It is an irrefutable fact that no event is complete without a good parade of food. Whether it's an outdoor party, a private celebration in your hospitality establishment or catering for a wedding, every festive event or gathering has its corresponding picnic, and you can't miss trays full of food!
We can almost imagine the disposable trays: with their canapés, their toasts, their skewers, their sweets... and here we are going to make a stop because our mouths are watering. As a catering professional, or a skilled party organiser, you know the importance of disposable tableware, and at large events, disposable and reusable trays become even more important.
How to choose your trays for big occasions is not complicated, however, if you want to find the perfect type of reusable trays for the presentation of your service, you should know all the options that you have within reach in our online shop. So that you don't have any doubts, at Monouso we have prepared this complete guide to buying reusable and disposable trays that you can't miss if you have an event nearby.
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Types of disposable and reusable trays
For fast and efficient service it is important to rely on disposable platters that can meet all your needs. From experience we know that they are very different from those needed for a school canteen or the catering of a film shoot, than those needed for a take away or buffet restaurant.
At Monouso we have all the types of disposable food trays you may need. In our shop you will find them divided into two main groups: plastic trays and biodegradable trays. This is so that you can easily find the models you need directly sorted by their manufacturing materials. If you have any doubts about which is the best option for your business or event, our customer service department is at your disposal, ask us whatever you need!
Plastic trays
Trays are platters, usually flat, whose function is to serve and transport food. Plastic trays are made of different types of plastic materials, so they have their own appearance and qualities (polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.)
You can consult the thermal tolerance, as well as the main compatibilities of plastic materials, in the following table:
| Material | Thermal tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling* |
| PS/ Polystyrene | -10ºC / 85ºC | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| EPS / Foam | -20ºC / 100ºC | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
| PET / Polyethylene | -18ºC / 70ºC | 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 sheet for specific compatibilities for each model and if in doubt, please contact customer service.
PS or polystyrene trays
PS food grade plastic trays are made from thermoplastic polymer. It is a lightweight material whose hardness is variable depending on the secondary materials that are added in the polymerisation process.
From all this, what should be clear to you is that there are different kinds and, therefore, it is important to always consult all the compatibilities of each disposable food tray. In any case, don't forget that our customer service team is here to answer any questions you may have when buying trays or any other disposable and reusable product that you will find in our online shop.
- Light and resistant
- You will find them: hard or cheap
- Wide variety of models and colours
- Recyclable
- Easy to stack
- If dropped, they do not break into small pieces
- Resistant to grease and oil
- There are products with very specific thermal tolerances
- Suitable for refrigeration and home freezing
- Never use in conventional ovens or microwave ovens
| Material | Temperature Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling* |
| PS / Polystyrene | -10ºC / 85ºC | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
EPS /Foam trays
Foam trays are made of a foamed plastic material derived from polystyrene (PS) called expanded polystyrene. They are hygienic, lightweight and recyclable.
Due to their isothermal properties (their main characteristic), they help to maintain the temperature of the food for a longer period of time, which is why they are very commonly used in take away, delivery and catering, where you need food to maintain the ideal temperature for a longer period of time. This is why they are often used to transport hot food or ice cream).
- They have isothermal properties
- Maintain the temperature of the food (both hot and cold)
- Hygienic and safe
- Lightweight
- Recyclable
- Resistant to oil and grease
| Material | Heat tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
| EPS / Foam | -20°C /100°C | X | X | X | X | ✓ |
PET trays
PET trays are made of polyethylene terephthalate and are characterised by their rigid properties, able to support the weight of the food without deforming. Thanks to this, they are perfect options for presentations and catering events, but also for family events whose menus are mainly composed of tapas or starters to share. In the latter case, the star is the tray with 5 or more compartments, in which different tapas can be presented.
They are stackable, which minimises the space used for storage and transport.
Their shine and finishes give sophistication and elegance to the meetings in which they appear, even more so if you choose the silver and gold options.
