Switching away from single-use plastic takeaway containers is a good move. Many of these are littered or sent to landfill.
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Some states are also making the move to ban certain single-use plastic food containers and bowls. Check your state for current bans and exemptions HERE.
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For many cafes, plastic containers have been an easy, multi-purpose item. With all the different types of alternative options now available, it can be hard to know what will suit your needs.
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FINDING THE RIGHT OPTIONS FOR YOU
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Our easy tool below will allow you filter by your specific needs, and find out what type of containers and lids will suit you.​
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The tool is based on the materials the containers/lids are made from, as the properties of these materials will determine the suitability of the container.
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Notes:
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Container and lid material types are listed separately. In general, matching lids will be made from the same material type, but there are exceptions, noted below.
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We've included options that may be banned in some states.
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If you'd like one container for multiple needs, select the options that match your most specific need, and go from there.
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Once you have your results, see below for how to select a specific container and lid combination.​
SELECTING A SPECIFIC CONTAINER
Now you know what material types will give you the properties you need, you can select a container/lid option that will suit your size and shape requirements. Note: if you'd like a rundown of the different material types listed and their properties - see below.
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If you're located in SA or WA, head to our plastic ban solution finder database:
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Select your state, then from the pop-up menu, your product type (e.g. containers).
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From the menu on the left, find 'materials', and select according to your above results.
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If you find a suitable product, click on 'view details' to check for matching lids.
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If in another state, check with your local supplier for containers and/or lids made from the required materials. Different brands will have different options.
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For reusable options, search online or ask your local supplier. You can also head to our guide 'Getting started with Reusables' for more information.
A RUNDOWN OF THE DIFFERENT MATERIAL TYPES​​
Areca palm
Made from palm leaves that are washed and heat-pressed into shape. Containers are sturdy and durable. Most containers do not come with lids though, and snap lock lids are unavailable.
Bagasse
A fibrous sugarcane byproduct, combined with water and additives and moulded into packaging. It has excellent moisture resistant properties. Can come with fitted lids, but these are often not leak-proof.
Bioplastic (clear)
A Bioplastics are a range of materials with the properties of plastic that are either derived from plant sources rather than fossil fuels, or are considered biodegradable, or both.
Foil
Plastic-free, though not compostable, foil can suit a range of hot food applications. Matching lids will be plastic-lined and not suitable for containing liquid-based food.
Reusable
Designed to achieve a minimum number of refill cycles for the same primary purpose. Reusable containers are versatile, with many options for their use and return.
Aqueous coated board
A paper/board product with a coating applied to make it waterproof. The coating is typically made up of polymers, which means it is not plastic free. It is also referred to as a water dispersion barrier.
Bamboo Fibre
Made from the bamboo plant, these can replace paper/board products. Like paper/board, they may be unlined, or lined or coated to make them waterproof.
Bioplastic (opaque)
Similar to bioplastic (clear), but with chalk added during production, then rapidly heated and cooled to result in a product which is heat stable to 90ºC. Often called CPLA, it is a suitable fitted lid for hot, liquid foods.
Lined & unlined paper/board
A paper/board-based product. If they are unlined, they contain no plastic elements. They can also be lined with bioplastic or aqueous coated to make them waterproof.​
