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In busy modern life, plastic bento boxes are first choices for many due to their lightness and practicality. Are plastic bento boxes microwavable? Many people ask such questions. Indeed, besides convenience, there’s health and safety. This article will give detailed answers to help use plastic bento boxes correctly.
Classification of plastic bento boxes
According to the type of material used, most plastic bento boxes cannot be put into a microwave. Here are the common plastic materials used:
- PP (Polypropylene): Normally marked with the “No. 5” logo, this is one of the common materials for microwave-friendly plastics. High-temperature resistance can go up to 120°C.
- PE (Polyethylene): PE would most probably be used in freezer boxes, as it generally has very poor heat resistance and is not suitable for heating in a microwave.
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate): It’s in common usage for disposable plastic packaging and is unsafe for use in the microwave.
You may check the logo at the bottom of plastic bento boxes, such as “Microwave Safe” or “No. 5 PP” to see if the material is applicable for the microwave.
Safety of plastic lunch boxes in microwave ovens
The main defects of plastics are that they can emit harmful substances such as bisphenol A (BPA) when used in high-temperature environments and may even contaminate food. Therefore, using plastic lunch boxes for heating requires the following attention:
- Choose material with food uses: Ensure the lunch box does not contain harmful chemicals like BPA.
- High-temperature resistance: Plastic can bear the high temperature in the microwave oven.
Besides, high-sugar and high-oil food can make the microwave oven locally overheated, which quickens the decomposition of plastics. Therefore, such kind of food should be heated in caution.
How to use plastic lunch boxes to heat food correctly?
- Check whether plastic bento boxes have the “microwave safety” logo. If there is no logo, try to avoid using it.
- Avoid closing the lid tightly: Keep the lid loose when heating to prevent excessive steam pressure from causing explosion.
- Avoid directly heating empty boxes: Empty boxes may be damaged by overheating.
- Check the lunch box regularly: If it is deformed or cracked, it should be replaced in time.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic lunch boxes
The advantages of plastic lunch boxes are light, cheap, and easy to carry. However, its high temperature resistance is limited, wrong use may bring safety hazards. So, how to choose plastic lunch box suitable for microwave oven is very important.
Features and advantages of LEBO plastic lunch boxes
LEBO, as a manufacturer of plastic products for over 30 years, has produced plastic lunch boxes for the modern family in the following manner:
- Food-grade PP material: Does not contain Bisphenol A and hence is safe and reliable.
- Microwavable: this machine can bear high temperatures as high as 120℃ after strict high-temperature testing.
- Versatile design: Practical designing, light in weight, and easy to carry, it can be used in offices, schools, and outdoor scenes.
- Multiple specifications: Multiple specifications are available to cater to different capacities and requirements.
Conclusion: Is the plastic lunch box suitable for microwave ovens?
The answer is if the material is suitable, it can be used safely in a microwave oven. A plastic box for lunch that resists high temperatures and is free of harmful ingredients can take convenience and health into consideration when choosing to use it.
Want to find a safe and practical wholesale plastic lunch box? Click here to view our wholesale plastic lunch box product range and enjoy a limited-time offer! LEBO is committed to providing customers with high-quality and healthy wholesale plastic lunch boxes so that consumers can use them with more confidence.
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