BARQUETTES

Which Food Tray Can Be Reheated, and Which Cannot?

This is the question that helps prevent customer complaints. A food tray leaves your premises, the customer puts it in the microwave, and it warps: the right choice needs to be made when ordering, not afterwards.

Suitable for the oven and microwave: bagasse from the Faro and Meal Box ranges, poplar wood from the Madera and Pirogue ranges, and PP from the catering trays and Cocotte range, which also supports freezing. The kraft tray with a PET window is suitable for short exposure to temperatures of around 100°C.

Not suitable for reheating: the Natural Kraft, intended to be served as is or to hold a hot dish, and the Basket, designed for cold preparations. The same rule applies to lids: remove the lid before placing the container in the microwave.

Food Trays: The Ideal Solution for Your Takeaway Meals

At Comatec, we offer a wide range of food trays designed for restaurants, caterers and takeaway services. Our products are designed to preserve your preparations while providing an attractive presentation for your customers.

• Kraft trays: environmentally conscious and durable, available from 40 cl to 1.4 L with lids, ideal for hot and cold dishes.
• Madera wooden trays: featuring a natural and refined design, perfect for buffets, cocktails and catering presentations.
• Faro bagasse trays: made from plant fibres, microwave-safe and designed with environmental considerations in mind.
• Cocotte trays: with an integrated lid and compartments, suitable for prepared dishes and complete meals.
• Pirogue wooden trays: ideal for street food, fries, tapas and finger food.
• Meal Box bagasse trays: a practical meal-box format for delivery and fast food.

One Lid for an Entire Range

One feature that simplifies restocking: several ranges share a single lid across all their formats. The three Faro bagasse trays use the same PP lid. The three Galo trays do too. You only need to stock one lid reference instead of three.

Two ranges do not even require a separate lid. The Meal Box in bagasse has an attached lid that closes with a simple press, and its formats can be stacked once closed. The hinged kraft tray works in the same way, with the lid and base forming a single piece. Fewer steps during packing and nothing to match.

For dishes that customers will reheat, transparent-window lids allow the contents to remain visible in display cases and during delivery without opening the container. They are mainly available among the cardboard and wooden trays.

Disposable or Reusable Food Tray?

Nine out of ten trays in this category are single-use, which makes sense: a tray most often leaves with the customer. However, the PP catering tray, made in France, can be washed and reused. It can be used for storage in the kitchen and then for takeaway, and can go from the freezer to the microwave.

The choice depends on the journey of the container. If it does not come back, single-use cardboard, wood or bagasse remains the simplest option. If it comes back, or is first used internally, PP can be cost-effective over time. The reusable range and takeaway selection bring together the products suited to each situation.

When it comes to waste sorting, one useful distinction is that recyclable and compostable do not mean the same thing. The Natural Kraft is certified home-compostable, while most other kraft products are recyclable. The PlanetScore© displayed on each product page, from A to E, makes it possible to compare two trays without relying solely on their apparent material. Some products in the category are manufactured in France or Europe.

All our trays are available in different capacities, from 40 cl to 1.7 L, to suit different types of preparation. Many are available with lids to ensure leak resistance and make transport easier. Our materials are selected for their food-grade quality, durability and reduced environmental impact.

Whether you are a restaurateur, caterer or event organiser, our professional food trays help showcase your dishes while providing practicality and safety for your customers.

Order Your Food Trays from Comatec

A tray is best judged by filling it: the portion should look right, the lid should clip securely over a full container, and the reheating performance should meet your needs. Request your free samples to test them with your own dishes before placing an order. Online quotations are available for your required volumes, and delivery is free on orders over €350 excl. VAT. These trays complement bowls, snack packaging and the full range of food containers.