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Are Your Takeaway Containers Microwave Safe? How To Identify Microwave-Friendly Packaging

If you're running a restaurant, cafe or food delivery business in Australia, chances are your customers are reheating their meals at home or in the office. But here’s the critical question: are your takeaway containers microwave-safe?

With food safety, convenience and sustainability top of mind, knowing which containers can safely go in the microwave is essential. In this guide, we’ll answer the most common microwave-related packaging questions, like "Can you microwave plastic takeaway containers?” You’ll learn how to identify microwave-friendly materials, what to avoid and which microwave-safe takeaway container options are available.

Are your business’s takeaway containers microwave-safe?

The short answer is some are, some aren’t. Whether takeaway containers are microwave safe depends entirely on what they’re made of. Common materials include polypropylene (PP), PET plastic, paperboard and compostable fibres like bagasse (sugarcane pulp), and each behaves differently under heat.

Can you microwave plastic takeaway containers?

Not all plastics are suitable for microwave use. Some soften or break down at lower temperatures, making them unsafe for reheating food. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• PP (Polypropylene) — Microwave safe
• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) — Not microwave safe
• PS (Polystyrene) — Not microwave safe

Polypropylene is considered safer because it has a higher melting point and remains stable when exposed to microwave heat. This makes PP containers a popular choice for cafes, meal‑prep businesses and food outlets that reheat meals in-store or offer reheatable takeaway packaging to customers.

Can you microwave takeaway containers made from paper or bioplastics?

It depends. Paper and compostable takeaway containers vary widely in performance. Bagasse containers, made from sugarcane pulp, are generally microwave safe and handle heat well without breaking down. However, not all paper-based containers are microwave-friendly.

Containers with plastic or wax linings may warp, separate or release residues when heated. Similarly, bioplastics are excellent for cold foods and display packaging, but they aren’t always designed for microwave use unless clearly stated.

What should you look for on the packaging?

Look for a microwave‑safe symbol, such as:

• A microwave icon
• Wavy heat lines
• “Microwave Safe” text on the base or packaging

Most microwave-safe takeout containers are clearly labelled, but if ever you're in doubt whether your containers are suitable for microwave use, it’s best not to heat them and instead contact your supplier for confirmation.

What happens when you microwave a non‑microwave‑safe container?

If you accidentally microwave a container made from unsafe materials, then don't consume the food or continue heating it. Microwaving the wrong container can cause:

• Food contamination from chemical leaching
• Container deformation or collapse
• Damage to the microwave
• Fire or burn hazards

For food businesses, these risks don’t just affect safety — they impact customer trust. Using clearly microwave-safe packaging helps protect your brand reputation and ensures customers can reheat meals with confidence.

Ready to choose the right microwave-safe takeaway containers?

When it comes to microwave safety, your best options are polypropylene (PP), bagasse (sugarcane) and microwave-safe paperboard. These materials offer the heat resistance and food safety your customers expect, whether they’re reheating lunch at home or enjoying a warm meal on the go.

Here’s a quick guide:

Whenever you need eco-friendly clamshells, reheatable plastic bases or compostable paper containers, WF Plastic has you covered. Want packaging that’s guaranteed safe for both food and the planet? Explore our BioPak takeaway containers. Place your order today with WF Plastic and feel confident that your packaging is safe, reliable and made for modern food service.