Plastic vs Sugarcane vs Paper Food Containers: What’s Best for Takeaway & Delivery?
If you run a café, takeaway, restaurant or catering business, packaging isn’t just “a container” — it’s part of the customer experience. The right food container helps prevent leaks, keeps food looking great, and travels better in delivery bags.
In this guide, we’ll compare three of the most common takeaway container options — plastic, sugarcane (bagasse) and paper/cardboard — and show you exactly when each one makes the most sense.
Quick links (shop by type):
Step 1: Start with your menu (the 4 questions that matter)
Before choosing a container, ask:
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Is the food hot or cold?
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Is it oily/greasy (fried foods, roast meats, creamy sauces)?
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Is it wet/saucy (curries, soups, pasta sauce)?
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Will it go through delivery (movement + time in a bag)?
Simple rule:
Hot + saucy + delivery = prioritise seal and structure first.
Option A: Plastic containers (PP/PET) – best for sealing and delivery reliability
Plastic is often the most reliable option when you need consistent lid fit, strong sealing and dependable stacking — especially for delivery-heavy businesses.
Best for:
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Saucy meals (curries, pasta, stir-fry, gravy)
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Oily foods (fried foods, roast meats, buttery dishes)
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Meal prep and portioned meals
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Longer delivery routes or busy service times
Why cafés choose plastic:
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Strong, consistent seal with matching lids
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Holds shape well in a delivery bag
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Great presentation (especially clear containers)
Shop Plastic Containers & Lids:
Tip: If a meal includes sauce + crispy items, keep sauce in a separate cup to avoid sogginess.
Option B: Sugarcane (bagasse) – great for hot meals with a premium “eco” look
Sugarcane containers are popular because they feel premium, handle heat well, and suit many hot takeaway meals. They’re a strong option when you want a natural look and a sturdy container.
Best for:
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Hot meals (rice bowls, mains, breakfast boxes)
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Burgers and chips for short-to-medium holding times
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Catering and dine-in-to-takeaway packaging
Why businesses love sugarcane:
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Great for hot foods
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Sturdy and stackable
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Looks natural and premium
Watch-outs:
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Very wet/soupy dishes may still perform better in strong sealed plastic
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Steam can soften crispy foods if held too long
Shop Sugarcane Containers & Lids
Option C: Paper bowls & paper containers – best for bowls, lighter meals and clean presentation
Paper packaging is ideal when you want that clean, modern “paper/kraft” look while still handling moisture (especially when the bowl is coated and matched with the right lid).
Best for:
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Salads, poke bowls, yoghurt, cold bowls
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Noodles and curry bowls (when paired with proper lids)
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Meals where presentation matters and the container won’t sit for too long
Why paper works well:
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Clean and premium look
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Great for bowls and counter service
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Good option for many cold and warm foods
Watch-outs:
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Heavy oils and very wet sauces need the right lining/coating and lid
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Long delivery times can increase softening/sogginess
Option D: Cardboard boxes (burger/snack boxes) – best for grab-and-go
Cardboard containers are great for burgers, chips, snack boxes and quick-service items — especially when you want fast packing and a tidy presentation.
Best for:
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Burger boxes
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Snack boxes
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Pastries, wraps and quick counter items
The 10-second decision guide
Use this quick match:
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Hot + saucy delivery meals → Plastic
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Hot meals with a premium eco look → Sugarcane
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Bowls, salads and clean presentation → Paper bowls (with matching lids)
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Burgers/snacks/grab-and-go → Cardboard
3 quick tips to reduce leaks and complaints
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Don’t mix lids and bases unless tested — small differences cause leaks.
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Test with real food: fill it hot, close it, wait 15 minutes, and gently shake.
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Stabilise delivery orders: use trays/holders and pack containers tight so they don’t tip.
Want help picking the best setup?
If you tell us your top 5 menu items (hot/cold + saucy or not + delivery or pickup), we can recommend the most suitable container and lid combination.