Can paper food trays store food for a long time?

1. Why can't paper food trays store food for a long time?

Uncoated paper food trays have a loose fibre structure of their own, so they absorb moisture and are highly breathable. When food is stored in them, moisture is easily absorbed or dispersed, and flavours can be mixed up due to the circulation of odours. Coated food containers, such as PLA or PE coated models, have improved moisture resistance, but the sealing effect is still unsatisfactory when compared to plastic and glass containers, and the storage time of food stored in small paper food trays can only be extended to 2 - 3 days even in a refrigerated environment.

When refrigerated, although the low temperature can slow down the growth of bacteria in small paper food trays, the paper will become soft if it continues to absorb moisture, and the food may be dehydrated due to moisture loss. Frozen environment is more unfriendly to the paper lunch box, low temperature will make the paper brittle, thawing process is very easy to break leakage, even if the parcel of cling film reinforcement, freezing time should not be more than 1 week.

2. What are the disadvantages of long-term storage?

Long-term use of small paper food trays for food storage, due to its lack of sealing, resulting in food in the refrigerator is prone to cross-contamination, such as high moisture soups, stews, even if stored at low temperatures, may be due to bacterial and mould growth and deterioration. In addition, when paper food trays come into contact with grease or acidic food for a long period of time, trace chemicals in the coating material may migrate into the food, so pickled food, food containing alcohol or vinegar should be avoided to be stored in paper food trays.

If it is still necessary to use small paper food trays for food storage, try to shorten the storage time to no more than 3 days for refrigeration and no more than 1 week for freezing.