Author: MITweb

Foam Products Are Being Banned: Why Plastic Is the Alternative for Restaurants and Stores

Posted on by MITweb

The ubiquitous Styrofoam coffee cup will be no more. Foam products are on the way out, and recyclable plastics have replaced them as a better alternative.

To combat rising Styrofoam levels in oceans and landfills, many cities and states have begun implementing bans on Styrofoam containers and other single-use plastics to encourage the use of environmentally friendly packaging.

Colorado, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. are leading the charge, forbidding restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores from using most Styrofoam products—such as cups, bowls, plates, and other containers—or risk facing fines of up to $250.

Disposable food containers are essential for all food carryout and delivery services, so it is crucial to stay up to date on the current and impending bans on Styrofoam containers.

Why Switch from Foam Products to Plastic?

Styrofoam is extremely harmful to the environment for three key reasons:

First, the Styrofoam manufacturing process uses hydrocarbons, which are released into the air and produce a hazardous pollutant that can impair lung function and lead to respiratory illness.

Additionally, it is estimated that Styrofoam takes up about 30% of landfills and creates a large amount of waste in the country—in fact, Americans throw away 25 billion Styrofoam cups a year! While in landfills, expanded polystyrene releases harmful chemicals into the environment that, when consumed by animals or humans, can pass along carcinogens and contaminants.

Lastly, although Styrofoam containers are usually marked as recyclable, most recycling centers across the country do not accept these products.

It is extremely difficult to recycle Styrofoam materials due to the chemical process used to produce it. Because the polymer polystyrene beads have already expanded during production, they cannot simply be repurposed or remolded, as there is no technology or system in place to support this process.

Plastic Container Alternatives to Foam Products

In contrast to Styrofoam, plastic food packaging is not only a more environmentally friendly alternative, but also helps to ensure product freshness and quality in transport, prolongs shelf life, and meets FDA regulations. Some plastics are stronger and chemically resistant, making them better for packaging, while others are safe and high-temperature resistant, making them more suited for direct contact with food.

There are numerous alternatives to using Styrofoam products, including paper products and a variety of plastics, including Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Acrylic (PMMA), and Polypropylene (PP).

PP is one of the most common and environmentally friendly plastics, and is the plastic most often used in our food packaging products. Sunshine Supply offers a full line of foam-free plastic container products that restaurants, stores, and local drink shops can use for customers.

Why is PP the best plastic container choice?

There are many benefits to using PP for your business’s food containers. The material boasts a high melting point and is lightweight and moldable, yet still high in strength, making it a great FDA food-grade plastic.

PP is also highly customizable, another reason it is so appealing to food and beverage distributors. It can be either opaque or translucent and be matched to any color, and design teams can experiment with different aesthetics to match a company’s branding.

Although PP has a high melting point, one of its main drawbacks is that it is prone to thermal expansion, which limits the material’s high-temperature applications. It is also susceptible to oxidation, UV degradation, and damage from chlorinated solvents in rare cases.

However, PP is still one of the most preferred plastic materials when it comes to food packaging due to its high quality and low cost.

What are the environmental benefits of PP?

If the product benefits weren’t enough, PP is also one of the best choices for environmentally friendly packaging. The EPA classifies PP as a Safer Chemical Ingredient and considers it a safer choice compared to most other plastics.

During the manufacturing process, there are no toxic emissions, toxic waste, fluorocarbons, or halogens. Also, creating PP materials requires fewer natural resources and energy than creating cotton, paper, canvas, and other fabrics.

At the end of a PP product’s life, the item is fully recyclable and generates fewer waste products in disposal. During the recycling process, there are no toxic chemicals released, nor are any toxic gases generated when burned.

Want to Switch from Foam to Plastic?

If your restaurant needs high-quality to-go containers and you want to ditch the foam in favor of plastic, simply reach out to Sunshine! We’re happy to collaborate on the right containers and supplies for your business.

Understanding What Those Recycling Numbers on Plastics Really Mean

Posted on by MITweb

Packaging sustainability is becoming an important issue for consumers and businesses alike. But that doesn’t mean that plastic-based packaging and containers are going away. In fact, one study indicates over a third of consumers under age 44 see great benefits to plastics. Benefits that outweigh any negatives, especially if that packaging is recycled — or recyclable.  

