Plastic food containers are a go-to in homes, cafés, and food delivery services across the UK. From plastic takeaway containers holding last night’s curry to stackable plastic containers with lids in your fridge, their convenience is hard to beat.
Regardless of how dangerous they are for our health, their cost-effectiveness and long-term use make it irresistible to avoid them and switch to alternatives. Especially, when it comes to food businesses, they are effective in delivering the food without any spillage, degradation in food quality, and presentation, if high-quality plastic food containers are used.
Are you confused about whether you should use plastic food containers in your restaurant or kitchen? This blog will compare all the pros and cons of plastic containers, and also provide tips on how to use them safely.
What Type of Plastic Food Containers Are Used?
Choosing the right plastic food containers depends on factors like heat resistance, recyclability, safety, and food compatibility. From plastic takeaway containers to long-term food packaging, here are the common plastic materials that are used in the kitchens:
Polypropylene (PP)
PP is one of the most commonly used materials in plastic containers with lids and takeaway food boxes, particularly where microwave or hot food storage is needed. It can handle temperatures up to approximately 120°C, making it suitable for reheating. This semi-rigid plastic is lightweight and chemically resistant, making it ideal for sauces, soups, and oily foods. It’s BPA-free and safe for food contact.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is clear, lightweight, and offers an excellent moisture barrier. You’ll often find it used in cold-ready meal trays, sandwich boxes, and salad packaging. It’s not heat-resistant and should never be microwaved or used with hot foods. However, it’s widely recycled across most of the UK, making it a better option for cold food packaging.
Polystyrene (PS)
PS is often found in foam-based takeaway food containers and some rigid deli boxes. While it’s cheap and lightweight, it’s brittle and can release styrene, especially when exposed to heat. Due to growing health and environmental concerns, PS is being phased out in many sectors. In fact, the UK introduced bans on single-use EPS (expanded polystyrene) in 2023, so this material is less viable for sustainable or eco-friendly food packaging.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is sometimes used in flexible plastic food containers and cling films. However, it can contain additives like phthalates, which raise concerns regarding chemical leaching. PVC is not heat-safe, not easily recyclable, and is generally discouraged for repeated food use or reheating. Its low environmental profile makes it an unpopular choice in modern packaging standards.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is durable, impact-resistant, and ideal for milk bottles, juice containers, and certain freezer-safe food boxes. It handles low temperatures well, though it may warp under microwave conditions. HDPE is widely accepted in recycling schemes throughout the UK and is considered among the safest plastics for food contact, especially for cold and ambient storage.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is used for soft squeeze bottles, food-grade bags, and film wraps. It’s flexible and resistant to acids and moisture, but should not be microwaved. While not commonly recycled curbside, some UK supermarkets offer drop-off points for LDPE bags. Its use in food storage is usually limited to short-term, cold storage.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
PLA is a plant-based bioplastic found in compostable takeaway food boxes and cold food packaging like salad containers and smoothie cups. While it’s considered an eco-friendly food packaging option, it’s not microwave-safe or suitable for hot contents. It needs industrial composting conditions to break down, which are not readily available through regular UK waste systems.
Pros of Using Plastic Food Containers
Plastic food containers have become an integral part of our kitchens, and here’s why:
Affordability and Accessibility
Plastic food containers are cost-effective to produce and widely available across supermarkets, takeaways, and online stores in the UK. Their low manufacturing cost allows businesses to maintain margins while offering consumers a budget-friendly option for food storage and delivery.
Durability and Leak Resistance
Designed to withstand knocks, drops, and transport stress, most plastic containers with lids are built for strength. Materials like PP and HDPE are sturdy and often leak-proof, keeping liquids, sauces, and greasy foods secure during transit.
Versatility Across Temperature Ranges
Certain plastics, like polypropylene, are microwave-safe and can handle heat without warping, while others, like HDPE, perform well in freezers. The flexibility makes plastic food containers useful for both hot and cold food packaging.
Lightweight and Space-Saving
Compared to glass or metal alternatives, plastic takeaway containers are lighter and stack easily, saving space in kitchen cupboards, delivery vans, and food storage units. This is especially practical for UK kitchens with limited space.
Improved Hygiene and Safety
Most plastic containers with lids are sealed tight to prevent contamination and exposure to airborne bacteria. So, pre-packed food, takeaways, and ready meals remain safe during storage and transport.
Cons of Using Plastic Food Containers
Now, every good thing has its fair share of disadvantages. Let’s understand the cons of plastic takeaway containers:
Environmental Impact
One of the major drawbacks of plastic food containers is their contribution to plastic pollution. The UK households throw away 90 billion plastic packaging items a year, meaning 1.7 billion plastic items in a week. This is a significant portion ends up in landfills or the environment. Even recyclable materials like PET are not always recycled due to contamination or infrastructure limitations.
Potential Health Risks
Certain types of plastics, such as PVC and low-grade PS, can leach harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or styrene into food, especially when heated or exposed to acidic ingredients. These chemicals have been linked to hormonal disruptions and other health issues.
Not All Are Recyclable
Despite the recyclable symbols, not all plastic containers with lids are accepted by every local authority in the UK. Black plastics, multi-layered packaging, and greasy takeaway boxes often end up being incinerated or sent to landfills.
Staining and Odour Retention
Some plastic food containers, particularly those made from low-density polymers, are prone to absorbing food smells and stains over time. Curry, tomato-based dishes, and oily foods can discolour the container, making it less desirable for reuse.
Limited Reuse Compared to Other Materials
While plastic containers with lids are reusable to an extent, they generally degrade faster than glass or stainless steel. Scratches, warping, or lid failures can occur after multiple uses, especially in microwave or freezer conditions. Over time, this reduces durability and safety, leading to waste generation.
How to Safely Use Plastic Food Containers?
Using plastic food containers safely helps minimize health risks and extends their lifespan. Here are some tips that you can implement in your day-to-day life:
- First, always check the recycling code or food-grade certification printed on the container. Plastics like PP (polypropylene) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are generally safe for food storage and reheating, but avoid heating containers made from PS (polystyrene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can release harmful chemicals.
- Avoid microwaving plastic containers that are not explicitly marked microwave-safe. Heat can cause plastic to warp or leach chemicals into food, especially with oily or acidic dishes. When reheating, transferring food to glass or ceramic containers is often a safer choice.
- Proper cleaning is essential. Use mild detergents and avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface, creating spots where bacteria can accumulate. Dishwasher-safe plastics can be washed in a dishwasher, but repeated cycles may cause degradation, so monitor for cracks or cloudiness.
- Always seal plastic containers with lids tightly to prevent contamination and preserve freshness. When storing leftovers, let food cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to reduce condensation, which promotes bacterial growth.
- For single-use plastic takeaway containers, consider recycling options or repurposing where safe. Minimizing the use of disposable plastics and switching to eco-friendly food packaging alternatives, like biodegradable or compostable containers, can reduce environmental impact.
The Bottom Line
Plastic food containers offer convenience and versatility in everyday food storage and transport. Options like plastic containers with lids and plastic takeaway containers provide practical solutions for keeping meals fresh and secure.
However, understanding the pros and cons of different plastic types, along with safe usage practices, is essential to protect health and the environment. As a food business, you can share and educate your customers on how to safely reuse the plastic containers and boxes.
Food Packaging Direct has a wide range of plastic containers with lids for cold food storage or delivery that you can use in your business operations. Visit today and buy them in bulk to get lucrative discounts.