Why Is PLA Becoming More and More Popular Among Catering Companies?
author: Iris
2025-05-12
Why Is It More Popular Than Traditional Plastics?
PLA food packaging boxes have far superior environmental performance to traditional plastics. They can be completely degraded in 3-6 months, and carbon emissions are reduced by 60%. From policy compliance to consumer recognition, PLA is reshaping the green standards of catering packaging.
Biodegradable, Reducing Environmental Pollution
PLA (polylactic acid) is made from plant materials such as corn starch and sugarcane. It can be completely degraded into CO₂ and water under composting conditions, greatly reducing white pollution. Compared with traditional plastics (such as PP and PS) that take hundreds of years to degrade, PLA food packaging boxes can be decomposed in only 3-6 months under industrial composting conditions, greatly reducing the burden on the environment.
In addition, PLA food boxes are suitable for the take-out industry, which is in line with the global "plastic restriction" trend. When catering companies adopt take out food boxes, they can not only meet the requirements of environmental regulations but also enhance the brand's sustainable image and attract consumers with strong environmental awareness.
In addition, PLA food boxes are suitable for the take-out industry, which is in line with the global "plastic restriction" trend. When catering companies adopt take out food boxes, they can not only meet the requirements of environmental regulations but also enhance the brand's sustainable image and attract consumers with strong environmental awareness.
Low Carbon Emissions, In Line with Global Environmental Policies
The production process of PLA reduces carbon emissions by about 60% compared with petroleum-based plastics, which meets the requirements of the EU "Plastic Ban" and China's "Plastic Restriction Order". For catering brands pursuing carbon neutrality goals, custom food boxes using PLA materials are an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
For example, many international chain restaurant brands have begun to use PLA food boxes to reduce their carbon footprint. As governments strengthen environmental regulations, the market demand for PLA will continue to grow.
For example, many international chain restaurant brands have begun to use PLA food boxes to reduce their carbon footprint. As governments strengthen environmental regulations, the market demand for PLA will continue to grow.
Recyclable and Composting Treatment Methods
PLA can be degraded in professional composting facilities, and some countries (such as Germany and Japan) have established PLA recycling systems. Catering companies can guide consumers to properly handle PLA food boxes by marking the "compostable" logo on the packaging.
However, PLA requires specific conditions (such as a high-temperature composting environment) to degrade, so catering companies should strengthen consumer education to ensure that food packaging boxes are treated in an environmentally friendly manner to maximize their sustainable benefits.
However, PLA requires specific conditions (such as a high-temperature composting environment) to degrade, so catering companies should strengthen consumer education to ensure that food packaging boxes are treated in an environmentally friendly manner to maximize their sustainable benefits.
Why Has PLA Become the First Choice for Catering Brands?
70% of consumers tend to choose environmentally friendly packaging, and policy dividends continue to be released. PLA lunch boxes have market competitiveness from cost to performance, and are becoming a strategic choice for catering brands.
Consumers Prefer Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Surveys show that 70% of consumers prefer catering brands that use degradable packaging. Using PLA food packaging boxes can not only meet policy requirements but also enhance brand image and strengthen consumer loyalty.
For example, new tea brands such as Heytea and Nayuki's Tea have successfully created an environmentally friendly and high-end brand image through customized PLA packaging, winning the favor of young consumers.
For example, new tea brands such as Heytea and Nayuki's Tea have successfully created an environmentally friendly and high-end brand image through customized PLA packaging, winning the favor of young consumers.
Policy Promotion and Subsidy Support
Governments are vigorously promoting bio-based materials, and some countries (such as China and the European Union) provide tax incentives or subsidies. China's "14th Five-Year Plan" clearly supports the degradable materials industry, and the PLA lunch box market will usher in greater development space.
Cost Reduction, PLA Is More Competitive
As PLA production capacity expands, its price has approached that of traditional plastics and may fall further in the future. Catering companies can reduce costs by purchasing custom food boxes in bulk while meeting environmental protection needs.
Where to Buy PLA Food Containers？
For businesses seeking high-quality PLA packaging solutions, consider these reputable suppliers:
Recommended Manufacturer:
Recommended Manufacturer:
- Yangrui Packaging (China)
- Specializes in eco-friendly food packaging solutions
- Offers custom PLA container manufacturing
- Contact: +86-159 8949 1653
- Email: sales@yrpak.com
- Website: www.yrpak.com
References
- European Bioplastics (2023). "Market Data Report: Global Production Capacities of Bioplastics"
- FDA CFR Title 21 - Food Contact Substance Notifications for PLA
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2022). "Global Commitment Progress Report"
- NatureWorks LLC (2023). "Ingeo™ Biopolymer Life Cycle Assessment"
- China National Development and Reform Commission (2020). "Plastic Pollution Control Opinions"
Why Do Catering Companies Trust It More?
As a food-grade safety material, PLA does not contain harmful substances such as BPA and has passed international certification. From cold drinks to hot food, PLA provides catering brands with packaging solutions that combine safety and experience.
Compliance with Food Contact Material Standards (FDA, EU 10/2011)
PLA take out food boxes do not contain bisphenol A (BPA) and plasticizers, comply with FDA and EU food contact material standards, and are suitable for hot and cold food packaging. Compared with traditional plastics, PLA is slightly less stable at high temperatures (applicable temperature range: -10°C to 50°C), but it can still meet most catering needs.
For foods that need to be packaged at high temperatures (such as soups and fried foods), it is recommended to use PLA coated paper boxes or choose heat-resistant modified PLA materials to ensure food safety.
For foods that need to be packaged at high temperatures (such as soups and fried foods), it is recommended to use PLA coated paper boxes or choose heat-resistant modified PLA materials to ensure food safety.
No Odor, No Effect on Food Taste
PLA lunch boxes do not release a plastic smell, and are particularly suitable for packaging foods that are sensitive to odor, such as salads and desserts. For example, brands such as Starbucks and McDonald's have widely used PLA cup lids and lunch boxes to enhance the consumer experience.
Custom food boxes use PLA material, which not only ensures food safety but also enhances the brand's high-end sense and attracts consumers who pay attention to health and quality of life.
Custom food boxes use PLA material, which not only ensures food safety but also enhances the brand's high-end sense and attracts consumers who pay attention to health and quality of life.
Optimization of Oil-Proof and Waterproof Performance
Modern PLA coating technology has greatly improved oil-proof and waterproof performance, and is suitable for scenarios such as takeaway lunch boxes and coffee cup lids. Through special process treatment, PLA lunch boxes can effectively prevent oil penetration, extend the shelf life of food, and maintain environmental protection characteristics.
How to Choose a Suitable PLA Lunch Box Supplier?
High-quality PLA suppliers need to have international certification, customization capabilities and a stable supply chain. This section will guide catering companies to select reliable partners to ensure the implementation of environmentally friendly packaging.
Certification and Qualification Verification
Ensure that suppliers provide international certifications such as FDA and EN13432 to prevent inferior PLA products from affecting food safety and brand reputation.
Customized Design Requirements
PLA can be used to make transparent, matte, colorful and other different effects of lunch boxes to meet the brand's visual needs. For example, Heytea uses customized PLA cup lids to enhance brand recognition.
Supply Chain Stability Inspection
Choose suppliers with a stable source of PLA raw materials to avoid the risk of out-of-stock due to market fluctuations and ensure a stable supply of take out food boxes.
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