But deciphering the meaning of the recycling logo and its numbers can be daunting for both businesses and patrons. For example, although most items can be recycled, some can only be recycled through complex and costly processes, which can use a lot of energy and can therefore be counterproductive to sustainability.  

With more than 8 million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans and microplastics polluting our rainwater, responsible recycling and reuse of plastic materials is becoming more important than ever. To help you — and your customers — sort out the recyclable from the non-recyclable when it comes to plastics, we’ve put together this easy-to-follow cheat sheet to help you understand what those recycling numbers really represent.  

Recycling Numbers of Plastics: A Quick Primer  

Every area of the country has its own rules and regulations governing recyclables that determine what they will and will not process. However, one of the first steps toward sourcing recyclable, sustainable plastics is to gain a strong understanding of what the recycling symbols stamped on most plastic items really mean.  

The #1 Symbol: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE) 

This plastic is mostly used for water, soft drinks, and other beverages due to its inexpensive, lightweight profile and the fact that it poses a minimal risk of leaching chemicals. This type of plastic is welcomed by most recycling programs, even curbside ones, if it has been properly emptied and rinsed.  

Recycled Uses: Recycled PET can be used to create more bottles, food containers, fiber, carpet, paneling, and even warm and cozy fleece. 

The #2 Symbol: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 

HDPE plastic is incredibly versatile and useful — especially when it comes to food packaging. It has an exceptionally low leaching risk, making it perfect for yogurt tubs, milk jugs, juice bottles, butter containers, liners for cereal boxes, and more. It is accepted by most curbside recycle programs, but grocery bags made of HDPE must be delivered to specific stores that recycle them.  

Recycled Uses: Recycled HDPE is used in a variety of materials from floor tiles and lumber to pens, drainage pipes, and shampoo bottles.  

The #3 Symbol: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 

Cheap and durable, PVC is found in everything from vinyl siding to windows. However, it can release dioxins during the manufacturing process or if it is burned. 

Recycled Uses: PVC is rarely recycled, but some manufacturers of plastic lumber will accept it. With proper processing, it can be made into decks, flooring, mats, and more.   

The #4 Symbol: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 

A staple polymer for use in creating grocery and bread bags, tote bags, furniture, and squeeze bottles, LDPE is more difficult to recycle in curbside programs. However, it is accepted by some community collection programs. 

Recycled Uses: When recycled, LDPE can be reborn as floor tiles, lumber, envelopes, trash can liners, and even paneling.  

The #5 Symbol: Polypropylene (PP) 

With a high melting point that makes it perfect for food containers and other storage for hot liquids, PP plastic is becoming more accepted by recycling programs across the nation. It is typically used to create straws, yogurt tubs, medicine bottles, and bottle caps.  

Recycled Uses: PP can be recreated as bins, trays, signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, and landscape border materials.  

The #6 Symbol: Polystyrene (PS) 

This plastic can be made in either foam or rigid forms and is most often found in disposable cups and plates, egg cartons, meat trays, and for use as to-go containers. However, most recycling programs do not accept it.  

Recycled Uses: Recycled PS can be used in insulation, egg cartons, to-go containers, and foam packing, among other uses.  

The #7 Symbol: Miscellaneous 

This is a catch-all category for plastics that don’t quite fit into other groups. Hard plastics are commonly found with this symbol, as are DVDs, nylon, and even specific food containers. These are typically considered non-recyclable materials for most local programs. 

Recycled Uses: Despite the difficulty with recycling these, there are limited uses for them as custom-made products.  

Sunshine Supply — Your Choice for High Quality Plastics 

Need convenient, high-quality plastic containers, utensils, or bags? Just reach out to Sunshine today and let us help you choose the perfect items for your specific business needs. 

Discovering the Best Type of Plastic for Food Storage

Posted on by MITweb

With the cost of food at a 40-year high, more consumers are focusing on saving leftovers to cut down on food costs and reduce food waste. Properly storing leftovers allows food to be safely transported and preserved, helping stretch food budgets. 

Despite high food costs, more than half of U.S. consumers are eating out more often in 2022 compared to previous years, which is good news for restaurateurs. However, more people than ever are also requesting takeout containers to take leftovers to go or getting their entire order to go to save time as they rush from work to home or choose to eat lunch at their desks. This means restaurants must focus on providing smart, food-safe plastics to keep customers safe and to ensure food is easily and safely stored and reheated.  

