For restaurants, delis, grocers, and other foodservice providers, understanding these primary foodservice packaging FAQs is a helpful first start when selecting the right packaging for your business.
As the foodservice packaging industry evolves in response to environmental challenges and to meet the demands of consumer preferences, bags, containers and other foodservice items offer an increasing range of choices.
Our foodservice packaging FAQs are designed to answer the most common questions we receive at Servous.
Basic Foodservice Packaging FAQ
What is Foodservice Packaging
Foodservice packaging consists of items used by grocers, delis, restaurants and catering services such as cups and lids, to-go containers, straws, to-go bags, deli bags, produce bags, boxes, and trays.
What type of foodservice packaging do I need?
Foodservice packaging comes in a wide variety. Depending on what your need is, you will likely have multiple options to choose from to fit your particular need.
First, consider function. Will consumers be dining on site or taking their food to go? Do you also need a solution for hot or cold beverages? Whether your customers remain on site or need to transport their food order will help you determine which materials are right for you.
Next, consider form. Do your customers have certain expectations about your brand? For some foodservice establishments, the customer experience is not just the food itself, but also the experience of opening a package and either eating directly from it or removing the food to be plated.
Consider sustainability. If either you or your customers prefer materials that are environmentally friendly. You will want to choose a packaging type that is 100% renewable, biodegradable and/or recyclable that fits that preference.
Finally, think about cost. Even environmentally friendly packaging can be affordable so consider all your options before choosing the one that is right for your foodservice business. Customization can also be included displaying your logo and branding.
Which foodservice packaging is reusable?
Many packaging items are reusable for a period of time. Bagasse containers can be used to store food for some time in the refrigerator versus paper containers that have a shorter lifespan as eventual seepage can occur.
Bagasse can handle light reheating in the oven (just not at extreme temperatures.)
The most reusable items are totes made from bagasse materials which are designed for repeat usage and some paper bags designed to be used a handful of times. Most other paper items are intended for single-use.
Polystyrene foams have a good “shelf life” in your refrigerator and are seepage-proof. They are not able to be placed in an oven or microwave though for reheating foods.
Corn starch containers hold up well for storing food but also should not be used in an oven or microwave since they are a bioplastic, behaving like plastics in extreme heat.
Foodservice Packaging FAQ: Materials Used
What are foodservice packaging items made out of?
Today’s foodservice packaging choices include the more traditional styrofoam and plastic options but also an array of new environmentally friendly choices including those made of paper, bagasse, cornstarch, and molded fiber.
What is bagasse?
Bagasse is the remaining pulp material left over from raw sugarcane processing. Bagasse has historically been disposed of by burning but alternative uses for it have been developed, including converting this byproduct of sugarcane processing into foodservice packaging applications such as bags, trays, cups, and containers.
The durability of bagasse makes it a favored packaging material for foodservice providers who value offering a great customer experience for environmentally conscious consumers who also appreciate elegant packaging.
Bagasse offers greater durability and reusability over other biodegradable options.
What are the advantages of bagasse bags?
Bagasse bags, including totes, allow consumers to reuse bags, offering cost savings to retailers. Bagasse bags are more attractive than paper or plastic and can be customized to include a business logo and branding.
The durability and customization of bagasse bags are appreciated by shoppers who are more likely to carry them around, providing additional brand awareness outside of the brand’s retail location.
How is corn starch used in foodservice packaging?
Corn starch is a 100% biodegradable and renewable material used to make “cornstarch plastics” for many foodservice packaging items including:
- Corn starch meat trays
- Corn starch product trays
- Corn starch containers
- Corn starch deli containers
- Corn starch lids
- Corn starch plates
Corn starch bioplastic is manufactured using polylactic acid (PLA) produced by fermenting plant starch from corn. Unlike traditional plastics made from synthetic polymers, corn starch bioplastic packaging breaks down within just a few months when disposed of properly.
Corn starch packaging performs similar to synthetic plastic packaging making them a sturdy, more environmentally friendly option.
What is the difference between bagasse, cornstarch and foam trays?
Like trays made out of bagasse, cornstarch trays are made from plants, are 100% biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic, and carbon neutral. Both are made from renewable resources and used as an alternative to plastics and foam trays.
Polystyrene foam is a very popular material used for its insulating properties for containers and beverage cups. It’s very practical and moldable into different shapes and sizes to meet multiple use cases.
Foam is also inexpensive, lightweight, and recyclable. It’s softness and flexibility make it perfect for transporting or storing fragile items, like eggs.
What are the advantages of polystyrene foam foodservice packaging?
One of the most common foodservice packaging options, polystyrene foam is FDA-approved for foodservice use and has stood the test of time for many reasons including:
- Foam is low cost
- Foam is recyclable
- Foam has great insulating properties
- Foam can resists moisture
- Foam is durable
- Foam provides versatility in size and shape
What are the most common foodservice packaging products made from paper?
Paper comes in many forms providing a variety of applications for foodservice packaging including:
- Paper bags
- Paper to-go bags for restaurants
- Paper bakery bags
- Paper cookie bags
- Paper cupcake liners
- Paper food wraps
What are the types of paper foodservice packaging?
Paper packaging offers a high degree of flexibility in packaging materials to suit multiple use cases.
Kraft paper
Kraft paper, paper made through a wood pulp process, comes in unbleached and natural brown options. Unbleached paper includes no additional chemicals outside of the kraft paper manufacturing process and brown paper is a sturdier version that is tear-resistant and can handle heavier items.
Kraft paper can be used for to-go bags and box containers.
Grease proof paper
Grease proof paper is ideal for cookies, candies, or other foods that have oil or residue. Grease-proof paper can be used to make small bakery bags or to line trays.
Baking & parchment paper
Paper made from acid-treated pulp is used for parchment paper. Used by bakers, parchment is impervious to oil and water.
Foodservice Packaging FAQ: Environmental Friendliness & Sustainability
Is foodservice packaging eco-friendly?
Many foodservice packaging options are now eco-friendly. From the sourcing of renewable materials, reduced carbon emission during the manufacturing process, the lack of toxic chemicals used, and the ability to recycle, compost or biodegrade, makes many foodservice packaging eco-friendly.
Which foodservice packaging is biodegradable?
Many packaging materials are fully biodegradable including bagasse and corn starch trays and containers.
Which foodservice packaging is recyclable?
Plastics, polystyrene foam and paper foodservice packaging are all recyclable.
Which foodservice packaging is compostable?
Along with being biodegradable, foodservice packaging made from bagasse and corn starch are compostable either at compost facilities or even through home composting under the right conditions.
Which foodservice packaging is sustainable?
Materials made from renewable resources such as bagasse, corn starch, and wood pulp (for paper) are all considered sustainable. This means that the materials used come from renewable resources that can be replaced. In the case of bagasse, corn starch, and paper, all are made from plant products, a highly renewable resource!
Contact Servous with your Questions About Foodservice Packaging
Have additional questions about foodservice packaging for your business?
Servous provides many options for foodservice packaging for grocers, delis, restaurants, and QSRs for dine-in, to-go, and delivery orders. We offer a wide range of options to fit any budget so that you can handle and present your food with excellence.
Contact us today to see what options might be the best for you and be sure to ask us about our packaging customization!
