Guide to disposable and reusable bags

Bowl, bowl, bowl, bowl, salad bowl, sauce bowl, bowl, bowl... no matter what you call them, bowls, in their most modern meaning (and already accepted by the Spanish Royal Academy) have become the most fashionable piece of tableware in kitchens all over the world. With their great versatility, you can serve a good soy or miso ramen, a Hawaiian poke, some cereal with milk or an Andalusian gazpacho. Long live diversity!

As well as being the most popular choices for presenting snacks and appetisers (such as chips, olives, edamame or cocoa), some world-famous dishes are directly related to them. In other words, your diner expects certain dishes on these tableware pieces. And then you can even innovate. The traditional bowl is trendy, make the most of it!

Nowadays, it has become the protagonist of an infinite number of dishes: from salads of all kinds to recipes from Asian, American and European cuisine.

Surely you already have at least one or two dishes on the menu of your establishment, or in the plans for your imminent event, that you could enhance if you serve them in disposable and reusable bowls: they are convenient, original and give you the opportunity to give a 180-degree turn in the presentation of more traditional recipes. And if not, throw the menu on your back! And introduce new presentations in bowls for your restaurant.

When choosing the ideal disposable bowl for your menu it is important to consider the material it is made of and its compatibilities. In this disposable and reusable bowl buying guide you will find information about this, but also about the applications you can give to these bowls so that you can be inspired by their most popular uses.

For more information and to discover other disposable and reusable tableware, download our catalogues.

Types of disposable and reusable bags

Let's start at the beginning: What is a bowl? It is a not very large, deep and wide container, usually without rims. We can classify bowls by the materials used in their manufacture between plastic bowls, of different kinds, or biodegradable bowls, made of materials with a natural degradation capacity. You will find these two main categories in our shop so that you can easily browse and find the one you need.

Follow our guide to a master's degree in the use of bowls in hotels, restaurants, catering and events that will make you an expert when it comes to choosing disposable tableware for your next purchase.

Plastic bowls

The disposable and reusable plastic bowl is one in which plastic materials are used for its manufacture. These types of bowls can be found in polystyrene, light and robust, polystyrene foam, isothermal and light, or polypropylene, generally reusable and resistant to high and low temperatures.

You can consult the thermal tolerance as well as the main compatibilities of these plastic materials in the table below:

Material	Thermal Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
PS / Polystyrene	-10ºC / 85ºC	X	X	✓	X	✓
EPS / Foam	-20ºC / 100ºC	X	X	X	X	✓
PP / Polypropylene	-20ºC / 120ºC	✓	X	✓	✓	✓

(*) The properties of these materials may vary depending on the model and the tests certified by each manufacturer. Consult the product data sheets for specific compatibilities for each model and if in doubt, please contact Customer Service.

Economic or hard PS Bols

These are bowls made through a process of polymerisation of styrene monomer, from which a thermoplastic polymer is obtained, which is used to manufacture this type of bowls and many other containers suitable for food use. At Monouso you can find them in various types: hard disposable plastic bowls (reusable hard or PS hard glass), resistant and elegant, and economical, practical and cheap ones. You will recognise them by the number 6 engraved on them.

Both models are resistant to grease and oil, are not suitable for microwaves and ovens and can be used for refrigeration and home freezing.

Polystyrene hard glass bowls

• Sturdy and rigid
• Variety of colours (transparent bowls, green, pink, violet, orange, black, etc.)
• Elegance
• Some transparency
• In case they fall, they do not break in pieces

Economical polystyrene bowls

• Wide range of colours (disposable white plastic bowl, clear, pink, black, blue, red, orange, green, etc.)
• Economical prices
• Lightweight
• If dropped, they don't break into small pieces

Some polystyrene models, especially in the hard reusable ranges, have certifications for reusability that guarantee that they have been tested and do not lose any of their properties after a minimum number of washes. We recommend that you visit the product sheet of the PS bowl you are interested in to find out about its compatibilities.

