By: Ireland Lee

To go containers are an essential part of the restaurant business because without them, you’d lose significant business opportunity from take out orders. In fact, 68% of all adults expect to continue ordering take out even during life after the pandemic, according to a study by the National Restaurant Association. This may be the reason why a staggering 63-86% of foodservice operators are upgrading their takeout and delivery packaging.

Many businesses these days are steering clear of polystyrene containers, also known as Styrofoam containers. They have been deemed harmful for the environment as they are not biodegradable or compostable and, not to mention, they are unsafe in microwaves. According to Healthline, heating food up in polystyrene foam and certain plastic containers cause these substances to transfer onto the food causing health problems in the future, possibly even cancer. With that being said, it makes paper containers the clear choice for take-out and delivery.

A blast from the past: paper take out boxes. It is common for the immediate thing that comes to mind to be Chinese takeout food in a large city like New York. Paper fold-to-go boxes provide so much nostalgia for a food container. Aside from the traditional fold box containers, there are other various forms of paper food containers to consider for your thriving business.

Some of these categories include:
• Buckets, e.g. chicken buckets
• Dessert cups, e.g. frozen yogurt cups
• Food tray, or “hot dog boats”
• Hot cups for drinks
• Eco-friendly Biodegradable & compostable bagasse

‧ Buckets

Paper food containers are basically short wide cups that can are the most versatile restaurant supply in your store! They hold your cold frozen yogurt, as well as, hot soup and other various snacks, salads, and dips. It is the holy grail of containers! Better yet, you can get compatible lids for these paper-to-go containers! Just add a lid and your snacks are ready to enjoy on the go.

Karat Food Containers are sold in green, white and pink and is available in multiple sizes. Paper food containers are great for both hot and cold substances; however, it’s not recommended for boiling hot soup or beverages – max temperature 190 °F (88 °C). Aside from different colors and sizes, you can also select from flat or dome lids to accommodate any type of food your establishment offers.

Karat food buckets come with a lid, making it the perfect option for takeout. Available in white and multiple sizes.

‧ Paper Food Containers

Paper food containers are basically short wide cups that can are the most versatile restaurant supply in your store! They hold your cold frozen yogurt, as well as, hot soup and other various snacks, salads, and dips. It is the holy grail of containers! Better yet, you can get compatible lids for these paper to go containers! Just add a lid and your snacks are ready to enjoy on the go.

Karat Food Containers are sold in green, white and pink and is available in multiple sizes. Paper food containers are great for both hot and cold substances; however, it’s not recommended for boiling hot soup or beverages – max temperature 190 °F (88 °C). Aside from different colors and sizes, you can also select from flat or dome lids to accommodate any type of food your establishment offers.

‧ Food Trays

Yet another food container item that embodies the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York or the energy and fun of ordering hot dogs and nachos at a ball park. Who knew a food container could evoke so many memories and emotions?

These red and white shepherd's plaid traditional food trays are a classic for any event. They come in multiple sizes ranging from 0.5lb to 5lb. Karat food trays are not only available in the red and white, but also kraft material giving a sleeker more professional appearance.

‧ Hot Cups

With it being cold weather season, hot cups are a necessity for everyone! Don’t worry if you don’t like coffee though, you can use them for hot cocoa, tea, and apple cider as well. Also, what most people don’t know is you can get boba milk tea hot, so paper cups are perfect for that!

These USA-made Karat cups can be custom printed with your branding and logo in an array of different sizes. From classic coffee cups to ripple-insulated hot cups, there is a wider selection of paper hot cups! With so many sizes, colors, and patterns to choose from, you can check out this complete guide to paper hot cups. It gets even better; hot cups can be dressed up with accessories, which include: jackets and holders, also, made out of biodegradable paper material.

‧ Compostable and Biodegradable To Go Containers

While most compostable and biodegradable products aren’t paper, they serve the same purpose. Not to mention they are often seen to be better for the earth. We know what you’re thinking, “isn’t compostable and biodegradable the same thing?” The answer is, no, not exactly. Biodegradable products return back to the earth, but sometimes leave a metal residue whereas compostable disintegrates completely. So, compostable is biodegradable but biodegradable is not compostable.

With that being said, many businesses, such as boba shops and other establishments are gearing more towards this category. It is eco-friendly, which is becoming more important for younger generations, not to mention certain areas that require food businesses to use only compostable and/or biodegradable substances such as Honolulu’s aggressive ban on single-use plastics.

Karat Earth products use bagasse materials to produce containers, plates, straws, and cutlery that fall into this category. To learn more, read What Is Bagasse? Or begin perusing the Karat Earth collection. Another plus, there is a paper straw collection!

In conclusion, if you are looking for to-go containers either for your business or your home, paper is the optimal decision. Although paper-to-go containers are not reusable, they are better for the environment during both productions and after use. You can find paper to-go containers in bulk