While sustainable and eco-friendly products are increasing in popularity, single use plastics remain common within the foodservice industry due to their usability, customizability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness.
The trend towards plastic
Plastic disposable cups, in particular, are growing in use due to the EPA’s ban on styrofoam. As companies source cups using alternative materials, plastic disposable cups are the favored replacement, especially in the hospitality industry which accounts for 43% of the use in plastic cups.
Polyethylene and polypropylene are the two materials used to make the most common types of single use plastic foodservice products. Let’s learn about each before we dive into the products themselves.
Polyethylene Single Use Foodservice Products
Also referred to as PE, polyethylene is a popular choice for foodservice plastics due to its flexibility in application. Keep in mind that while polyethylene is not biodegradable, it is fully recyclable.
There are three types of polyethylene:
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is most often used in making lids, frozen food packaging, bottles, and bread packaging.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is used to make packaging film. While the least flexible of all the films, it is the strongest so perfect for applications requiring more rigidity such as deli containers, water bottles, deli bags and sheets, seafood bags, and even umbrella bags.
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
Offering greater impact strength than LDPE, LLDPE provides the greatest level of flexibility and is best used for shrink wrap and bottle caps.
Polypropylene Single Use Plastic Foodservice Products
Polypropylene makes food-safe plastic packaging for ready-to-eat meals, and dairy product containers such as for sour creams and yogurts.
One of the greatest advantages of polypropylene is that it is highly durable, designed to withstand some level of abuse either in transit, in the shopping cart, or if dropped. Its durability makes it the perfect choice to transition from refrigerator to microwave.
Types of Single Use Plastic Foodservice Products
Single Use Plastic Seafood Bags
The materials used to transport seafood from grocer to consumer’s home can make all the difference in retaining the freshness of the seafood. Plastic seafood bags are specifically designed to reduce moisture and heat so that the seafood stays fresh longer.
Single use plastic seafood bags are freezer safe, prevent leakage and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Single Use Plastic Deli Bags
Single use plastic deli bags are designed to transport sliced meats and cheeses from the grocer’s deli counter. They are resealable for extended use and to keep food fresh and tasting better.
Single Use Plastic Produce Bags
Produce bags come in rolls and are typically placed around the produce section of the grocer. Plastic produce bags are designed for flexibility and ease of use so that shoppers can select and bag their own fruits and vegetables. Produce bags will help retain moisture, extending the shelf life of fresh produce.
Single Use Meat & Produce Trays
Plastic meat and produce trays are a popular choice for grocers who appreciate their cost-effectiveness, durability, and flexibility along with the ability to recycle that consumers prefer.
Single Use Plastic Containers
Single us polypropylene (PP) deli containers and high-density polyethylene deli containers are not only durable, but are refrigerator and microwave friendly. Commonly made from recycled materials, both are eco-friendly and recyclable.
Single Use Plastic Gloves
Designed for deli and foodservice counters, polyethylene gloves are designed for short-term and single-use cases when serving consumers or preparing food such as salads. Different types of polyethylene gloves exist, made for different use cases.
The various types are thermoplastic elastomer glove designed for elasticity and durability, high-density polyethylene gloves designed for cost-effective single service basic use, thin low density polyethylene gloves right for light duty foodservice work, and cast polyethylene gloves which are thicker and more durable than latex gloves. Cast polyethylene gloves are very cost-effective as they can be worn throughout the day.
Plastic Straws
Consumers still prefer plastic straws due to their durability and proficiency in use. Plastic straws come in rigid and flexible options and can also be custom colored to match your foodservice establishment.
Paper wrapping provides extra sanitation and plastic straws continue to provide the most cost-effective solution for high-volume establishments.
Plastic Cups
Plastic cups are commonly made from recyclable polypropylene, making them very affordable. They come in a variety of colors as well as clear and are designed to be high-impact to deal with drops or extra strong hand grips.
The great thing about plastic cups is that they come in a large variety of sizes including for children and can be customized for a more elegant look and feel for higher end establishments that cater weddings and other parties.
Recycling Single Use Plastic Foodservice Packaging
The various types of single use plastic foodservice products offer flexibility in recycling and re-use.
Recycling Polyethylene Single Use Foodservice Plastics
Polyethylene is more eco-friendly than other types of plastics due to its recycling process. Items made from polyethylene can be shredded and melted back down to be reformed into new plastic products. Polyethylene can even be recycled multiple times.
Recycling Polypropylene Single Use Foodservice Plastics
Polypropylene is also one of the more recyclable plastics on the market. It is widely recycled and generates little waste during production, recycling and eventual disposal.
Contact Servous to Explore the Many Types of Single Use Plastic Foodservice Products Available
Servous offers many high quality, cost effective USDA and FDA approved options for grocers, fishmongers, meat markets, delis, and caterers. Our specialized bags, containers, trays and gloves come in many sizes and customizable colored and branded options.
Contact the experts at Servous to help you determine the right types of single use plastic foodservice supplies that are right for your business and your budget. We can even provide any customization or branding that you require.
Contact us today to speak with our foodservice supply experts.
