Line, 

Plastic food containers are a staple kitchen item in every family and restaurant business, and we can't ever seem to get enough of them. Whether you are storing your leftovers or prepping lunch for the next day, these humble storage containers help you store and preserve food for later use.  Thanks to its lightweight, eco-friendly, and hygienic nature, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of having delicious food anytime, anywhere. 

Plastic Food Containers – Keep Food Fresh, Store with Ease!

 

Are you searching for the best air-tight, affordable plastic food containers? Fortunately, your search ends right here! At Food Packaging Direct, we specialise in providing reliable packaging solutions in bulk at cost-effective rates. 

With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, From sauce containers to sushi containers, we provide our customers with a wide range of bespoke packaging options. Rely on our expertise and dedication to get top-notch flexible and sustainable packaging solutions for your unique needs.