What the Recycling Symbol on Reusable Chinese Take-out Containers Stands For?
author: Iris
2025-07-31
1. What Is the Plastic Recycling Symbol? Why Is It Important?
What Is the Resin Identification Code (RIC)?
The plastic recycling number is a set of classification standards developed by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), which is used worldwide. The numbers 1 through 7 represent different types of plastics, making it easy for recyclers, producers, and consumers to recognize them. For reusable Chinese take-out containers, reading these numbers will not only help you determine whether it can be microwaved or not, but also know whether it is safe and recyclable.
What Is the Recycling Symbol and How to Recognize It
The symbol is usually a triangle with a number inside and sometimes a few letters underneath, such as PET, PP, which you can find on the bottom of the container or on the package label. By recognizing these symbols, you will know if the box can go in the microwave or if you can use it again and again.
Why Is It Important to Know These Symbols?
When buying microwave-safe take-out containers or reusable Chinese take-out containers, if you don't know these numbers, you may buy a box that is not resistant to high temperatures, releases hazardous substances when heated, or is not recyclable at all. Especially if you are in the restaurant business, choosing the right materials is not only a matter of customer health, but also reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly.
3. How to Choose the Right Lunch Box According to the Plastic Label?
Which Labels Mean “microwaveable”?
Number 5 (PP) is the most common material for microwave-safe take-out containers. When buying, look for “Microwave Safe” or a microwave icon on the box in addition to the number to be on the safe side.
Which Labels Mean “reusable”?
Number 5 (PP) and some number 7 (e.g., PLA) boxes are suitable for reuse. When choosing a box, check how thick it is and how well it seals to avoid warping or leaking soup after a few uses.
How to Customize a Food Safety Standard Lunch Box?
If you want to order custom Chinese take-out containers, remember to look for manufacturers with FDA and SGS certifications to ensure the safety of materials. You can also design a logo and color according to your needs, which is both good-looking and practical.
Where to Buy?
Huizhou Yangrui Printing & Packaging Co., Ltd., established in 2014, specializes in the manufacture of disposable food packaging containers. Our product line includes reusable Chinese take-out containers made of PP, PET, PLA, and pulp. We offer OEM/ODM customization services and support printing of plastic grading labels and brand logos. All products are optionally available with a "Microwave Safe" logo and recycling number, meeting compliance standards for European, American, and Japanese markets.
Contact Information:
Phone: +86-159 8949 1653
Email: sales@yrpak.com
Email: sales@yrpak.com
References
- SPI Resin Identification Coding System, Plastics Industry Association.
- FDA Food Packaging Regulations – U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Andrady, A. L., & Neal, M. A. (2009). Applications and societal benefits of plastics. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 1977–1984.
- European Bioplastics e.V. – “What is PLA?”
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020). The New Plastics Economy: Catalysing Action.
2. Plastic Recycling Grading Labeling Details (No. 1-7)
No. 1 - PET / PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
This plastic is most commonly found in mineral water bottles and beverage bottles. It is transparent and lightweight, and has a high recycling rate. However, it is not heat resistant, so don't use it as microwave-safe take-out containers, as heating may release harmful substances.
No. 2 - HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
Milk bottles and shampoo bottles are commonly used with this material, which is relatively strong and chemically resistant, but it is generally not used for food containers, especially those that need to be heated, as it is generally heat resistant.
No. 5 - PP (Polypropylene)
This is the most reliable material for microwave-safe take-out containers! It's heat-resistant, drop-resistant, reusable, and dishwasher safe. So if you're looking for reusable Chinese take-out containers, look for the “5”.
No. 6 - PS (Polystyrene)
This is the material used to make many of the foam lunch boxes and disposable tableware. It's cheap, but it's not heat-resistant, and heating it up may release harmful substances. So don't count on it as microwave-safe take-out containers, and don't use it over and over again.
No. 7 - Other (Other Materials, Including PLA)
This classification is more miscellaneous; some are mixed plastics, some are new, environmentally friendly materials, such as PLA. Reusable Chinese take-out containers made of PLA are quite environmentally friendly, but the specific heat resistance depends on the manufacturer's instructions.
4. How Does Yangrui Ensure the Safety and Environmental Friendliness of Its Lunch Boxes?
We Offer a Full Range of Containers with Clear Labeling
All of our containers are clearly labeled with the recycling number and microwave safe, so you can see at a glance which ones are suitable for microwave-safe take-out containers and which ones can be used repeatedly.
Recommended Sustainable Materials to Promote Green Use
We mainly promote environmentally friendly materials, such as reusable Chinese take-out containers made of PLA and PP, which are safe and can reduce waste, and are more friendly to the environment.
Customized Material + Labeling Service
Different countries have different requirements. We can print the corresponding recycling logo on the containers upon request, so that your customized Chinese take-out containers can comply with local regulations and sell more smoothly.
What FDA Standards Need to Be Met by Plastic Take-Out Containers Exported to the U.S.?
Microwavable Take-Out Food Containers: How Many Degrees Can Withstand?
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