FDA Approved: The Safest Plastics for Storage and Reheating 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has evaluated a host of plastic products based on the types of foods that will be stored and if the food will be exposed to heat during production or while being reheated. After a detailed analysis, they have approved several that they feel are the safest for storage and reheating. Here are their top picks: 

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 

One of the most common plastics found in households today, HDPE is used in the creation of everything from plastic bottles to cutting boards. It is durable, but also flexible, allowing it to be easily molded into sturdy, long-lasting containers for food. In addition, it is resistant to the corrosive action of acidic foods, molds, and mildews, and can even be sterilized for additional safety. HDPE plastics are highly recyclable, as they can be recycled as many as 10 times to create new products. 

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) 

Another common plastic in households, LDPE is so flexible that is it not easily cracked or broken, making it perfect for durable food storage, especially since it is resistant to both chemicals and microorganisms. In fact, it is commonly used in plastic films such as cling wraps. However, it’s not the best plastic for heating since it can soften under higher temperatures. While LDPE can be recycled, it is often a complex process since many items made with this material, such as grocery bags or plastic six-pack rings, can jam recycling equipment. 

Polycarbonate (PC) 

In recent years there has been controversy over the use of polycarbonate (PC) plastics in food storage, since these contain a small amount of Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical associated with several negative health effects. However, research by the FDA shows that consumers only ingest a tiny amount of BPA when coming in contact with these plastics, and this small amount does not accumulate in the body, making it safe at low levels. PC plastics are recyclable, allowing both restaurateurs and consumers to make more sustainable choices. 

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 

The FDA considers PET plastic one of the best for food storage, as it can be used in both its original and recycled forms. Its durability and ability to repel bacteria and microorganisms make it a good choice for soda bottles, jarred foods, and food packaging. Plus, its transparency and resistance to shattering contribute to its perceived durability, even though it does oxidize over time. Best of all, PET plastics are 100% recyclable, making it a sustainable choice for food storage. 

Polypropylene (PP) 

This premier plastic has many attributes that make it perfect for both storage and reheating of food. First, it is microwave-safe and nonvolatile, meaning it will not react with your food, whether acidic or basic. Furthermore, PP resists the absorption of water, so liquid foods such as soup can easily be stored in PP containers. Finally, PP is durable and can also be either conductive or insulating, depending on the properties you prefer and the foods you wish to store — and it is also recyclable and reusable.  

Looking for the Right Plastic Storage Containers for Your Restaurant? 

If your restaurant needs durable, high-quality to-go containers or bags, Sunshine has you covered. Our range of sturdy plastic containers can be used to store — and even reheat — foods safely. If you want to learn more about our innovative products, simply reach out to Sunshine today and one of our experts will be happy to help! 

How Additive Masterbatches Enhance Plastics

Posted on by MITweb

With the demand for reusable and refillable plastic storage options increasing, retailers, restaurant owners, and other brands that use this material are focusing on ways to improve single-use plastics or provide plastic containers that can serve two functions, such as a container for both food storage and reheating. To make these conventional plastic materials more durable, increasing their operational life and enhancing their mechanical properties, manufacturers often create additive masterbatches for their plastic products.

An additive masterbatch will add specific qualities to plastic used for containers, storage, and other purposes in a more cost-effective way than purchasing the polymer with these qualities already in place. In addition, additives can contribute to the sustainability of the product in addition to enhancing overall performance. Formulas for each masterbatch will vary based on the ultimate use for the plastic, ranging from enhancing its heat resistance or durability to providing more flexibility.

The Many Benefits of Using Plastic Additives to Enhance Polymers

Quality, impact resistance, UV-resistance, and even longevity are important attributes for plastics, especially if they are being used in the food packaging or restaurant industry. Plastics that come in contact with foods or will be used to heat or reheat food products must exhibit specific qualities to meet FDA approval requirements — and to provide better performance and safety for consumers. Some of the most common plastic additives and their uses include:

Anti-Microbial Additives

Anti-microbial plastics are a boon for the food industry, as they contain ingredients that can stunt microbial growth, protecting against many microorganisms such as fungi, algae, and strains of bacteria. Anti-microbial additives help provide a sterile environment while also protecting the polymer surface to add to its longevity and durability.

