Bagasse & Pulp Food Container Guide: Boxes, Bowls & Takeaway Packaging
Bagasse and pulp food containers are widely used by restaurants, takeaways, cafés, caterers and street-food businesses looking for sturdy fibre-based packaging for hot and cold food.
This guide explains what bagasse packaging is, the main types of bagasse and pulp containers available, common sizes and formats, lid options and the foodservice applications they are best suited to.
Browse our full cardboard, bagasse and pulp food container range.
What Is Bagasse Packaging?
Bagasse is a fibrous material made from sugarcane residue left after juice extraction. The fibres can be moulded into plates, bowls, clamshell meal boxes, trays and other disposable food packaging.
Bagasse packaging is popular in foodservice because it is rigid, lightweight and suitable for many hot and cold foods.
Bagasse vs Pulp: What Is the Difference?
Bagasse is a specific type of plant fibre made from sugarcane residue. “Pulp” is a broader term used for moulded fibre packaging made from plant-based fibres.
In food packaging, the terms are often used together because many moulded pulp products are made from bagasse or similar renewable fibre materials.
What Types of Bagasse Food Containers Are Available?
The main formats include:
- Hinged clamshell meal boxes
- Burger boxes
- Single-compartment lunch boxes
- Two- and three-compartment meal boxes
- Round and square pulp bowls
- Rectangular pulp containers
- Disposable plates
- Catering platters
- Sushi trays
Bagasse Clamshell Meal Boxes
Clamshell boxes have an attached hinged lid, making them convenient for quick takeaway service because the base and lid are supplied as one piece.
7 x 5 Inch Bagasse Clamshell Boxes
Compact clamshell boxes are useful for burgers, sides, snacks and smaller takeaway portions.
The 7 x 5 x 2.5 inch bagasse clamshell box provides a compact format for hot food takeaway and delivery.
8 x 8 Inch Bagasse Lunch Boxes
Square 8-inch boxes offer more space for complete meals and are suitable for dishes such as rice, curry, pasta, noodles and street food.
Browse the 8 x 8 x 2.5 inch bagasse compostable lunch box.
9 Inch Bagasse Meal Boxes
Larger 9-inch clamshells are suitable for substantial portions and complete takeaway meals.
The 9-inch bagasse clamshell meal box provides extra room for larger meal portions.
9 x 6 Inch Bagasse Meal Boxes
Rectangular 9 x 6 inch meal boxes work well for mains, rice dishes, curries and combination meals.
Smart Food Packaging stocks a 9 x 6 x 3 inch bagasse lunch meal box.
Compartment Bagasse Meal Boxes
Compartment containers help keep different foods separated during service and transport. They can be particularly useful for meals containing a main dish and side dishes.
The 9-inch three-compartment bagasse clamshell box is designed to divide a meal into separate sections.
For a rectangular option, Smart Food Packaging also stocks 9 x 6 x 3 inch two-compartment bagasse meal boxes.
Bagasse Burger Boxes
Bagasse burger boxes provide a rigid hinged format for burgers, sandwiches and hot snacks.
The 6-inch bagasse burger box measures approximately 145 x 145 x 75mm and is suitable for takeaway burger service.
Bagasse Bowls for Hot and Cold Food
Moulded fibre bowls are useful for curries, rice dishes, salads, soups, street food and other meals where a bowl format is preferred.
Small Bagasse Bowls
The 12oz 340ml bagasse bowl is suitable for smaller portions, sides, soups and desserts.
500ml Pulp Bowls
For medium portions, the Sabert 500ml round pulp bowl is designed for hot or cold takeaway meals.
Another option is the Sabert 500ml square pulp bowl.
600ml and 750ml Pulp Bowls
The Sabert Buddha 600ml round pulp bowl provides additional capacity for main meals.
For larger portions, the 750ml Buddha round pulp bowl and 750ml square pulp bowl are suitable for a variety of hot and cold dishes.
1000ml and Larger Pulp Bowls
For generous meal portions, Smart Food Packaging stocks the Sabert Buddha 1000ml round pulp bowl and the Sabert 1000ml square pulp bowl.
For sharing portions and larger meals, the Sabert 1500ml wide round pulp bowl provides even greater capacity.
Rectangular Pulp Containers
Rectangular pulp containers work well for complete meals, curries, rice dishes, pasta, salads and prepared food.
Available options include the Sabert 600ml shallow rectangular pulp container, the Sabert 950ml rectangular pulp container and the Sabert 1050ml rectangular pulp container.
Bagasse Plates
Bagasse plates are commonly used for catering, events, parties, street food and self-service meals.
