Compostable 29 oz 3-Compt PLA-Lined Fiber Containers 10×7.5″ for Schools

Sugarcane bagasse is the agricultural by-product left over after juice extraction — burning it pollutes, landfilling it wastes biomass, but molding it into food packaging captures that material as a renewable input. That is the body of these 29 oz fiber lunch trays. The interior is lined with a thin PLA bioplastic film — itself plant-based, made from corn or sugarcane starch — to provide a grease and liquid barrier without resorting to PFAS chemistry. The result is a foodservice container that does not compromise on heat, structure, or end-of-life recovery.

Outer dimensions are 10.0 × 7.5 × 1.5 in — sized to fit standard foodservice slots, delivery bags, and catering carts. Each case ships 400 units, 40 cases per pallet for 16,000 units per pallet.

Where this container earns its place on the line

• Buyers under state PFAS bans — no added PFAS — meets California AB 1200, New York Hazardous Packaging Act, Washington, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota laws.
• Operations on commercial composting programs — industrial compostable; integrates into the existing organics bin.
• Procurement teams scoring USDA Biobased preference — USDA Certified Biobased Product, eligible under federal BioPreferred procurement.
• Operators displacing foam under city/state foam bans — drop-in replacement that survives hot food, unlike PE-coated paperboard.
• Sustainability-minded brands publishing impact reports — third-party-certified compostable, biobased, and PFAS-free for transparent claims.
• Buyers with multi-state operations — single SKU compliant across the patchwork of state food-packaging laws.

Five problems this SKU is engineered against

1. Foam container bans without a true replacement

Polystyrene foam was the workhorse of school cafeterias and quick-service venues for decades. Foam is now banned or restricted in 11 U.S. states and over 250 municipalities. Most “alternatives” are PE-coated paperboard (still plastic, still not compostable) or thicker plastic (still landfill). A plant-based compostable container is the only fully sustainable substitute that survives hot food.

2. Plastic-in-the-microwave concerns

Foodservice teams reheating prepared meals don’t want plastic film against hot food. This container is microwave-safe at reheat temperatures and plant-based PLA replaces conventional PE film for the grease barrier.

3. Compost contamination at the back of house

Both the fiber body and the PLA lining are certified industrial compostable — the container composts as a single unit, no separation required at end of life.

4. Multi-state compliance complexity

Operators running locations across 6+ states cannot stock a different SKU per jurisdiction. This product clears the strictest of the state PFAS and biobased food-packaging rules currently in force, so a single SKU works in California, New York, Washington, and any state that follows.

5. Soak-through on saucy or wet menu items

The PLA film on the inside surface stops liquid migration so the bottom stays dry through service, transport, and reheat — for sauced pasta, curries, BBQ, dressed salads, and stew.

Build, materials, and operator features

• No added PFAS — meets every U.S. state PFAS food-packaging law as of 2026.
• PLA bioplastic lining — plant-based film bonded to the food contact surface for grease and liquid barrier.
• Unbleached plant fiber body — denser than coated paperboard; holds shape under heavy or saucy meals.
• Hot food safe to 220°F — soups, stews, hot pastas, curries, casseroles, baked dishes.
• Microwave safe at reheat temperatures — reheat without transferring.
• Freezer safe — does not embrittle below 0°F; meal-prep ready.
• Liquid and grease resistant — PLA film barrier on top of naturally oil-resistant fiber.
• Composts in 2–4 months in a commercial composting facility (industrial compostable).
• Case of 400 — sized for catering, school dining, and operator-scale foodservice.
• Gluten-free and allergen-friendly material.
• Unbleached natural fiber color — pairs with any branded sticker, ribbon, or sleeve.

Compliance, compostability, and food-contact certificates

• OK compost INDUSTRIAL (TÜV AUSTRIA) — disintegrates and biodegrades in a commercial composting facility within 12 weeks.
• USDA Certified Biobased Product (U.S. Department of Agriculture) — verified renewable plant content; eligible under federal BioPreferred procurement programs.
• ASTM D-6400 (ASTM International) — meets the U.S. industry standard for industrial compostability.
• FDA Food Contact Compliant (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) — conforms to U.S. Code of Federal Regulations for direct food contact.
• NSF Certified Compostable (NSF International) — independent third-party verification of compostability claims.

Product specifications

Capacity	29 oz
Outer dimensions	10.0 × 7.5 × 1.5 in (25.4 × 19.1 × 3.8 cm)
Material	Plant fiber, with PLA bioplastic lining
Color	Natural Fiber
Heat tolerance	Up to 220°F
Microwave / freezer	Both safe
PFAS status	No added PFAS
Lining	PLA bioplastic film
Compost timeframe	2–4 months (commercial); industrial compostable only
Quantity per case	400
Cases per pallet	40 (16,000 units per pallet)
Case weight	28.0 lbs
SKU	SYR-FT-29L-400

Frequently asked questions

What lid options work with this fiber lunch tray?

Three lid options typically fit foodservice containers in this size range: clear PLA dome lids for visible merchandising of salads, parfaits, and bakery; clear PLA flat lids for stackable delivery; and matching plant-fiber lids for opaque, plant-based compostable closure. Lids are sold separately by the case — pair by capacity and footprint.

Is this fiber lunch tray home compostable, or industrial only?

No. PLA bioplastic requires the higher temperatures and microbial activity of a commercial composting facility (ASTM D-6400 / TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost INDUSTRIAL conditions). It will not break down meaningfully in a backyard compost pile. For home-compostable options, choose the unlined fiber version.

What is the compartment layout of this fiber lunch tray?

This fiber lunch tray has 3 compartments — designed for plated foodservice with separated entrée, sides, and a small accompaniment. Typical use cases include school lunch programs (entrée + 2 sides), hospital trayed meals, airline-style catering, and bento-style takeout. Each compartment is sealed-bottom so there is no cross-contamination of dressings or sauces between sections.

Are these fiber lunch trays compliant with state PFAS bans nationwide?

Yes. Because no PFAS is intentionally added, they comply with California AB 1200 / AB 1201, New York’s Hazardous Packaging Act, and parallel laws in Washington, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Hawaii. Lab test reports are available for B2B accounts on request.

Are these suitable for K-12 school lunch programs?

Yes. They meet PFAS-free, biobased, and compostable procurement requirements many state school systems now mandate: no added PFAS, TÜV AUSTRIA OK compost INDUSTRIAL, USDA Biobased, ASTM D-6400, NSF Certified Compostable. Documentation is available on request.

Are these fiber lunch trays stackable for storage and transport?

Yes. They stack tightly when empty (400 per case, 40 cases per pallet for 16,000 units per pallet) and stack safely with a lid when filled. The footprint fits standard foodservice slots and delivery bags.

How fast do these fiber lunch trays break down in commercial composting?

In a commercial composting facility (ASTM D-6400 conditions), it breaks down in 2 to 4 months. This product is industrial compostable only — it will not meaningfully break down in a backyard compost pile.

Is this fiber lunch tray safe to reheat in a commercial microwave?

Yes, the fiber lunch tray is microwave safe at reheat temperatures. Reheat without transferring to another plate. Avoid using in conventional ovens above the rated heat tolerance or under broilers.

Can I serve hot food directly in the fiber lunch tray?

Yes. The body is rated for hot food up to 220°F. The PLA lining is stable up to that temperature in food contact. Hot pastas, curries, soups (with a lid), stews, and baked entrées hold without warping.