Anti-Fog Additives

If you are packaging food, especially if it will accumulate moisture, you’ll want plastic containers made from polymers with anti-fog additives. Anti-fog additives like the ones found in Sunshine Supply’s anti-fog containers help provide your takeout and to-go containers with better transparency and a more attractive appearance.

Flame Retardant Additives

Flame retardant additives are an important element to make plastics safer for use when exposed to heat or flames. There are many types of flame retardant additives — brominated, chlorinated, halogenated, and non-halogenated, each of which has a specific use and effectiveness.

Anti-Block Additives

Any plastics that are rolled together may have the tendency to “block” or stick to one another, which often occurs with plastic films such as cling films, making them difficult to produce and unroll. Anti-block additives counter this tendency by micro-roughening the surface of the polymers and reducing their tendency to stick.

Anti-Static Additives

Static charges are the natural buildup of electric energy on materials that exhibit both high surface resistance and low conductivity. Although this is a naturally occurring phenomenon, static charges can cause spark discharges in plastics that can not only affect production, but also the end usage. Anti-static agents can help reduce or eliminate these charges by reducing the surface resistance of the polymers. One of the main uses for anti-static additives is in polyethylene plastics (PE) commonly used in packaging films in the food industry.

UV and Anti-Aging Additives

Heat and light can affect the look and function of plastics either during processing or through normal usage. Factors such as contact with ozone, ultraviolet (UV) light, and oxidation, among others, can degrade or change the properties of certain polymers. To combat this, antioxidants and UV stabilizers are often added to plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene to stabilize them and contribute to their strength, durability, and ability to stand up to environments where heat and light are common.

Need Dependable, Hard-Working Plastics for Your Business?

What kind of plastics does your business need to thrive? Whether you are looking for high-quality, BPA-free plastic containers that withstand heat or strong, resilient plastic bags for carry-out or bagging up purchases – we have you covered. Our line of premium plastic bags, containers, straws, and utensils will help you do more business while providing customers with safety and convenience. Want to know more? Just reach out to our team at Sunshine and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Three Benefits of Hinge Containers

Posted on by MITweb

When searching for the right to-go food containers for your restaurant, there are a number of factors to consider. From materials and style to cost and everything in between, it can be tough to find that just right solution. Here at Sunshine Supply, we’ve found that one of the most popular containers in our inventory is the hinge container—a versatile takeout food packaging solution that meets the needs of a wide variety of restaurants and meal types.

While there is truly no one-size-fits-all container, keep reading to discover why hinge containers are often the preferred choice for restaurants and customers alike. 

Convenient Attached Lid

The most obvious benefit of hinge containers lies in their all-in-one nature: the clamshell design keeps the container lid conveniently attached at all times. For restaurants, this results in a more efficient and simple food packaging process. Employees can spend less time assembling containers or finding the right lids to fit them and more time filling them with customers’ food. For customers, the attached lid is also an easy way to ensure container contents stay in place with a lid that will never get lost. 

Ease of Ordering

Another benefit that hinge containers provide restaurants is ease of ordering supplies. When searching for wholesale food container supply, restaurants tend to lean toward hinge containers because the containers and lids are one product—meaning they can be sold and delivered together. This creates one less logistical concern for a restaurant’s purchasing manager or owner, who likely have a ton on their plate already.  

When ordering hinge containers through Sunshine Supply, we also encourage restaurants to visit our Restaurant Hub, where additional promotions and discounts, as well as local distributor information, can be found.  

Made with 30% Less Plastic

By design, all hinge containers provide maximum convenience for both restaurants and customers. In addition to this benefit, our supply of hinge containers is also made with 30% less plastic than the average takeout container, without sacrificing strength or size. As more customers seek sustainable solutions from the businesses they support, this innovation is likely to appeal to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers. 

Still Deciding on the Container for You?

We’re happy to help you determine the right container for your restaurant’s unique menu and needs. Reach out to our team to start chatting or browse our products to generate a free quote today! 

