The most common materials for deli containers are foam, compostable material, and coated paper. All materials are well-known to the industry and cost-efficient, but which one is better?
Foam containers were widely used but are no longer suitable for the current market. They are too easily punctured by the utensils and are not microwave safe.
Foam is such a contradictory item. On the one hand, it is such an excellent cost-efficient sample of packaging materials, as it’s lightweight and cheap. But on the other hand, it is awful for the environment as it is tough to be curbside recycled and not eco-friendly. The foam ban regulation is the final stage for these materials, and soon, they will be outdated.
Eco-friendly materials like bagasse, sugarcane, and palm leaf are the rising stars in the market. They are made of renewable materials and can be recycled or composted with correct handling. Unlike foam, eco-friendly materials are cut-resistant sturdy enough to hold while poking your salad/meat. However, PFAS is added during the production process to make them oil resistant and waterproof therefore could be possible to eat in with food. EPA has found solid evidence that PFAS’s present in lots of food and the environment.1
On the other hand, since these materials are compressed under high temperatures and pressure but not 100% covered with coating on both sides, this could be a potential issue for food serving in more extended time storage. In addition, hot food will create moisture on the outside wall of the container due to condensation, which is potentially a threat during take-out and delivery.
Coated papers are widely used for food packaging like paper cups, paper bowls, take-out containers, etc. Made from fast-growing forest wood pulp and coated with polymers to be oil resistant and waterproof. Customers can choose thicker base paper for a premium quality product or a lighter piece for a cost-efficient item. With the help of different coatings, paper packaging can provide a varied range of products. PE coating is widely used because it’s cheap and reliable. The downside is it’s not eco-friendly, but with the help of PLA coating, paper packaging is compostable under industry sites. Or with PBS coating, paper items are biodegradable, and such products are usually certified with BPI or DIN.
With double side coating, moisture is no longer an issue, making paper items outstanding for take-out and delivery.
In conclusion, the advantage of the paper product is a combination of foam and bagasse/sugarcane. It’s relatively cheaper than bagasse/sugarcane, which is crucial to any business owner but still more reliable than foam for quality and satisfying food serving.