Disposable Euro microwaveable containers are widely used in food packaging and takeout due to their convenience and efficiency. Heat resistance is a key indicator of whether these containers are safe for microwave heating. Disposable containers of different materials have significant variations in their maximum microwaveable temperatures, making understanding these temperature ranges crucial for material selection, design, and safe use.

Heat Resistance of Polypropylene (PP) Containers
Polypropylene dominates the market for disposable microwaveable containers. PP typically withstands a heat resistance of around 120°C and exhibits excellent thermal stability. This temperature range meets most microwave heating requirements, ensuring that the container maintains deformation and releases no harmful substances during heating.
PP containers can withstand continuous, short-term, high-temperature microwave heating, making them ideal for thawing and reheating frozen foods. Their excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance ensure that the container maintains its shape in high-temperature environments. Most disposable Euro microwaveable containers on the market are made of PP, ensuring both food safety and heating efficiency.

Heat Resistance of Polystyrene (PS) Containers
PS containers typically have a heat resistance of around 70°C, making them suitable for short, low-temperature microwave heating. Due to their low heat deformation temperature, PS containers are not suitable for prolonged or high-temperature heating, as they are prone to softening and deformation.
PS containers are commonly used for packaging refrigerated foods or foods that require short heating times. Heating to temperatures exceeding their tolerance range may cause the container to release harmful volatile substances, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, the operating environment and heating time of PS containers must be strictly controlled.

Heat Resistance Temperature of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Containers
Disposable PET containers generally have a heat resistance temperature of around 80°C, making them suitable for short-term microwave heating. Their high transparency and good mechanical strength make them a preferred choice for packaging that requires a high visual appeal.
Prolonged or high-temperature heating can affect the physical properties of PET containers, potentially causing deformation and chemical release. In most cases, PET containers are recommended for refrigerated storage and short-term microwave heating, avoiding prolonged high-temperature exposure.

Heat Resistance Temperature of Bio-Based Plastic (PLA) Containers
Polylactic acid (PLA), an environmentally friendly bio-based material, has a relatively low heat resistance temperature of approximately 50°C to 60°C. This limits the use of PLA containers for high-temperature microwave heating, making them suitable for low-temperature heating or refrigerated food packaging. PLA's degradation properties make it more susceptible to decomposition in the natural environment, but its thermal stability is insufficient, making it unable to withstand prolonged microwave exposure. Care should be taken to avoid exceeding its maximum heat resistance limit during use to ensure food safety and container integrity.

Heat Resistance of Aluminum Foil Composite Containers

Aluminum foil composite containers offer excellent thermal insulation and barrier properties. The aluminum foil itself is extremely heat-resistant, exceeding 200°C. The composite's inner layer is typically made of heat-resistant plastic to enhance overall heat resistance.

When used in a microwave oven, the aluminum foil layer must adhere to safety regulations to avoid direct exposure to high-power microwaves and sparks. Composite containers are suitable for high-temperature heating and heat preservation, and are particularly popular in the takeout and fast food sectors.

Heat Resistance of Paper Composite Containers

Composite containers made of a paper substrate combined with a plastic film generally have a heat resistance below 100°C. While the paper itself has limited heat resistance, the plastic film provides water and oil resistance, ensuring that the container retains its shape during microwave heating.

These containers are suitable for short-term heating at medium to low temperatures, meeting the heating needs of everyday takeout food. They offer excellent environmental performance and align with current trends in green packaging.