Bright Ideas: Our 4-Corner Locking System

Posted on by MITweb

Searching for the perfect to-go food container to meet your restaurant or other food business needs is a constant challenge. Restaurant owners and product suppliers have long searched for that just-right combination that keeps food hot, preserves flavor and appearance, does not spill or leak and does not cost a fortune. Too often containers are flimsy, poorly designed or simply do not work for the food they are holding. It is no small task to overcome a negative review or poor customer experience because of a failed food container.  

Sunshine Supply Company has been an innovative presence in the container industry for over 20 years. Sunshine is committed to innovation in order to create products that patrons love and are easy for restaurant workers to use. The company has been working to drive the industry forward since our start in 1997, beginning as a small local janitorial supply company for restaurants. Today, we are a large-scale manufacturer, and our company only continues to grow and gain recognition for our recognizable, patented designs. 

Patented 4-Corner Locking System

Innovations and improvements to food container designs only come around every so often. Sunshine Supply has proudly contributed to the industry by creating a patented 4-corner locking system, which keeps food containers closed and its contents secure. This innovative design seals in freshness, prevents spilling and keeps food hot. Whether it is keeping leftovers fresh or presenting beautifully crafted meals on the go, restaurants can count on the 4-corner locking system to keep food looking great and full of flavor.  

Our patented 4-corner locking system: 

  • Is designed with both the consumer and restaurant needs in mind.  
  • Has a separate point of locking on each corner of the container, keeping the lid on securely.  
  • Is simple and convenient to use, while easy to remove.  
  • Keeps food hot, intact and prevents spills or leaks.  
  • Keeps food fresh, preserving taste and appearance. 
  • Is available in a variety of products, including single and multiple compartment containers and large capacity containers.  

Keeping food from leaking out of to-go containers is one of the biggest challenges the industry faces. So, Sunshine continues to innovate and push the envelope to develop products that are reliable, convenient to use and meet the individual unique needs of the remarkably diverse restaurant and food service landscape.  

Sunshine Supply Company uses high-quality Polypropylene (PP) in most containers and lids, and all plastic materials are BPA-free. PP has less of a likelihood to leak chemicals into food and is lightweight, sturdy, resistant to high heat and microwave safe.  

Over the last 18 months, the restaurant industry had to work hard to persevere. This has caused a major shift in the restaurant industry to focus more on delivery and pick-up orders rather than customers dining in. The focus on effective, high-quality, and affordable to-go food containers became more intense than ever before. Sunshine Supply Company has been at the forefront, providing restaurants and distributors with reliable products and impeccable service.  

Still Need a Reliable Container for Your Food Business?  

The need for reliable food containers that work and keep customers happy is an ongoing task, and Sunshine Supply Company is committed to serving the many needs of the restaurant industry. Dedication to creating innovative products, reasonable pricing, quick processes and reliable products are Sunshine Supply Company’s Four Pillars of Trust, which continuously drive us forward. From our patented 4-corner lock system and variety of container types to restaurant and janitorial supplies; Sunshine Supply’s team is ready to support your business in any way we can.  

Sunshine Supply Company offers a variety of ways to order products. Visit us online to learn more, see our specials and check out our “Restaurant Hub” to get a quote and locate a distributor near you!  

To-Go Food Best Practices: What Customers Expect

Posted on by MITweb

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the restaurant industry on its head, bringing with it new protocols from the government, new expectations from customers and many, many new challenges for owners. Perhaps the greatest shift came in where food is actually enjoyed; Between March and April of 2020, takeout went from accounting for 18% of the average restaurant’s sales to over 70%, and delivery sales jumped from 2% to 10%.  

While dine-in is slowly but surely making its return, it’s safe to say the convenience and safety of takeout and delivery are appealing enough to ensure they aren’t going anywhere. Restaurants are now tasked with meeting the increased demand for top-quality takeout and delivery experiences, while also catering to the returning crowd of dine-in customers. A tall order, but one that can be met when to-go food best practices are followed. Keep reading to learn what customers today expect from an easy, sanitary and delicious to-go dining experience, and how restaurants can rise to the occasion. 

