In this blog, we’ll cover an overview of plastic deli containers, use cases, recyclability, material options, labeling, and more.
Plastic deli containers are a staple in any grocery store; from grab-and-go packaging, cold or hot sides, premium products, and shelf-stable items, deli containers are a go-to for many food applications. What makes a deli container so versatile and commonly used in food service? We’ll cover some of the many benefits, and some of the choices you’ll have, when selecting plastic deli containers for use with your food products.
A Quick Overview
Let’s start with a quick intro to deli containers. These types of containers are typically best suited for sides, dips, sauces, premade food items, cheese or dairy products, nuts or dried fruits, candies, and fresh fruits or vegetables. Often, these deli containers can come with a tamper-evident seal, like the Crystal Seal Cravings Tamper-Evident Round Deli line. These products can keep your fresh food safe and secure, while clear plastic can highlight every tasty bite. Deli containers can come in a wide variety of sizes, from 6 oz to 164 oz, and in a range of colors and materials.
Recyclability
Keeping plastic deli containers sustainable is key, not only for our Placon values but also for the planet. Many of our deli containers, like the Crystal Seal Cravings line or Evolutions Square Deli line, come in our recycled PET material. This EcoStar rPET is made from post-consumer recycled materials and can be recycled yet again to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly option. One of our other deli lines, HomeFresh Round Deli, is made from recyclable polypropylene, allowing consumers to recycle at home with ease.
Material Options
When choosing a plastic deli container, you’ll have a wide variety of options to choose from, and the material you land on will be highly impacted by the intended use of the product. RPET is a great option for items that need to be stored in refrigerated or shelf-stable applications, but is best for items that don’t require reheating. Fresh fruits or vegetables, dried nuts and fruit blends, cold sides and salads, and refrigerated dairy products are all great candidates for rPET. This material is clear, eco-friendly, and cost-effective.
For applications that require a heating element, polypropylene is a great option. This material is microwave safe, leak resistant, and locks in freshness. Polypropylene (PP) is a good option for sides or dips that need to be reheated, soups, and pastas, but can also be used for standard cold deli applications.
For products that need to have freezer-safe material, special polypropylene is the best choice. This material (SPP) can be safely frozen and keeps contents well-preserved, while also being crack or break-resistant at low temperatures.
Labeling
Your branding can be front and center on deli containers. Whether you decide to use a sticker label or print directly on the container itself, you’ll keep your brand present and professional for consumers. Printing can be done on sides of containers or on lids, allowing for a polished, highly competitive shelf appeal.
You’ll have your choice of color options, too. RPET comes in clear, focusing on the product and highlighting freshness. Our injection molded options come in clear, natural, and white, letting you choose the base color that’s right for your product and application.
Shape
Lastly, deciding on the shape for your food item is important. Will you opt for the traditional look of a round plastic deli container? Or will you select a square deli, like our Evolutions Square Deli Containers or Delectables Tamper-Evident Squares for optimized shipping, shelf display, or label design? Knowing how you want your product to look on retail shelving can help you decide which stock deli container to choose.
Selecting plastic deli containers for your food application is simply a question of finding your intended applications, what kind of label or branding options you’d like, and what material suits your needs. Our lineup of stock food plastic deli containers is extensive, and our custom team is standing by for any modifications or new deli container designs. For additional details on our plastic deli containers, reach out to our stock food sales team here.