Material	Heat Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
PS / Polystyrene	-10ºC / 85ºC	X	X	✓	X	✓

Foam bags

Foam bowls are made of foam plastic (derived from polystyrene). They are single-use pieces suitable for food consumption that stand out for their hygiene and lightness, which is why they are widely used in take away, delivery and catering services. You can identify them by the number 6 that you will find engraved on their surface.

do you want to serve your dishes warm, or maybe keep them cold? Their most outstanding features are their isothermal properties, thanks to which they can keep your dishes at the right temperature for longer.

• Lightweight
• Hygienic
• Single-use
• Moisture resistant
• Grease and oil resistant
• Shock absorption capacity
• Isothermal properties: hot and cold
• Recyclable

Material	Heat tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
EPS / Foam	-20ºC / 100ºC	X	X	X	X	✓

PP (polypropylene) bags

Polypropylene bowls are made of this 100% recyclable thermoplastic material. They have a characteristic shine and are also malleable, robust and resistant to high temperatures without leaking or spilling. To identify them, look for an engraved number 5.

• Robust
• Flexible and malleable
• Resistant to high and low temperatures
• Some models are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe
• Resistant to oil and grease
• Depending on the range, you'll find disposable and reusable ones

Material	Thermal tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
PP / Polypropylene	-10ºC / 120ºC	✓	X	✓	✓	✓

Biodegradable and environmentally friendly Bols

Biodegradable bowls are those made of materials with the capacity to degrade by natural action after a certain period of time. They are an ecological and sustainable option, which in addition to being recyclable, are also biodegradable and can even be compostable.

Whether for soups, creams, salads or snacks, an eco-friendly disposablebowl made of natural materials can offer you added value if your business has a green philosophy or line. The main raw materials of our eco models are: Chinet Pulp (cellulose), palm leaf, cardboard, bamboo and sugar cane.

You can check the thermal tolerance of biodegradable disposable bowls, as well as the main compatibilities of these ECO materials in the table below:

Material	Thermal Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling* Recycling
Cardboard	-40ºC / 100ºC	✓	✓	✓	X	✓
Sugar cane	-18ºC / 150ºC	✓	✓	✓	X	✓
Bamboo	-5ºC / 70ºC	X	X	✓	X	✓
Chinet pulp	Ambient temperature / 100ºC	✓	X	X	X	✓
Palm leaf	-20ºC / 120ºC	✓	✓	✓	X	✓

(*) The properties of these materials may vary depending on the model and the tests certified by each manufacturer. Consult the product sheet for specific compatibilities for each model and if in doubt, please contact customer service.

Bols chinet pulp

From the treatment of cellulose pulp (pine, spruce, birch, eucalyptus and more) these high quality bowls for food use are made. Sustainability is one of its greatest virtues: it is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, but it is not the only one.

They are disposable, disposable bowls for easy cleaning. They're also cut-resistant and stylish (some decorative disposable bowls include borders for a fun yet distinctive touch that will go from bowl to table).

• Stiffness
• Cut resistant
• Oil and grease resistant
• Disposable
• Recyclable, biodegradable, compostable
• Recycle in organic container

Recommended use: terrace services, outdoor catering, company meetings, trade events, trade fairs, etc.

Material	Temperature Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
Chinet pulp	Ambient temperature / 100ºC	✓	X	X	X	✓

Bols palm leaf

Palm leaf bowls are made from the dried leaves of the Areca palm trees. Thus, the palm leaf bowls are a 100% vegetable product, which can be seen directly in the aesthetics of these pieces, with characteristic natural veins and a pleasant feel.

Due to their properties, some models can be reused after careful washing, but not in the dishwasher.

• Natural grain, unique designs reminiscent of wood
• 100% natural
• Pleasant texture
• Resistance and rigidity
• Resistance to oil and grease
• Recyclable and biodegradable
• Recycle in organic container

Recommended use: presentations that seek a 100% natural aesthetic, such as market cuisine or slow food. Ideal for dry and fried starters. Due to the variety of sizes that you can find in the Monouso shop, they are also perfect for tastings.

Material	Temperature Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
Palm leaf	-20ºC / 120ºC	✓	✓	✓	X	✓

Cardboard bag

Matching plates and glasses, you can also find party bowls made of party cardboard, to complete your reusable offer and cover all your needs in disposable party tableware. These bowls are made of cardboard and are the star of any celebration such as birthdays or anniversaries. They are informal, so you can add a casual touch to your event.