- Rigid
- Withstand the weight and temperature of food without deforming
- High resistance
- Elegant finish
- Suitable for refrigeration and freezing
- Suitable for reuse by hand washing
- Stackable
- Resistant to liquid, wet and fatty foods
| Material | Temperature Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PET / Polyethylene | -18°C /70°C (1) | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
(1) Approximate material values. In our shop you will find trays with a temperature tolerance between -40°C and +54°C, suitable for all types of cold food.
PP or polypropylene trays
They are made of polypropylene, a thermoplastic polymer widely used in the food sector, which has many qualities, among them its resistance to high and low temperatures. It is precisely these characteristics that make them suitable for use in microwaves, dishwashers and freezers, as a general rule (this is not the case with fast food trays or non-slip trays). If you are thinking of reusing plastic trays, these could be your perfect reusable trays.
- Some models are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe
- High and low temperature resistant
- Reusable (models from 20 cycles up to 125 wash cycles)
- Recyclable
- Resistant to the weight of food
- Resistant to oils and fats
| Material | Heat tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP / Polypropylene | -20°C /120°C | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Biodegradable trays
The variety of food trays does not end with plastic trays. You can also find in our online shop biodegradable food trays made from a wide variety of natural materials such as sugar cane, wood or palm leaves. Biodegradable trays have the ability to degrade naturally over time, making them a very environmentally friendly disposable option.
| Material | Heat Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | -40°C /90°C | ✓ / X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Sugar cane | -18°C /150°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Bamboo | -5°C /70°C | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Wood | -40°C /150°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Chinet pulp | Ambient temperature /100°C | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
| Palm leaf | -20°C /120°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 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.
Cardboard trays
Made of cardboard, they are versatile and multipurpose, all-rounders ready to serve and transport all kinds of food at any event. You will find them available in different designs (with and without handles), colours and sizes, as well as suitable for food contact or not.
It is important to stress this last feature, because it is essential that you take into account whether the tray allows food contact if you want to use it for this purpose. If you choose a tray that is not suitable for food contact, add a paper doily between the tray and the food.
They are widely used in fast food restaurants where customers bring their own food to the table, and especially in bakeries. In these establishments, they have become the perfect allies for ordering savoury delicacies, cakes, cupcakes or waffles.
- Some models are microwaveable
- With the right treatment they can withstand fats and oils
- Single use
- With or without handles
- Lightweight
- Small footprint when stacked
| Material | Temperature Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardboard | -40°C /100°C | ✓ / X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Kraft cardboard trays
Within the types of cardboard trays, kraft cardboard trays deserve a special mention , with their own peculiarities. It is the industrial compostable line (biodegradable), and must be recycled in the organic container. For hot packaging, as long as the temperature does not exceed 100°C. Suitable for freezing and refrigeration. And compatible with direct food contact of dry, moist, acidic, low alcohol and low fat foods. Not suitable for microwave or oven use.
Consult all the particularities of each tray in our shop and don't forget to contact our customer service if you have any doubts about their compatibility or applications. We will be happy to put all our experience at your service to make it easier for you to buy the perfect cardboard trays.
Sugar cane trays
They are made from bagasse (fibrous residue of sugar cane after extracting the juice), which is subjected to a series of processes until a sustainable, compostable and biodegradable material is obtained as a result. Some models are certified for home composting (HOME label), while others are certified for industrial composting. You will find this information in the product sheets of each source.
As a general rule, these types of biodegradable trays have the following common characteristics:
- Robustness and resistance to weight
- Rough and pleasant to the touch
- Suitable for solid or liquid food
- Resistance to fats and oils
- Compatible with microwaves and ovens
- Biodegradable, compostable and recyclable
- Can be recycled in organic containers
| Material | Heat Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar cane | -18°C /150°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Bamboo trays
From bamboo canes thermoformed at 100 degrees, all kinds of sustainable food packaging are produced, including organic bamboo trays, which are characterised by their strength and robustness.
Ecological and biodegradable, bamboo sources are 100% respectful of nature, as they are recyclable and decompose in a short period of time by natural action.
They are recommended for use with food that does not require a microwave oven or oven as they do not withstand high temperatures. Check their particularities in our shop. This is one of the characteristics by which you will recognise authentic bamboo from others mixed with other materials.
