PP Lunch Box

PP Lunch Box is a portable lunch box made of food-grade polypropylene (PP). It is lightweight, durable, and microwaveable. It is one of the current mainstream environmentally friendly lunch box types. PP material is a food-grade plastic that meets national standards, so it can be used for lunch boxes. Plastic lunch boxes come in a variety of shapes, colors, and patterns. Our plastic lunch boxes are non-toxic and odorless, healthy and environmentally friendly, and durable, lightweight and easy to carry. These reusable plastic heated lunch boxes can be heated in the microwave, frozen in the refrigerator, or cleaned in the dishwasher. It can bring convenience to your meal carrying.

1. Plastic Lunch Boxes (PP/PS Material)

Plastic lunch boxes are the most common type on the market.

PP (Polypropylene): Made from food-grade PP, these boxes are highly temperature-resistant, suitable for freezing down to -20°C and safe for microwave heating. High-quality PP lunch boxes feature a thickened design and rounded edges to prevent cuts. Lids are equipped with silicone sealing rings to prevent leaks.

PS (Polystyrene): These are more affordable but less heat-resistant, suitable only for cold or room temperature food. Avoid using PS lunch boxes for hot meals.

 

2. Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes

Made from food-grade 304 stainless steel, these boxes are ideal for frequent, long-term use.

The compartments are perfect for separating staples, main dishes, and side dishes.

Stainless steel is naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant after cleaning.

Note: Not microwave-safe. Always read the instructions before use.

 

3. Glass Lunch Boxes

A favorite among healthy eaters, glass lunch boxes are non-reactive, making them ideal for storing acidic or oily foods.

High-quality models come with heat-resistant plastic lids for secure sealing and microwave use.

Transparent design allows you to easily see the contents inside.

 

4. Bento Boxes

Originating from Japan, Bento boxes feature a thoughtfully designed multi-compartment layout.

Typically includes a large compartment for staples (about 50% capacity), 2–3 sections for side dishes, and a small one for sauces.

Keeps different types of food separate during transport.

 

5. Insulated Lunch Boxes

These thermal lunch boxes use vacuum insulation to maintain food temperature.

Keeps hot meals (above 60°C) warm for 4–6 hours, or chilled foods cold for up to 8 hours.

Constructed with a double-layer design: stainless steel inner layer and a durable plastic outer shell for impact resistance.

 

6. Collapsible Silicone Lunch Boxes

Designed for portability, these are made from food-grade silicone and can be folded flat when not in use.

Ideal for travel, camping, or picnics.

Premium silicone offers excellent resilience, returning to shape after unfolding without deformation.

Suitable for both oven heating and freezer storage.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of PP Lunch Boxes

Advantages of PP Lunch Boxes

1. Food Safety

PP is widely recognized as a safe material for food contact and is FDA-approved. It contains no harmful substances like BPA and phthalates, making it safe for everyday food storage and heating (Source: WebMD, Commercial Syn Bags Limited).

 

2. High-Temperature Resistance

PP has excellent thermal stability, typically withstanding temperatures around 100°C, making it ideal for microwave heating (note that some lids are not microwave-safe). (Source: CN CROWN, Commercial Syn Bags Limited).

 

3. Lightweight and Durable

Due to its low density, PP lunch boxes are lightweight and easy to carry. They also offer excellent mechanical strength and impact resistance, as well as chemical and water resistance, making them suitable for repeated daily use (Source: EQUO, MedicineNet, JUMBO BAG VIETNAM).

 

4. Economical and Practical

Compared to glass or stainless steel, PP lunch boxes have lower production costs and are more affordable, making them a popular choice for the general public.

 

Disadvantages of PP Lunch Boxes

 

1. Average Cold Resistance

At extremely low temperatures (below -35°C), PP becomes brittle, making it unsuitable for long-term frozen storage (Source: CN CROWN).

 

2. High Thermal Expansion Coefficient

PP easily expands and contracts during heating, which may affect the seal of the lunch box and even cause slight deformation (Source: MedicineNet).

 

3. Flammability

As a plastic, PP is inherently flammable, so keep it away from sources of fire in environments such as kitchens (Source: JUMBO BAG VIETNAM, MedicineNet).

 

4. Sensitive to UV and Solvents

Prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerates the aging of PP, and contact with certain chemical solvents may also degrade its performance (Source: MedicineNet, JUMBO BAG VIETNAM).

 

5. Environmental Issues

PP has a relatively low recycling rate and is not easily biodegradable. Over time, it may degrade into microplastics, polluting the environment (Source: EQUO, Wikipedia).

 

6. Scratches and Difficult to Clean

PP lunch boxes are prone to scratches. These tiny scratches can harbor dirt and make cleaning more difficult, so they need to be replaced regularly after long-term use (Source: Box Bento Box).

 

1. Silk Screen Printing

Process Principle: Uses a mesh stencil to transfer ink onto the lunch box surface by scraping. Suitable for simple designs with limited colors.
Applicable Materials: PP plastic lunch boxes, PS plastic lunch boxes, stainless steel lunch boxes, ABS shells, and other flat surfaces.
Process Features:

Low cost

Bright colors and clear patterns

 

2. Heat Transfer Printing

Process Principle: Transfers pre-printed images onto the lunch box surface using high heat, fusing the image layer with the plastic surface.
Applicable Materials: Food-grade PP lunch boxes, ABS lunch boxes, silicone lunch boxes, etc.
Process Features:

Supports high-resolution and multi-color gradient patterns

Smooth and glossy finish with strong image adhesion

 

3. In-Mold Labeling (IML) / Adhesive Labeling

Process Principle:

IML: Integrates pre-printed labels with the plastic material during injection molding.

Adhesive Labeling: Applies printed labels to finished products using industrial adhesive.
Applicable Materials: PP lunch boxes, ABS lunch boxes, PET lunch boxes, etc.

 

4. Pad Printing

Process Principle: Uses a silicone pad to transfer ink from an etched plate onto the surface of the lunch box.
Applicable Materials: PP lunch boxes, PE lunch boxes, silicone lunch boxes, stainless steel lunch boxes, etc.
Process Features:

Allows printing on curved or uneven surfaces

High printing precision, ideal for small logos or characters