Order Accuracy 

There’s nothing like the excitement of takeout food arriving—only to be followed by the disappointment of an incorrect order or missing utensils. These practices can help you avoid a meal-ruining mishap: 

  • Check for special requests. No onions? Extra sauce? These small details go a long way in providing the best meal experience for customers—and in the case of food allergies, are absolutely crucial to address. 
  • Establish a delivery team. If takeout and delivery account for a sizable percentage of your restaurant’s sales, consider forming a team specifically responsible for managing takeout and delivery orders. These employees can ensure accuracy and efficiency for a smoother process from the time an order is placed to when it leaves your doors. 
  • Provide all necessities. Unless requested otherwise, customers expect all the needed utensils and condiments to come with their meal, just as they would for dine-in. Don’t forget plenty of napkins, either! 

Quality Packaging 

We like to say that when it comes to takeout, the food is only as good as the container it comes in. The right container can make the difference between a messy, cold or stale presentation and a truly memorable one. Review the necessities of quality food packaging to ensure yours is up to the task:  

  • Insulate hot foods. There’s nothing more frustrating as a customer than when hot food is delivered cold. Luckily, the right container can keep food hot for longer than traditional packaging. Look for containers made with polypropylene (PP) plastic known for its durability and insulating properties.  
  • Keep liquids from leaking. Soups, dressings and condiments always pose a leaking threat, but even pastas and sides can spill through the cracks of a flimsy container and lid. This makes leak-proof containers a must for most restaurants’ takeout and delivery needs. 
  • Choose ventilated containers. Without proper ventilation, fresh salads can quickly wilt and sandwiches can go from scrumptious to soggy. Look for containers with micro-ventilated lids or side ventilation to keep your food’s integrity intact. 
  • Keep dressings separate. Because every person has their own preferences, dressings and sauces are usually best left to the customer to add onto their meal. Have a stock of small containers specific for keeping dressings and sauces separate from main dishes when packaged. 

Safety Precautions 

Even in a pre-COVID-19 world, sanitation in restaurants was a top priority. Now, the protocols have only heightened, making it imperative for your team to follow every guideline to put your customers at ease: 

  • Seal your bags. With COVID-19, it has become a widespread practice for restaurants to seal their takeout and delivery bags for further sanitary precaution. This can be as elaborate as a branded tamper-proof seal, or as simple as a few staples. 
  • Provide wipes. Consider having sanitary wipes on hand for wiping pens after customers sign their receipts for pickup orders, or for delivery drivers to keep in their cars for frequent pre- and post-delivery wipe downs.  
  • Enforce hand washing. Now more than ever, frequent hand washing is a necessity for anyone in a restaurant environment. Ensure employees wash their hands before and after preparing food, after handling cash or credit cards or after any interactions with customers. Have hand sanitizer ready for delivery drivers and customers retrieving takeout.  
  • Supply PPE when needed. Follow local and federal guidelines, especially the often-changing guidelines for wearing a mask, and ensure your employees and customers do as well. Supply gloves for when employees are handling food directly.  
  • Keep sick or exposed employees at home. Minimize the risk of infectious spread by ensuring no sick employees come into work. Be transparent with your team about the expectations surrounding sick days, and have a policy in place for employees who have potentially been exposed to illness. 
  • Consider contactless or curbside. Contactless payments and deliveries and curbside pickups have gained immense popularity, helping restaurants avoid a backlog of orders and the spread of illness. As we near the end of year two of the pandemic, it may be worth making these tactics a permanent practice. 

Easy Pickup 

Whether it’s a driver picking up an order through a third-party app, a member of your team tasked with deliveries or a customer coming to pick up for themselves, no one wants to wait around on an order. Make the hand-off process more seamless with these tips: 

  • Create a designated pickup area. Again, if you see delivery and takeout permanently becoming a substantial part of your business, a designated pickup area within your restaurant will help ensure an efficient process from start to finish. Consider creating a ‘pickup and delivery only’ section or shelf to which you can direct customers and delivery drivers. 
  • Label orders by name. Especially if you allow customers to grab their to-go orders themselves, labeling orders with customer names is a necessary practice. This takes the guess work out of finding the right order, preventing potential mix-ups and refunds. 
  • Alphabetize your orders. Once labeled with a customer name, each order should be placed in the designated area in alphabetical order, making it easier for delivery drivers and customers to find the order they need. 
  • Stagger delivery and pickup times. Avoid an overflow of customers or delivery drivers waiting on orders by staggering delivery and pickup times. That way, your team can meet expectations by focusing on getting the food right without the overwhelming pressure of dozens of waiting customers. 