Its originality brings a distinguished and fun touch to the presentations in which it appears. In addition, its Asian style can help you in themed events. Don't hesitate to choose them to surprise your clients or guests.
- Original designs
- Recyclable, biodegradable
- Natural look
- Freezer safe
- Robust, rigid and resistant
- Grease and oil resistant
- Recycle in the organic bin
| Material | Heat tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | -5°C /70°C | X | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Wooden trays
Wooden trays stand out for the high quality of the material they are made of. Wood is a recyclable, sustainable and biodegradable component, very respectful with nature. If you want to give an ecofriendly touch to your take away business or restaurant, these biodegradable trays will not leave anyone indifferent.
- 100% natural
- Withstand high temperatures without expanding
- Biodegradable, recyclable
- High strength and rigidity
- Resistant to fats, oils and grease
- Recycle in the organic bin
There are two types of wooden trays, depending on their use:
- Baking moulds and trays: these biodegradable, recyclable and single-use models have a heat resistance between -40°C and +100/150°C (depending on the baking time). They are oven and microwave safe.
- Trays for transporting or presenting food: they have a lower tolerance to high temperatures, between -18°C and +40°C, and are therefore not suitable for ovens and microwaves.
| Material | Temperature Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | -40°C /150°C | ✓ / X | ✓ / X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Pulp chinet trays
Made from cellulose pulp or cellulose paste extracted from pulpable woods such as pine, spruce, birch or eucalyptus, among others. One of its attractions is its sustainability: it is an ecological, biodegradable and compostable material of superior quality. But they also stand out for their designs, with which you can decorate your tables with very little effort.
Their thermal range is a maximum of +40 to +100 depending on their use: for prolonged storage, room temperature (40°C or less), for hot filling, up to 70°C for two hours, and for high temperatures, up to 100°C for 15 minutes.
- Stiffness
- Cut resistance
- Withstand acidic, aqueous, dry and fatty foods
- Microwaveable
- Recyclable, in the organic bin
| Material | Heat tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinet pulp | Ambient temperature /+100°C | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
Palm leaf trays
The palm leaf trays are made from the palm leaves obtained from the fall of the dried leaves of the Areca palm trees. They are made from the nerve itself and are a 100% vegetable product to which neither chemical additives nor compression are added.
Their thermal tolerance is specific to each product, so you should consult each product sheet to know the exact thermal resistance of each tray (the indication below is an approximate range).
- Pleasant texture
- Distinctive dark veined designs of great beauty
- Low and high temperature resistant
- Recyclable (in the organic bin)
| Material | Heat Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm leaf | -20°C /200°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Aluminium trays
The disposable aluminium trays are made of high quality and safe aluminium. Aluminium is a material that stands out for its recyclability and sustainability, to the point of being known as the true king of recycling and the circular economy. To give you an idea, since its production began at the end of the 19th century, some 700 million tonnes have been produced, of which 75% are still in use today. And there are industries that recycle up to 90%. Isn't that impressive?
And to all this we must add that it offers some particularities that make it very useful in some sectors.
Aluminium disposable containers stand out for their ability to withstand high temperatures (280°C) and are therefore highly recommended for oven-to-table preparations. They are widely used in take-away businesses, delivery services and confectionery establishments.
In the first cases because they preserve the temperature of the food for a longer time, and in the latter because they allow the preparation of the food directly in the same container that is later offered to the customer . It is also common in catering establishments or bakeries and patisseries, where these trays are used to bake cakes, pastries and all kinds of sweets.
- Light
- Resistant to oil and grease
- Recyclable in the plastic, can and container bin
- Practical for transporting hot food
- Insulating capabilities
- Our containers are suitable for microwaves from 1980 onwards, ovens, steaming and grilling
- Fast freezing up to -20°C
| Material | Temperature Tolerance* | Microwave* | Oven* | Freezer* | Dishwasher* | Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | -20°C /380°C | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Durable reusable trays
Durable reusable trays are not classified by the type of material they are made of, but by their quality and their endless possibilities for reuse. They have arrived with great force in our shop to meet the needs of caterers like you, who are looking for a reusable solution with an unparalleled life cycle and aesthetic performance to match. With these, you offer quality and premium design to your diners for much longer.
