H3: PS, PP or APET: three materials, three uses
| Deli tray | Microwaveable tray | Salad box and bowl |
| Matter | Translucent grooved polystyrene (PS) | Polypropylene (PP) | APET crystal |
| Lid | Without attached lid | Adjoining hinge | Attached hinge (rectangular) or detachable hinge (round bowl) |
| Temperatures | -40 °C to +70 °C (to be confirmed) | -20 °C to +110 °C | -40 °C to +70 °C |
| Microwave | No | Yes | No |
| Capacities | 40 g to 3 kg | 250 g to 2 kg | 150 g to 2 kg |
| Manufacturing | France | Italy | Italy |
| Ideal for | Deli meats, prepared foods, fries, side dishes | Hot prepared meals, pasta, rice, daily specials | Salads, raw vegetables, fruit, desserts, poke bowls |
Polystyrene deli tray, from 40g to 3kg
The deli tray is the most common type used by caterers and delicatessens. Made in France from translucent polystyrene, its grooved structure provides the necessary rigidity for a secure grip. It's also frequently seen at concerts, community events, and sporting events for serving fries and takeaway portions. Available in 14 sizes, it ranges from a small tasting portion (40g) to a buffet platter (3kg). For closed transport or reheating, choose the microwaveable tray with a lid.
Microwaveable tray with hinged lid, from 250g to 2kg
Made of polypropylene, the microwaveable tray withstands temperatures from -20°C to +110°C: it goes directly from the refrigerator to the microwave, allowing customers to reheat their meal without transferring it. Its attached hinged lid closes easily and won't get lost. Seven sizes are available, covering individual portions (250 to 500 g), large portions or duos (750 g), and family-sized dishes (1 to 2 kg).
APET salad box: rectangular hinged or round bowl
APET crystal is a transparent, rigid, and impact-resistant plastic with good water and gas resistance: it beautifully showcases salads, fruits, and desserts in display cases. Two models are available:
- The rectangular salad box with integrated hinged lid, from 150g to 2kg, for salad bars, bakeries and caterers;
- The round salad bowl with detachable lid, from 250 g to 1 kg, for poké bowls and composed salads displayed in the shop window.
The APET is for cold use, from -40°C to +70°C: it is not microwave safe. For very liquid preparations, use a separate sauce container: the hinge is not completely leakproof.
What capacity for what portion?
| Capacity | Portion | Families available |
| 40 to 125 g | Sauce, condiment, tasting, mini-portion | Butcher |
| 150 to 250 g | Side dish, starter, individual salad | Deli meats, microwave, salad box |
| 375 to 600 g | Individual dish, poké bowl, salad meal | The three families |
| 750 g to 1 kg | Large portion, duo, dish for 2 to 3 people | The three families |
| 1.5 to 3 kg | Family-style meals, buffets, event catering | Deli meats (up to 3 kg), microwave and salad box (up to 2 kg) |
The capacity is indicated in grams; one can count 1 g for 1 ml.
Plastic, cardboard or aluminum: which packaging for your dishes?
This comparison helps to choose between related categories; the links aid in the decision.
| Need | Solution |
| Transparent, with attached lid, microwave-safe (PP) | Plastic tray (this page) |
| Burger box, pasta box, kraft cardboard salad box | Takeaway packaging |
| Baking and reheating in the oven | Disposable aluminum tray and dish |
| Sealed film closure, GN sizes | Disposable Gastronorm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a plastic tray in the microwave?
Yes for the polypropylene microwave tray (up to +110°C). No for the polystyrene deli tray and the APET salad box, which are reserved for cold and warm preparations.
Can these trays be frozen?
Yes: APET and polystyrene can withstand temperatures down to -40°C, polypropylene down to -20°C.
Are the lids included?
Yes, for microwave trays and salad boxes with attached lids. Deli trays are sold without attached lids.
How much does a 500g tray contain?
Approximately 50 cl: we count 1 g for 1 ml.
How are they sold?
Per carton, from 200 to 6,000 pieces depending on the model. The number of pieces is indicated in the name of each product.