Packaging is more than just a container for serving food. The right material can help keep dishes warm, prevent leaks and improve presentation. But which material is best suited to your menu?

Cardboard, sugarcane and plastic all have their own properties. In this blog, we explain when to choose each material and what to consider.

When should you choose cardboard packaging?

Cardboard packaging is a popular choice for many hospitality businesses. It is sturdy, lightweight and available in a wide range of designs. Cardboard packaging is also easy to print, making it a great way to reinforce your brand identity.

Cardboard is particularly suitable for dry or slightly moist foods. Think of chips, snacks, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and lunch dishes. Many cardboard containers have a grease-resistant coating, making them suitable for foods containing some oil or sauce as well.

For very moist or liquid dishes, cardboard is not always the best option. Always check whether the packaging is suitable for the type of food you want to serve.

When is sugarcane the best choice?

Sugarcane packaging, also known as bagasse, is made from the fibres left over after sugarcane has been processed. The material is sturdy, heat-resistant and suitable for a wide range of hot and cold dishes.

Sugarcane is ideal for meals with sauces, salads, rice dishes, poké bowls, pasta and other complete meals. Sugarcane packaging is also a popular choice for food trucks, catering and events thanks to its more sustainable appearance.

It also gives dishes a natural and neat presentation, making it popular with businesses looking for more sustainable packaging options.

When should you choose plastic packaging?

For many dishes, there are good alternatives to plastic. However, plastic can still be the most practical choice in some situations, for example when packaging needs to close securely, be particularly sturdy or withstand moisture.

Transparent plastic packaging is useful for salads, desserts, fruit and sushi. The contents remain clearly visible, which helps present the dish attractively. Plastic is also commonly used for cold drinks and smoothies.

PP packaging is suitable for hot meals and is widely used for takeaway and delivery. rPET is mainly used for cold foods where a clear and attractive presentation is important.

At TakeAware, we prefer to look for a more sustainable alternative first. If that is not practical or suitable for a particular application, plastic may still be the best option for serving food safely and neatly.

How will the food be served?

The dish itself is not the only factor that determines which packaging works best. It also matters whether the meal will be eaten immediately, collected as takeaway or spend some time in transit with a delivery driver.

For delivery, it is especially important that the packaging is sturdy and closes securely. This helps keep the food in place and prevents leaks during transport. For food that is eaten immediately, lighter or simpler packaging may often be sufficient.

Temperature and presentation also play a role. For cold dishes, transparent packaging can be useful because it keeps the contents clearly visible. For hot meals, it is important that the packaging can withstand heat and helps keep the food at the right temperature for as long as possible.

By considering in advance how a dish will be handed over and eaten, it becomes easier to choose packaging that really suits the application.

More sustainable choices are becoming increasingly important

More and more businesses are consciously choosing more sustainable packaging. Materials such as cardboard and sugarcane offer an excellent alternative to traditional plastic for many applications.

However, there is no single perfect solution for every dish. In some cases, plastic is still necessary to maintain product quality, food safety or presentation. That is why it is important to consider both the application and the available alternatives.

At TakeAware, we believe the best choice does not always have to be completely plastic-free, but it should be as considered as possible.

Which packaging best suits your menu?

The right packaging depends on several factors: the type of dish, its temperature, the length of transport and the presentation you want to achieve. By choosing the right material, your food stays at the right temperature for longer, looks better and reaches the customer in good condition.

Not sure which packaging is best suited to your menu? Our team will be happy to help you choose the right solution for your hospitality business.

Author: Manon Schram