Disposable Food Packaging - Materials Used

Materials Used

disposable foodservice packaging can be made from a number of materials each with its own uses and benefits.

Aluminum

Aluminum is used to manufacture foils, wraps, bags, containers, and trays.

Plastic and foam

Many disposable foodservice products can be made of plastic: cups, plates, bowls, trays, food containers and cutlery, for example. Plastics are used because the material is lightweight and holds the temperature of hot/cold food and beverages.

Polystyrene is in one of the most common types of plastics used for foodservice packaging. In its foamed form, polystyrene is often incorrectly referred to as "Styrofoam." Styrofoam actually is the trademarked brand name for building materials, pipe insulation and floral and craft products made by The Dow Chemical Company.

Paper and paperboard

Disposable foodservice products made from paper include cups, plates, bowls, napkins, carryout bags, trays, egg cartons, doilies and tray liners. In addition to paper and paperboard products, molded fiber products are made from recycled paper and are formed under heat and pressure into plates, bowls, trays and cup carriers

Alternative materials

A number of manufacturers are now making disposable foodservice products from a combination of natural starches, recycled fibers, water, air, and natural minerals. These composite products include cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, sandwich wraps, food containers and trays.

The material used to make these kinds of disposable foodservice products is primarily PLA or polylactic acid. Some products are made from a mixture of PLA and pulp fibers that are molded into disposable foodservice items with heat and pressure. Others are made from a composite or mixture of starch and other materials, such as limestone and recycled fibers, to give them additional strength.