Made of durable materials such as polypropylene, they are generally microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe.
These durable platters are characterised by an infinite lifespan, perfect wash after wash and will not break when dropped. This makes them the ultimate reusable option. It is a superior quality product, capable of maintaining all the food-value properties as well as its aesthetic characteristics wash after wash
- The reusable with the longest life cycle
- Washable and stackable
- Resistant
- Premium design and quality
- Lightweight and unbreakable
- Highly resistant to all types of food
- some models are even oven safe!
How to choose catering trays
Choosing the perfect trays for your catering business requires a brief but fundamental reflection: what will you use them for? Depending on your needs, some models will be more useful for your business or party than others. For example, you have to take into account the capacity, the type of food to be served (dry, wet), the temperature of the food, and of course, the aesthetics of the event. Trays can help you create very different atmospheres in your celebrations according to their shapes, colours and designs.
Compatibilities
do you need them to be microwave compatible, will they go in the freezer, or do you want your reusable trays to be dishwasher safe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep an eye on this section to learn how to tell the difference.
Microwave trays
Microwaveable trays are those that can be used in the microwave without the risk of losing any of their properties when exposed to high temperatures. As a general rule, those that are compatible with microwave use are:
- Polypropylene reusable
- Sugar cane
- Palm leaf
- Wooden
- Chinet pulp
- Aluminium (any microwave post 1980)
Isothermal trays
Isothermal trays are made of foam. These trays help to maintain the optimum temperature of the food during transport, as if the dish had just been served.
They are very popular as disposable trays for catering and open buffet events because they maintain the temperature of the food for longer. And if you use them with lids, you can prolong the freshness of your food even longer, allowing it to arrive at its destination in perfect condition.
Functionalities and applications
Each specific use requires a different type and material of tray. If isothermal trays are the stars of the catering industry, presentation trays will be a hit at buffets. Models with handles make it easier to transport them if things are going to be busy, such as in room service, while for fast-food restaurants it would be interesting to have disposable trays with different compartments. You have a different one for each type of project!
Disposable trays are very useful in all kinds of businesses:
- Catering
- Buffet
- Tasting
- Catering
- Catering
- Bars and cafeterias
- Patisseries
- Delivery
- Sushi and oriental food
- Catering and food service
Trays with compartments
These trays are easily recognisable because they contain separate sections that allow us to present different types of food on a single tray. They are the perfect choice for healthcare, school or prison catering services. Also for buffets, with the possibility to put different lids on each of the boards and thus better distribute all the food on the tables. This way your dishes will be available to a larger number of people without all of them queuing up in front of the same tray to try your star recipe.
The truth is that there are no limits to their use. There are trays with a section for you to separate food and sauce (a tasty hummus from the vegetables for dipping, for example) and even disposable trays with 5 or more separating compartments.
If you also add a lid that fits perfectly, like the ones you'll find at Monouso, transport becomes totally safe, as well as preserving the right temperature for longer.
Fast food trays
Fast food disposable trays allow your customers to easily transport their order from the bar to the table.
You can find them in polypropylene or cardboard, among others. The former are reusable, stackable and easy to wash. In our shop you will find options with a rough surface that make it easier to transport drinks and food without scares. The latter take up very little space, have thick edges and resist grease and oils very well. They are a great choice for tastings at trade fairs and outdoor events.
Non-slip trays
These anti-slip plastic trays, made of polypropylene, are characterised by a surface on which the transported items do not slip when carried. Transporting a tray full of glasses without accidents is more than possible with these round, oval or square plastic trays.
Buffet presentation trays
Disposable presentation trays are very popular for restaurants, hotels, catering and buffets. They are the most original and with which you can surprise your guests. From silver plated trays or with designs that imitate marble, to miniature pallets, wooden boards with log designs, boxes or disposable sushi trays in the shape of a bridge. Get out of the routine and leave your diners open-mouthed!
