5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Plastic Food Boxes

Plastic food boxes are ubiquitous in the food industry, offering unparalleled convenience, durability, and cost-effectiveness. However, their optimal performance and safety depend heavily on correct usage. For B2B clients, understanding and avoiding common mistakes when handling plastic food boxes is crucial. Incorrect practices can lead to food spoilage, safety hazards, and operational inefficiencies. This blog post outlines five prevalent errors and provides practical advice to ensure your business maximizes the benefits of plastic food packaging.

1. Ignoring Material Compatibility with Food Types

Not all plastic food boxes are created equal. Different plastic types possess distinct properties that make them suitable for specific food applications. A common mistake is using a generic plastic container for all food types, without considering material compatibility.

The Importance of Plastic Codes

Plastic containers are typically marked with a recycling symbol containing a number (1-7), indicating the type of plastic. Understanding these codes is vital for proper usage.

Plastic Type (Code)	Common Use Cases	Mistake to Avoid
PET (1)	Cold beverages, fresh produce, baked goods	Using for hot foods or microwave heating (can deform)
HDPE (2)	Milk jugs, juice bottles, some deli containers	Using for highly acidic or oily foods without proper testing
PVC (3)	Cling film, some blister packaging	Less common for direct food contact due to concerns, avoid if possible
LDPE (4)	Squeeze bottles, plastic bags	Not suitable for rigid food storage or high-temperature applications
PP (5)	Microwaveable containers, yogurt cups, deli containers	Overheating beyond recommended temperatures (can warp)
PS (6)	Disposable cups, clear salad containers	Using for hot liquids or fatty foods (can leach chemicals)
Other (7)	Mixed plastics, bioplastics	Assuming all are food-safe or recyclable without verification

Actionable Advice: Always verify that the plastic food box material is suitable for the intended food product, especially concerning temperature, acidity, and oil content. Consult with your plastic food box supplier, like Reliancepak, for guidance on material selection.

Your Business Guide to Selecting the Right Food Packaging Materials

2. Improper Sealing and Storage Practices

The effectiveness of plastic food boxes in extending shelf life hinges on proper sealing and storage. A loose lid or incorrect storage conditions can negate the protective benefits of the packaging.

Consequences of Poor Sealing

• Accelerated Spoilage: Exposure to air, moisture, and contaminants speeds up microbial growth and oxidation.
• Cross-Contamination: Unsealed containers can allow pathogens to transfer between food items.
• Leakage: Leads to mess, waste, and potential safety hazards.

Actionable Advice: Ensure lids are securely fastened, creating an airtight seal. Store plastic food boxes in appropriate conditions (refrigerated, frozen, or ambient) as per food safety guidelines. For bulk plastic food packaging, maintain proper stacking to prevent damage to seals.

3. Overlooking Food-Grade Certifications

For B2B food businesses, using non-food-grade plastic food boxes is a critical and dangerous mistake. These containers may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food, posing serious health risks to consumers.

Why Certifications Matter

Reputable manufacturers adhere to strict international standards to ensure their plastic food boxes are safe for food contact. Key certifications include:

• FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration): Ensures materials are safe for food contact.
• EU Food Grade: Complies with European Union regulations for food contact materials.

Actionable Advice: Always source plastic food boxes from suppliers who can provide valid food-grade certifications. Reliancepak, for example, proudly offers products with EU and FDA food-grade certificates, ensuring the highest safety standards for your wholesale plastic food containers.

4. Neglecting Cleaning and Reusability Guidelines

While many plastic food boxes are designed for single use, some are intended for multiple uses. A common mistake is either attempting to reuse single-use containers or improperly cleaning reusable ones.

Best Practices for Reusability

• Identify Reusable Containers: Only reuse plastic food boxes explicitly designed for multiple uses (e.g., thicker, more durable plastics, often marked as

reusable” or dishwasher-safe).

• Proper Cleaning: Clean reusable containers thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use. Check for scratches or damage, as these can harbor bacteria.
• Avoid Reusing Single-Use Containers: Single-use plastic food boxes are not designed to withstand repeated washing and heating, which can cause the plastic to break down and potentially leach chemicals.

Actionable Advice: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s guidelines on reusability. For B2B operations, establish clear protocols for cleaning and inspecting reusable plastic food boxes to maintain hygiene and safety.

5. Disregarding Environmental Impact and Disposal

In today’s environmentally conscious market, ignoring the end-of-life impact of plastic food boxes is a significant business mistake. Improper disposal contributes to pollution and can damage a brand’s reputation.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

• Educate on Recyclability: Not all plastics are recyclable in all areas. Businesses should understand the recyclability of their chosen plastic food boxes and, if possible, educate their end-users.
• Choose Recyclable Materials: Prioritize plastic food boxes made from widely recyclable materials like PET and PP.
• Explore Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Consider options like containers made from recycled content or emerging bioplastics where appropriate for your product and market.

Actionable Advice: Partner with a supplier that offers sustainable packaging solutions. Reliancepak provides eco-friendly plastic food packaging options and can advise on the best choices to align with your company’s sustainability goals. Encourage proper disposal and recycling among your clients and consumers.

Conclusion: Smart Usage for a Smarter Business

Plastic food boxes are a valuable asset for any food business, but their benefits are only fully realized through proper handling and usage. By avoiding these five common mistakes—ignoring material compatibility, improper sealing, overlooking certifications, neglecting cleaning guidelines, and disregarding environmental impact—B2B clients can ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and enhance their brand’s reputation. Making informed choices and partnering with a knowledgeable supplier like Reliancepak is the first step toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable packaging strategy.