When you are at home and ask for delivery food or you have leftovers from a night out, the take out containers are perfect for carrying and transporting food, but then you need to consider another question: assumed your delivery food is cold or you are looking for reheat on the second day, are these take out boxes microwave safe? The answers are various, we’ll try to figure them out in this article.
Are plastic to-go containers microwave safe?
The answer is no. It’s not safe for common plastics when you put them in a microwave or oven because of their low melting point. Thus they might be at risk of melting and releasing a stinky smell and unhealthy chemicals. Also, the microwave will be damaged, which increases the risk of fire.
Not all types of plastics cannot be heated, Polypropylene plastic is more safety compared to others since its material is relatively stable and can withstand the heat of 100-140 degrees. PP material will not react to any fat or oil even in high-temperature conditions, which makes it become an excellent choice for takeout and catering businesses. However, due to safety concerns, we still suggest you read the introduction of the to-go container or ask the seller if the boxes can be heated.
Are cardboard to-go containers microwave safe?
Cardboard boxes, bowls and plates can be heated in the microwave, but make sure you have checked the tips below first:
1. What are they made of?
The cardboard food to-go containers are made from wood pulp with sodium hydroxide pressed into the paper and then glued together, but there is no need to worry about your food contact to glue, it’s just inside the cardboard to hold them together.
2. Wax or plastic coating
The wax coating is used for moisture-proof and keeps the food away from gases produced by other food in the refrigerator that can accelerate spoilage. Most containers don’t have wax coating nowadays, on the contrary, they have polyethylene plastic coating. However, both of them will release unhealthy fumes so it’s better to microwave food in ceramics or glass bowls and plates.
3. Plastic films & handles
As we mentioned above, the most common plastic has a low melting point and is easily deformed and produces harmful gases when heated, and polyethylene is the safest heatable plastic. Therefore, check if there aren’t any heatable symbols on the plastic, and avoid using the microwave.
4. Metal nails, clips and handles
These items can be used to secure takeout boxes for portability, but placing metal objects in the microwave can be disastrous. Even a small staple can create sparks when it’s being heated, damaging the inside of the microwave and causing a fire. So when you need to heat the takeaway carton, be sure to exclude all metals.
5. Brown paper bag
Maybe you think it is convenient and safe to put your food in the takeout brown paper bag and heated them in the microwave, but you may be shocked by the result: the crumpled paper bag is more likely to ignite, and if the paper bag is both being crumpled and damped, it will heat up with your food even cause a fire.
After figuring out these things, although cardboard containers can be heated in the microwave, if there is no special reason, it is obviously a wiser way to reheat food in ceramic or glass containers – it’s not only for avoiding a fire but also for avoiding potential health hazards.
Tuobo Packaging was founded in 2015, and is one of the leading paper packaging manufacturers, factories & suppliers in China, accepting OEM, ODM, SKD orders. We have rich experiences in production & research development for different kinds of types such as single-wall/double-wall coffee cups, printed ice cream paper cups, and so on. With advanced production equipment, and a factory covering an area of 3000 square meters, we are able to provide better products and services.
If you are interested in getting a quote for your branded paper cups or need some help or advice then get in touch with Tuobo Packaging today! Call us at 0086-13410678885 or email us at fannie@toppackhk.com
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