Disposable trays with lid
Maintaining temperature as well as facilitating and protecting food during transport are two of the most common functions of those models that are available with lids. Rely on the quality of our disposable and reusable trays with lids with a perfect seal for proper food preservation. Whether it's from the bar to the table, or on a long-distance transport service to an event or catering service in schools or residences, your food will arrive in perfect condition.
Trays with handles
We can't think of an easier way to serve sweets, savouries and tastings than in convenient disposable platters with their own handles. They come unassembled for easy storage, take up as little space as possible and are very easy to assemble.
You can find many models made of cardboard in different colours. They will be the sensation of any snack you organise.
Trays for bakeries
White, silver or gold cardboard trays (among others, such as black or kraft...) are the ideal display for presenting boards of sweets, cakes... and any type of dessert. They support the weight of a tray full of cakes, for example, making them easy to transport.
In our shop we offer you a wide variety of sizes to serve from a couple of cakes to dozens, both in round or rectangular format and open (the latter designed for individual portions).
Formats, dimensions and capacity
The designs of disposable and reusable trays are very varied. The diversity in their shapes, colours and sizes offers you great possibilities when it comes to creating totally personalised presentations that fit in with the theme of your event or your venue.
If the shape and colour depend on the aesthetics you have in mind for your establishment or the party you are preparing (decorative trays for a wedding, a family reunion, an anniversary, etc.), the capacity obeys more to a functional objective.
In terms of formats, you can usually find oval, round, rectangular, square or octagonal trays. However, disposable platters are a key element in the presentation of food and in addition to the more classic styles, there are gourmet style, trunk-shaped, pallet-shaped... The same goes for colours, from natural wood to metallic tones (gold and silver disposable trays), plain colours or marble. In addition, there are also disposable food trays with different divisions.
The capacity and dimensions of the platter will guide you about the food to be served in each one. Generally, in our shop you can find the size information of the disposable food items in centimetres, as well as their capacity in millilitres. We have them available in different materials, sizes, models and colours so you can choose the one that best matches the tableware of your business, your tablecloths and, in general, the aesthetics and theme of your event. And believe us when we tell you that you have plenty to choose from.
Catering and event tray accessories
It is essential to finish a review of the world of disposable trays by talking about the accessories that go with them and which will be your great allies on a daily basis. As accessories for these food containers you should take into account: doilies and paper rolls to place on the trays and lids.
Lids for trays
Safety, hygiene, temperature preservation... there are many reasons to use lids with your disposable and reusable dishes. How to choose them? At Monouso you will find them in different materials, let's review some of the available options:
Plastic lids
If you want to add extra safety to your trays, especially those made of wood and biodegradable, you can use those that come with PET plastic lids. They can be easily adjusted to the dish and maintain the temperature of the food. As for their presentation, they give an elegant and clean touch, at the same time as they make it easy to see what they contain thanks to their transparency.
Another ideal accessory are the PS plastic lids. Made of polystyrene, they fit perfectly to the dishes they accompany so that they are more secure and prevent the food from getting cold.
Wooden lids
The alternative version to plastic lids are lids made of wood, a sustainable option designed to protect wooden bowls. Like plastic lids, they have the same properties: they are sustainable, biodegradable, environmentally friendly and have a very attractive natural design.
Paper doilies and paper rounds
Paper doilies and paper rounds are sheets of this material that are placed on disposable trays (rectangular or round, respectively) to improve the presentation of cakes, tarts and sweets. Thanks to the beautifully decorated edges and the resistance they offer, you will serve your food in a more elegant and hygienic way.
so much for our guide to disposable food trays! Remember that the most important thing is to be very clear about what you are going to use the trays for, and once you know what compatibilities, capacities and accessories you need, you just have to choose from the multiple materials, formats and colours to choose your perfect disposable and reusable tableware. Do you already have your favourite?
In case you can't decide or have any doubts about compatibility, sizes or any other question, don't worry, we are here to help you! Contact our customer service colleagues and get professional advice to easily find all the tableware you need to open your business, improve your service or get ready for a great party.
