Citizens Helped Design Smarter Food Takeout Boxes That Are 100% Plastic-Free

While we can’t deny the convenience of food delivery services and good ol’ takeout, there’s the nagging problem of the amount of waste these boxes and containers create. 

Plus, we’ve all had the experience of having our food arrive, only to find it leaking, way too cold to eat, or hanging out of the packaging. 

To solve these problems, all while addressing the issue of plastic waste, researchers at the Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania teamed up with citizens to create a brand-new takeout food box. 

Intriguingly, the project started off with a three-course dinner, attended by 16 participants aged 22 to 60 years old. During the meal, the team analyzed and evaluated the packaging of different food, listing out the shortcomings they hoped to fix.

It was noted that it was hard to mold standard containers to specific portion sizes, and if there were sides in the order, it proved difficult to separate each dish from the other. 

More importantly, in terms of sustainability, most packaging did not indicate how to properly recycle or dispose of it. 

The solution? Cardboard. A material that didn’t contribute to plastic pollution, but was able to be easily heated up at home so customers could enjoy piping-hot food without transferring it from the package. 

According to the study, the specially-designed cardboard features a non-flammable material that allows it to withstand the heat of an oven, and can be recycled up to six times after use. 

Furthermore, the packaging comes with adaptable insert tabs that allows restaurants to adjust the size of the box and separate sides from mains when necessary. 

Anticipating every need, the team developed a special sleeve for the boxes that would hold in place during delivery, preventing them from moving around and preserving their appetizing appearance when they reach the door.

Once you’re done with your meal, you could simply refer to the clear instructions printed on the packaging for recycling, as well as how long and at what temperature the box can be heated. 

“Kaunas citizens, with the help of professionals in their field and guided by scientists, are starting a real revolution in the world of takeaway food,” said Aelita Zabulione, Junior Researcher at the Food Institute of Kaunas University of Technology.

“Soon these boxes, created by Lithuanian consumers and businesses, will be one of the package options when ordering food at home,” she added.

[via Kaunas University of Technology, images via various sources]