They are ideal for children's parties, birthdays and anniversaries, both for the joy and colours of some of their models and for their safety, as even if they break they do not cut.

• Varied designs: from sober to very festive, for all tastes
• Lightweight and stackable
• They can have a waxed or laminated finish
• Disposable
• Some models can withstand oil and grease (greaseproof treatment)

Recommended use: local parties, birthdays, hen and stag parties, football events, Christmas dinners, etc.

Material	Heat Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
Cardboard	-40ºC / 100ºC	✓	X	✓	X	✓

Bamboo bags

All the beauty of bamboo is reflected in the disposable bamboo bowls, made from this 100% natural material. These pieces are synonymous with nature, elegance and sophistication, making them the perfect choice for a premium event, the catering of a zen retreat, the tableware of an Asian restaurant or the way to take the presentation of any dish on your menu to the next level.

Bamboo is rated as one of the strongest materials in the world, so much so that it is nicknamed the "vegetable steel of construction" because of its strength (it is five times lighter than steel).

Our pieces are made from real bamboo. You'll know the difference by its compatibilities. It cannot be put in the dishwasher, however, you will find pieces on the market that claim to be made of bamboo and can be put in the dishwasher, that is because they are not 100% natural, but have a plastic component.

Although all bowl options are compatible with any type of cuisine, keep in mind that these models complement Asian cuisine in general, and Thai cuisine in particular, particularly well.

• Natural aesthetics
• Original designs
• Natural looking beauty
• Elegance
• High resistance and robustness
• Highest quality service
• Reusable and disposable models
• Ecofriendly
• Recyclable and biodegradable
• Grease and oil resistant
• Recycle in organic containers

Recommended use: Asian, Middle Eastern or Scandinavian gastronomy (because of its relation in styles with this type of materials). Also for salads, pokes and dry and fried starters.

Material	Heat Tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
Bamboo	-5ºC / 70ºC	X	X	✓	X	✓

Sugarcane Bols

Within the biodegradable bowls you will find those made from sugar cane. They are made from the residue of the sugar cane after extracting the juice, known as bagasse. This waste is subjected to different processes to obtain a sustainable material with which all kinds of tableware and kitchenware are created.

It has a rough and pleasant feel reminiscent of recycled materials, which conveys its ECO properties to your guests at a glance.

• Robustness
• Rough and pleasant feel
• Recyclable, biodegradable, compostable
• Disposable
• Grease and oil resistant
• Recycle in organic bin

Recommended use: service on terraces, outdoor events and thanks to its models with lids, also take away services and home delivery of all kinds of hot and cold meals.

Material	Thermal tolerance*	Microwave*	Oven*	Freezer*	Dishwasher*	Recycling*
Bamboo	-5ºC / 70ºC	X	X	✓	X	✓

Main uses of hospitality bowls

Nowadays, bowls are used for all kinds of presentations and dishes, a multipurpose element in any tableware. However, if you want to know what are the most popular uses of disposable bowls in catering, restaurants and events, join us in this review of sectors, dishes and gastronomies around the world, among which we will highlight some of the most widespread:

• Soup, gazpacho and salmorejo (gazpacho and salmorejo)
• Salads
• Creams and stews
• Macedonias and desserts
• Chirashizushi
• Ramen
• Katsudon
• Poke
• Fit breakfasts
• Olives and snacks

Microwave bags

Microwaveable bowls and bowls are resistant to high temperatures and therefore their use in microwaves is permitted. They are commonly used for all kinds of preparations that need to go through the microwave, but especially in the delivery service so that the customer does not have problems when heating their food without changing containers. That is why many of these models have matching lids that fit the bowls like a glove.

