PLA-Lined 22 oz Compostable Food Containers for Foodservice & Catering

If you are switching out of polystyrene foam in 2026, the realistic alternatives narrow quickly. PE-coated paperboard is still plastic and still not compostable. Thicker rPET trays land in the recycling stream — when they land in the right stream at all. PFAS-treated fiber is grease-resistant but blocked under California AB 1200 and parallel state laws. These 22 oz PLA-lined food containers are the option that survives hot food, meets PFAS-free procurement rules, and composts in commercial facilities — the practical replacement most operators end up at after running the analysis.

The 4.375 × 3.56 × 2.5 in profile and 22 oz capacity fit single-portion entrées, sides, salads, parfaits, and school-lunch components. The case of 180 is sized for catering, school dining, hospital foodservice, hotel banquets, and operators transitioning out of foam.

Who these foodservice containers are designed for

• Hospital and senior-living trayed meals — reheat-in-place for soft, saucy, or moisture-rich dishes.
• Saucy hot menu items — pasta in sauce, curries, gravy-rich plates, BBQ, stew — the PLA film stops soak-through.
• Dressed salads and grain bowls — the lining contains dressing migration during transport.
• Ghost kitchens and delivery brands — 30-minute travel without bottom failure on saucy plates.
• Catering with mixed wet and dry components — single tray for entrée plus side without compromise.
• Frozen meal-prep with sauces — freezer-safe lining survives cold storage and thaw.

Procurement and kitchen-floor headaches this fixes

1. PFAS food-packaging laws tightening every year

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 ban intentionally added PFAS in food packaging. These do not contain added PFAS at any stage of manufacture.

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. Procurement asking for documentation

Buyers with sustainability mandates need certificates: USDA Biobased, ASTM D-6400, FDA food contact, NSF Certified Compostable, TÜV AUSTRIA. All applicable certifications are listed below; lab/cert documents are available on request for B2B accounts.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Foodservice-grade features at a glance

• 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.
• Kraft paper construction — plant-based material chosen for this application.
• 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 180 — sized for catering, school dining, and operator-scale foodservice.
• Gluten-free and allergen-friendly material.
• Clean visual presentation for branded retail or foodservice.

Compostability and food-safety certifications

• OK compost INDUSTRIAL (TÜV AUSTRIA) — disintegrates and biodegrades in a commercial composting facility within 12 weeks.
• BPI Certified Compostable (Biodegradable Products Institute) — third-party industrial compostability certification.

Dimensions and case data

Capacity	22 oz
Outer dimensions	4.375 × 3.56 × 2.5 in (11.1 × 9.0 × 6.3 cm)
Material	Kraft paper, 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	180
Cases per pallet	48 (8,640 units per pallet)
Case weight	9.0 lbs
SKU	SYR-GENERIC-22L-180

Buyer FAQ

Does this food container hold up under saucy or steaming hot dishes?

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.

How big is the food container — will it fit in a standard takeout bag?

Outer dimensions are 4.375 × 3.56 × 2.5 in (11.1 × 9.0 × 6.3 cm). This footprint fits standard takeout bags, hot bags, delivery cubes, and most foodservice tray slots. Stack height in storage scales linearly with case quantity and shape.

Will the PLA lining break down in a backyard compost pile?

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 case and pallet configuration for these food containers?

Yes. They stack tightly when empty (180 per case, 48 cases per pallet for 8,640 units per pallet) and stack safely with a lid when filled. The footprint fits standard foodservice slots and delivery bags.

Do these meet California AB 1200 and New York PFAS food packaging regulations?

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.

What is the composting timeline for these food containers?

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.

Can I microwave food in the food container?

Yes, the food container 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.

Do you sell matching lids for these food containers?

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.

Do these food containers qualify for school district biobased and PFAS-free procurement requirements?

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.