Is It Time to Consider Foam Alternatives Food Packaging?

Table of Contents

• Styrofoam
• Foam Alternatives
• We're Here to Help

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Many cities and states across the US have enacted bans on the use of some plastic and Styrofoam products due to concerns of their environmental impacts. Such bans include polypropylene use, plastic bags, and plastic straws in foodservice applications. Restaurants that fail to comply can face serious fines for the violation.

If your restaurant offers takeout or delivery services, your business may be heavily impacted. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the new legislation and other cost-effective alternative solutions. 

Styrofoam

The common food packaging trays and takeout boxes are known as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) or Styrofoam. It is known for its heat insulation and affordability, making it a popular choice in food packaging.

However, with an increasing number of state regulations and bans, it’s important to explore alternative options that may better align with your business needs. As you may know, many businesses have transitioned to paper or reusable plastic containers, each offering unique benefits.

Later we’ll break down the differences between these materials, helping you make the best choice for your food packaging solutions.

Fun Fact!

Styrofoam is a registered trademark and, as such is always capitalized. It was originally trademarked by Dow Chemical Company in the 1940s.

The following states have passed a statewide ban on the use and distribution of foam products: 

• Maine 

• Maryland 

• New Jersey 

• New York 

• Vermont 

• Washington, D.C

• Colorado

• Washington 

• California 

• Delaware

• Oregon 

• Rhode Island 

• Virginia 

• Almost all of the Hawaii 

Foam products like takeout containers, cups, bowls, and more are not allowed in these states for restaurants to purchase and distribute. 

There are also some county-wide bans in states like Alaska, Connecticut, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. 

If your business is located in one of these areas affected by the Styrofoam ban, Ecopax offers a variety of environmentally friendly foodservice packaging solutions. We are here to help elevate you deliver dine-in quality for takeouts and deliveries. 

Whether you serve crispy fried dishes, hearty pasta, or fresh salads, we got the perfect food packaging solutions for you.

Foam Alternatives

Whether you live in an area that has a Styrofoam ban or are looking into switching to other options, the following are some options you can consider, depending on your business needs, food type, and sustainability goals.  

Paper

One of the alternatives to Styrofoam is to use paper products for your takeout items. Paper is eco-friendly and biodegradable when placed in landfills. Here at Ecopax, we offer premium paper cups for hot and cold beverages. These cups are designed for durability during use, while also being biodegradable. We also offer paper bowls perfect for soups, salads, dipping sauces, and condiments.

Polypropylene

Another durable Styrofoam alternative is polypropylene. Our EcoView™ hinged containers are made with this materials. These lightweight and flexible plastic containers feature a secure hinged lid and can be recycled* like the paper products.

We offer two different types of to-go containers: a clear top with a black base and a clear top with a clear base. Both are designed to deliver the premium presentation of your food, while keeping the freshness and flavor with the optional vents to release the excess heat. 

*Not all recycle facilities accept this plastic material type 

Mineral-Filled Polypropylene

Products that made with Mineral-Filled Polypropylene (MFPP) can also be a great alternatives to traditional polypropylene packaging. The mixture contains 40% earth minerals that effectively reduce the use of plastic. These products are sturdier than paper and reusable.

MFPP packaging comes in a variety of forms, including clamshell containers, bowls, and compartment boxes. The material is grease resistant and moisture resistant, making it a reliable choice for various food items. Additionally, if customers reheat their food in these containers, they won’t need to worry about pollutants contaminating their meals.

At Ecopax, we also offer MFPP plates, providing the same durability and heat resistance, making them ideal for a variety of meals. Like other MFPP products, these plates are microwave-safe.

We're Here to Help

As a foodservice business owner, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to running the business and complying with the regulations. Staying up to date on products and similar regulations can be overwhelming, luckily, we are here to help! 

At Ecopax, we offer a wide range of sustainable alternative to foam packaging. To accommodate all foodservice needs with quality and affordability in mind, we offer products like PET plastic cups and paper cups, takeout bags, hinged lid containers, vented containers, bowls, plates, and trays.  All within a reasonable price and better quality.

If you’re exploring foam alternatives due to the new regulations, we provide cost-effective and reliable options to fit your business.

Contact us today! 

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