We always recommend consulting the product data sheet in our shop, or the manufacturer's data sheet, before heating any container. As a general rule, bowls made from these materials are compatible with microwave use:

• Polypropylene reusable
• Made of sugar cane
• Made of palm leaf
• From chinet pulp

Salad bowls

The practice of serving salads in convenient individual salad bowls is widespread and has practically been linked to the "salad phenomenon", which has reached unprecedented levels of originality and gastronomic fame. It has gone from being a starter, often to be shared, to being a complete main course. It is in these cases that preparing your vegetable mix in a disposable bowl can give you a 10-star presentation. And you know that the diner eats through the eyes first.

Disposable salad bowls serve everything from the popular Caesar salad to the most original mixes in which avocado, cheeses (goat's cheese, mozzarella, feta, Idiazabal), fruit, sprouts, seeds, cereals or pulses... can't be missing. this dish is always reinventing itself!

At Monouso we have a wide catalogue of polystyrene and polypropylene salad bowls so that you can choose the properties and aesthetics that best meet the needs of your business. Can't find the one you want? Contact our customer service cracks and they will help you with your search!

Bols for soup, ramen and pasta

The various shapes and capacities of disposable bowls allow you to serve virtually any recipe you want in them, however, soups, pasta and ramen thrive when presented in a good bowl.

The rise of ramen restaurants has brought this Asian dish, now so closely linked to Japanese cuisine, into the world's gastronomic orbit. Whether miso-based or soy sauce-based, it's not the same if it's not in its traditional bowl. But you can not only enhance the presentation of this centuries-old dish by using a reusable bowl, but also any other type of soup... are you ready to surprise your guests with a Castilian covered soup served in a bowl? Spectacular!

It is also common to present certain pasta or rice recipes in a bowl, such as noodles, fried noodles, pad thai, chirashizushi, katsudon...

Poke bowls

And speaking of booms: restaurants offering delicious Hawaiian poke bowls? how they have proliferated in recent years!

Originally from Hawaii, poke is a type of salad served in a bowl containing marinated raw fish (tuna, salmon) and chopped vegetables, all on a bed of rice. If you are thinking of setting up one of these businesses or expanding with take away or delivery options, bowls are a must. What is known in the modern world as a must.

Thermic bowls

For those moments when you need your dishes to maintain their temperature for as long as possible (transport, a big event), thermal FOAM bowls with or without lids are the key to achieving this. The foam they are made of (expanded polystyrene) preserves the temperature of the food for longer. They are difficult to break, waterproof and support the weight of the food very well.

are you wondering in which cases could they be of interest to you? To serve soups, creams, stews or casseroles that require transport, such as catering for a party, or for schools, residences or prisons.

Bols with lid

Lidded bowls allow you to transport food conveniently from your bar to the diner's table, or in a catering service, and keep the food at a freshly cooked temperature for longer.

In our shop you will find PET and polystyrene lids that fit perfectly with a selection of bowls made of all kinds of plastic materials.

Breakfast and dessert bowls

Breakfast bowls have gone from simple milk and cereal containers to truly nutritious works of art. We are referring to the complete breakfast bowls that you may serve in your establishment, with yoghurt or juice, cut fruit, nuts, cereals and seeds. These are fit, balanced and very trendy breakfasts to help your customers fill up their Instagram account. Don't forget to ask them to tag you.

You can also make a good dessert stand out by presenting it in a disposable bowl: fruit salads, for example, become much more fun. And make the most of small disposable tubs to serve your ice cream.

what size bowl do I need?

This is an important question to ask yourself. There are bowls in many different shapes, colours and sizes to meet all your catering and hospitality needs. In terms of size and capacity, you will find everything from 60 ml biodegradable containers ideal as ice cream tubs, to 3.5 litre PS hard salad bowls, and the whole spectrum of intermediate capacities for broths, stews, pastas, etc.

The same goes for shapes and colours, you have a wide variety to choose from to make your presentation unique. Black, white, yellow, pink, transparent, green or violet bowls, among others, which will give a touch of light, originality and distinction to your dishes. As for shapes, although round bowls are the most popular, you can also surprise your guests with square bowls.

did you think you knew the world of bowls? Now you do! There is so much variety in shapes, uses, colours... that we encourage you to save this guide in your favourites so that you can consult it whenever you want.

And if you need assistance in choosing the perfect bowl, remember that you can contact our customer service.