Which Food Tray Can Be Reheated, and Which Cannot?

This is the question that helps prevent customer complaints. A tray leaves your premises and reaches the customer, who puts it in the microwave — only to find it has warped. The right choice needs to be made when ordering, not afterwards.

Oven- and microwave-safe: bagasse trays from the Faro and Meal Box ranges, poplar wood trays from the Madera and Pirogue ranges, and PP trays from the catering and Cocotte ranges, which are also freezer-safe. The kraft tray with a PET window can withstand a short exposure at around 100°C.

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

Food Trays: The Ideal Solution for Takeaway Meals

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

• Kraft trays: eco-friendly and durable, available from 40 cl to 1.4 L with lids, ideal for hot and cold dishes.
• Madera wooden trays: with a natural, 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 bite-sized appetisers.
• Meal Box bagasse containers: a practical meal-box format for delivery and fast food.

One Lid for an Entire Range

The point that makes restocking easier: several ranges share a single lid across all their sizes. The three Faro bagasse trays close with the same PP lid. The three Galo trays do too. You 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 made as one piece. Fewer steps during packing, with nothing to match up.

For dishes that customers will reheat, transparent-window lids allow the contents to be seen in the display cabinet and during delivery without opening the tray. They are mainly available among the paperboard and wooden trays.

Disposable or Reusable Food Trays

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

The choice depends on the journey of the container. If it is not coming back, single-use paperboard, wood or bagasse remains the simplest option. If it comes back, or is first used internally, PP becomes cost-effective over time. The reusable range and takeaway range bring together the references suited to each situation.

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

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

Whether you are a restaurant owner, caterer or event organiser, our professional food trays allow you to showcase your dishes while providing convenience and safety for your customers.

Ordering Your Food Trays from Comatec

A tray should be judged by filling it: the portion needs to look right, the lid needs to snap securely onto a tightly packed preparation, and the reheating test needs to hold up. Request your free samples and test them with your own dishes before committing to an order. Online quotations cover your required volumes, and delivery is free for orders over €350 excl. VAT. These trays complement bowls, snacking packaging and the full range of food containers.