Can disposable tableware be heated in the microwave?

plastic disposable tableware

Look for the "PP" logo

Many takeaway merchants like to pack meals in plastic disposable boxes, but not all plastic disposable boxes can be heated in the microwave.

Most plastic boxes will have a triangle logo with a number on it.

Some people mistakenly think that the number here means that the plastic box can be reused several times: "1" means it can only be used once, and "2" means it can be used twice...

But the actual situation is not like this, the numbers here represent the material of the plastic container. The production materials are different, and the taboos in use are also different. Some are not resistant to high temperature, some are not easy to clean...

However, there is only one material that is resistant to high temperatures and suitable for microwave heating, and that is polypropylene (PP) plastic material with an identification code of "5".

Therefore, before putting the takeaway into the microwave oven, be sure to check whether there is a "PP" on the plastic lunch box or whether there is a "5" mark on the triangular arrow.

If there is no corresponding mark on the disposable lunch box, it is best to change it to a container suitable for microwave ovens for heating.

Of course, even if it is a takeaway box that can be heated by microwave, it is not recommended to use it again after heating it once. Microwave heating and the original oil in the food will accelerate the migration of some substances that may be harmful to the body in the packaging box. Moreover, the material of the takeaway box is relatively thin and brittle, which is not suitable for repeated use.

Paper disposable tableware

Note the presence or absence of plastic cover film

In addition to plastic disposable lunch boxes, many restaurants also choose paper disposable tableware to pack food.

Generally speaking, packaging boxes with a matte texture and no plastic film can be put into the microwave oven.

This kind of tableware is made of raw materials such as bagasse and straw. Its biggest advantage is that it is safer, and the technology used is closer to papermaking technology. Products with relatively high quality can also be heated in a microwave oven.

However, tableware made of cardboard and plastic coated should not be heated in a microwave oven as much as possible.

The paper cups, instant noodle barrels, and kraft paper tableware we often see all belong to this type of tableware.

Most of the plastic films used in the internal coating of this type of tableware are made of PE film. With the enhancement of environmental protection awareness, more and more merchants use degradable PLA film tableware. However, these coatings are not resistant to high temperatures and are not suitable for heating in a microwave oven.

In addition to this kind of tableware, some caring merchants often wrap a layer of plastic wrap on the outside of the takeaway box in order to prevent the soup from splashing out.

To be on the safe side, try to tear off the plastic wrap before putting it in the microwave. Because it is not clear whether the business uses PE plastic wrap or PVC wrap. PE can go in the microwave, but PVC cannot (the plasticizer will migrate out).

If you are worried about the soup splashing during microwave heating, you can wrap it with a layer of plastic wrap that declares that it can be put into the microwave oven, or cover it with a microwave cover.