Eco‑Friendly Materials
Features, Food Safety & Applications of Eco‑Friendly Materials
Sailcity Packaging supplies a range of sustainable materials designed to perform reliably across hot food, cold food, and beverage applications. All materials are food‑safe, compliant with New Zealand standards, and suitable for commercial food‑service environments.
Below is a clear breakdown of each material, its features, and where it performs best.
PLA Bioplastic (Polylactic Acid)
Best for cold foods and beverages
Food Safety & Performance
- Food‑safe and made from renewable plant starch
- Crystal‑clear appearance ideal for cold drinks
- Not suitable for high heat — softens above ~40°C
- Industrially compostable
Cold Food Applications
- Smoothies, juices, iced coffee
- Cold deli items (salads, fruit, desserts)
- Cold cup lids
- Cold‑use cutlery (PLA)
Sugarcane Fibre (Bagasse)
Excellent for hot and cold foods
Food Safety & Performance
- Naturally heat‑resistant (safe for hot foods)
- Microwave‑safe and refrigerator‑safe
- Strong, rigid, and leak‑resistant
- Fully compostable and biodegradable
Hot & Cold Food Applications
- Hot meals (curries, stir‑fries, roasts)
- Burgers, chips, and fried foods
- Bowls, plates, clamshells
- Fibre coffee cup lids
- Catering trays and meal prep containers
Corrugated Cardboard & Paper‑Based Packaging
Versatile, recyclable, and widely accepted by councils
Food Safety & Performance
- Food‑safe when lined or coated appropriately
- Recyclable through kerbside systems
- Strong structural integrity for transport
- Available in kraft, white, and aqueous‑coated options
Hot & Cold Food Applications
- Takeaway food boxes (burgers, noodles, snacks)
- Hot chips and fried food trays
- Paper bags, wraps, and sandwich sleeves
- Catering boxes and bakery packaging
- Coffee cup sleeves
Bamboo & Wood
Food Safety & Performance
- Naturally antibacterial and food‑safe
- Heat‑resistant and splinter‑free
- Biodegradable and compostable
- Strong enough for dense or hot foods
Hot & Cold Food Applications
- Cutlery (forks, knives, spoons)
- Stirrer sticks for hot beverages
- Serving boards and trays
- Bento‑style plates and premium presentation items
Choosing the Right Material for Your Menu
Best for Hot Foods
- Sugarcane fibre (bagasse)
- Bamboo/wood
- Paper‑based packaging (lined or coated)
Best for Cold Foods
- PLA bioplastic
- Paper‑based packaging
- Sugarcane fibre
Best for Hot Drinks
- Paper cups (single, double, triple wall)
- Fibre lids
- CPLA lids (heat‑resistant PLA)
Best for Cold Drinks
- PLA cups
- PET recyclable cups (if applicable)