Missing Some Essentials? 

If your restaurant is in need of high–quality to-go containers, sanitary products, to-go bags or more, simply reach out to Sunshine! We’re happy to collaborate on the right containers, tableware and supplies for your business. 

Which Containers Are Right for Your Restaurant?

Posted on by MITweb

To-go food containers have always been a necessity in the restaurant industry, and in recent months, more focus has been put on food containers due to the rise of delivery and take-out food consumed during COVID-19. Food containers need to do more than simply contain food or make it able to be moved from place to place. The vessel food is served in makes a first impression on customers, in addition to protecting the food, keeping it from spilling and ensuring that despite travel, it will look and taste to your restaurant’s standards.

There are a variety of options on the market, all claiming to be the next best thing, and it can be an overwhelming task to find products that truly work. Finding versatile, multipurpose containers to best serve the many needs of food service businesses is a big task, but Sunshine Supply Company has committed over 20 years to supply the industry with highly diverse and multifunctional product options.

Innovation drives progress, and Sunshine Supply Company embraces innovation to develop and provide top-quality containers that are convenient, easy to use and that restaurant patrons and employees alike love. We have developed several diverse types of quality plastic packaging for use in food service. Most products are made from BPA-free Polypropylene (PP) which helps preserve the freshness and taste of packaged foods by delaying evaporation and dehydration. PP is resistant to fats, liquids, acids and organic solvents. It is lightweight, tough, and has a high heat tolerance, making it far less likely to leak chemicals than other plastics.

But aside from the innovative materials our containers are made from, we also offer a variety of styles and sizes to suit any restaurant’s to-go food container needs.

Sunshine Supply Food Service Containers

Sunshine Supply Company makes a variety of microwave safe, reliable and easy-to-use food containers. Our patented 2-and 4-corner lock technology keeps lids fastened securely, preventing leaks while still able to be removed easily:

  • Hinge Containers – Hinge containers are incredibly versatile. The clam-shell type design with an attached lid makes them convenient for restaurant staff and customers alike. Designed with our 2-corner locking system, lids do not get lost, and these hinge containers can be used for a variety of food types. Sunshine offers three different series of hinge containers, all of which use 30% less plastic than the average container and are microwave-safe. Our hinge containers come in square and rectangular shapes with one, two and three compartment choices in a range of sizes.
  • Anti-Fog Containers – Anti-fog containers consist of a sturdy plastic food container with a clear, anti-fog lid. Containers are microwave-safe, with ventilated micro-holes to keep lids from fogging to preserve culinary presentation. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including large serving size options, with dome and flat lid choices.
  • Japanese Containers – Sunshine has developed several options for Japanese containers. These include a variety of sushi trays, Bento boxes, lids, platters and plates. Choose from a selection of colorful and solid color choices to match your restaurant’s aesthetic.
  • Bowls, Plates and Plasticware – Our round trays, bowls and plates are ready to use for a variety of occasions. Bowls are perfect for soups, dressings and condiments. Browse our selection of sizes and options online.
  • Film-Sealed Containers – Film-sealed containers are ready to use and include snack trays, multiple-compartment containers and sandwich wedges (film and sealing technology is not provided). These containers are designed for to-go meals like hot dogs and sandwiches.

Each of Sunshine Supply’s innovative container designs can serve a different purpose depending on the type of business. From food carts to high-end dining our containers are made with both restaurateur and customer in mind. No one wants cold or spilled food, containers must preserve food’s visual appeal, structural integrity and maintain a high quality of taste. With both convenience and purpose in mind, our products are designed to keep food tasting and looking good.

Need Help Finding the Right Food Containers for Your Menu?

A lot of effort goes into food service: planning the menu, obtaining quality ingredients and hiring qualified, talented staff to make your food vision a tasty reality. The last thing any chef, restaurant or food entrepreneur wants is for all that effort to go to waste when a food container fails. Sunshine Supply understands the importance of quality, multipurpose food containers, as well as the unique needs of every restaurant.

Our promise is to provide innovative products, reasonable pricing, a quick process, and reliable products. We work with you to help find the perfect containers for your specific menu and food type. Reach out to our team here, use our “get a quote tool” or visit the new “Restaurant Hub” to find local Sunshine Supply Company distributors near you and view available inventory.