What are lunch trays made of?
Meal trays are an ideal solution for school cafeterias, making it easy to serve a variety of lunches in different combinations and sizes. To learn more about school cafeteria trays shapes and recommended applications, visit out buyer guide. A frequently asked question about these trays is, what are school lunch trays made of? There are several different material types you're likely to come across when shopping for trays. Although tray construction quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, below are a few of the common types and their general benefits.
Fiberglass trays
Perhaps the most durable of all tray materials, fiberglass trays often feature metal reinforcing rods to provide extra strength to eliminate the risk of warping. Fiberglass construction ensures easy maintenance and a crisp look even after years of fast paced tray service. Dishwasher safe with a temperature range of 35°F to 200°F.
Melamine trays
Melamine trays are essential serving items for your foodservice establishment. Resistant to scratching, breaking, chemicals and food acids. Melamine quality may vary, but high-quality melamine features a heavy, rigid feel that often replicates the look and feel of chinaware. Dishwasher safe, another benefit is that melamine dries quickly. Temperature range of 0°F to 212°F. The glossy finish on melamine serving trays makes them resemble porcelain, so you can use them in more elegant dining settings, as well.
Polycarbonate trays
Resistant to scratching, breakage, odors, and stains, polycarbonate trays are ideal for schools, college and universities, hospitals, correctional institutions, or assisted living centers. They are dishwasher safe with a temperature range of -40°F to 212°F.
Polypropylene trays
Polypropylene trays are an economical option ideal for high-traffic industries like school cafeterias and self-serve. These trays will durably stand up to everyday use and is resistant to chemicals. Temperature range of 30°F to 180°F.
Co-Polymer trays
An economically priced option when it comes to cafeteria trays. Although not as durable as fiberglass, melamine or polycarbonate, co-polymer constructed trays offer a resistance to scratching or staining and are dishwasher safe. Additionally, these trays can come in a wide variety of colors and are less likely to crack or shatter than other more rigid materials.
ABS plastic trays
ABS plastic trays are made of a material that withstands chemical and food acid exposure while resisting breaks, stains, and scratches. Ideal for general everyday use. They are dishwasher safe and can tolerate a temperature range of 0°F to 180°F.
Silicone trays
Silicone trays are extremely flexible, they can be twisted, bent, or folded yet they will retain their original shape. Silicone is naturally non-stick making it easy to clean, stain resistant and it will not retain odors or flavors. Additionally, silicone withstands extreme temperatures form -40°F to 446°F so that it can be used in the oven or microwave for reheating of meals. They are high heat and chemical resistant so they be sanitized in any commercial dish machine. Originally designed for correctional facilities as they cannot be sharpened into a weapon, silicon trays are the ideal meal tray choice for daycare centers, memory care facilities or other institutions looking for a safe material that cannot be broken or cracked causing potential for injury.
