01. To heat disposable tableware, look for the [P5] mark
Many takeaway merchants like to use plastic disposable boxes to pack meals, so can these disposable takeaway boxes be put into the microwave for heating? In fact, we just need to focus on the number on the takeaway box!
Most plastic boxes will have a triangle mark with different numbers on it. The numbers here represent the material of the plastic container. Different materials have different taboos on use. Some are not resistant to high temperatures, and some are not easy to clean. There is only one material that is resistant to high temperatures and suitable for microwave heating, which is polypropylene (PP). The plastic material identification code is [5].
Therefore, before putting takeaway food into the microwave, we must check whether there is a [PP] mark on the plastic lunch box or a [5] mark on the triangle arrow. If there is no corresponding mark on the disposable lunch box, it is best to pour the packed food into a plate or bowl and then heat it in the microwave.
02. When heating disposable paper tableware, pay attention to whether there is a plastic covering film.
In addition to plastic disposable lunch boxes, many restaurants also choose disposable paper tableware to pack food. This type of tableware is made of raw materials such as sugarcane bagasse and straw. Its biggest advantage is that it is safer. Generally speaking, packaging boxes with matte texture and no plastic film can be put into the microwave.
The plastic film used for the internal coating of paper cups, instant noodle barrels, and kraft paper tableware that we often see is mostly PE coated material, but these coatings are not resistant to high temperatures and are not suitable for heating in the microwave.