Smart Food Packaging stocks 7-inch bagasse plates, 9-inch bagasse dinner plates and 10-inch bagasse dinner plates.
For meals requiring separation, the 10-inch three-compartment bagasse plate keeps different foods apart on the same plate.
Pulp Catering Platters
Moulded pulp platters provide an alternative to conventional plastic trays for buffets, meetings, events and catering displays.
The range includes the Sabert 27 x 27cm square pulp platter and the larger Sabert 36 x 36cm square pulp platter.
For rectangular presentation, options include the Sabert medium rectangular pulp platter and the Sabert large rectangular pulp platter.
Bagasse Sushi Trays
Bagasse sushi trays are designed for chilled food presentation and takeaway service and can be paired with compatible clear lids where specified.
Browse our dedicated sushi container range for bagasse trays and compatible lids.
Can Bagasse Containers Be Used for Hot Food?
Many bagasse and moulded pulp containers are designed for hot food service. They are commonly used for curries, rice dishes, burgers, noodles and hot takeaway meals.
Always check the individual product specification before use, particularly where very hot, oily or liquid-heavy foods are involved.
Can Bagasse Containers Be Used for Cold Food?
Yes. Many pulp containers and bowls can also be used for cold foods such as salads, desserts, chilled meals and prepared dishes.
Some ranges are available with clear rPET lids, which can be useful when product visibility is important for chilled display.
Are Bagasse Containers Microwave Safe?
Some bagasse and pulp containers are suitable for microwave reheating, but this varies by product. Always check the individual product specifications and lid material before microwaving.
Never assume that a clear plastic lid is microwave safe simply because the pulp base is suitable for reheating.
Can Bagasse Containers Go in the Freezer?
Some moulded pulp containers are suitable for chilled or frozen storage, but freezer suitability varies by product. Check the product information before using a container for freezing or long-term cold storage.
Bagasse vs Plastic Takeaway Containers
| Feature | Bagasse / Pulp | Plastic Containers |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plant-fibre based | Typically PP, PET or rPET depending on product |
| Appearance | Natural fibre finish | Often black, clear or translucent |
| Hot food | Many products suitable | Depends on plastic type |
| Cold food | Suitable for many applications | Widely used |
| Clear presentation | Usually requires a separate clear lid | Clear PET containers provide full visibility |
Bagasse vs Cardboard Food Containers
Bagasse containers are moulded into rigid shapes, while cardboard takeaway boxes are formed from paperboard. Both can be used for foodservice, but their construction, appearance and closure systems are different.
Bagasse is particularly useful where a rigid moulded tray, bowl or clamshell is preferred. Cardboard boxes may offer more folding formats and kraft-style presentation.
How to Choose the Right Bagasse Container
Consider the following before ordering:
- The type of food being served
- The required portion size
- Whether you need a bowl, tray or clamshell
- Whether foods need to be separated into compartments
- Whether the meal will be served hot or cold
- Whether a compatible lid is required
- Whether product visibility is important
- Your storage space and expected usage
Frequently Asked Questions About Bagasse Packaging
What is bagasse made from?
Bagasse is made from the fibrous residue left after sugarcane is processed for its juice. The fibres can be moulded into food packaging such as plates, bowls and takeaway boxes.
What is the difference between bagasse and pulp packaging?
Bagasse specifically refers to sugarcane fibre, while pulp is a broader term for moulded fibre packaging. Many foodservice pulp products are made from bagasse.
Are bagasse containers suitable for hot food?
Many bagasse containers are designed for hot food, but suitability varies by product. Always check the individual product specification before use.
Can bagasse containers go in a microwave?
Some can, but microwave suitability depends on the specific container and lid. Check the product instructions before reheating food.
Are bagasse containers suitable for takeaway delivery?
Yes. Hinged clamshell boxes, bowls and lidded pulp containers are widely used for takeaway and delivery, provided the format is suitable for the food being served.
What are compartment bagasse boxes used for?
Compartment boxes keep different foods separated, making them useful for meals containing a main dish with sides, rice or vegetables.
Can clear plastic lids be used with pulp bowls?
Yes, some pulp bowl ranges have compatible PET, rPET or PP lids. Always use the lid specifically designed for the relevant bowl or container.
Where can I buy bagasse food containers in bulk?
Smart Food Packaging supplies bagasse and pulp food containers in bulk packs for restaurants, takeaways, cafés, caterers and other foodservice businesses.
Shop Bagasse & Pulp Food Containers
Smart Food Packaging stocks bagasse clamshell boxes, pulp bowls, compartment meal boxes, plates and catering platters in a wide range of sizes and formats.
Browse our bagasse, pulp and cardboard food containers or explore the wider hot and cold takeaway packaging range.