PLATEAUX REPAS

Choosing the Right Meal Tray

The first criterion is the number of compartments. Snack Fibra trays are available with five or six compartments, one of which is reserved for cutlery, a glass or accessories. Quadra and Atlas trays have five spaces following the same principle: one compartment dedicated to cutlery and kits, with the others for the food preparations.

Snack Fibra trays can go from the freezer to the oven and microwave. In the Biodine sets, the palm-leaf tableware is oven- and microwave-safe. In the Maderadine sets, the tableware is made from poplar wood with a PET film, making it watertight and suitable for the same applications.

Thema bases are supplied flat or pre-assembled. Biodine and Maderadine sets arrive assembled. When supplied flat, they take up less storage space. When pre-assembled, they save the team time during food preparation.

Thema lids fit into the base and clip onto two sides. The Quadra lid separates each compartment, while a kraft retaining band keeps the entire set securely closed during transport.

Materials Available in the Comatec Range

Cardboard is used for Thema bases and lids, which are recyclable and made in Europe, as well as for the micro-fluted inserts that fit inside. These references are used to create cardboard meal trays.

Two other cardboard bases stand out: Natural Vision, supplied assembled in black with spaces for a tableware kit, and Plateau À Faire, whose base unfolds into a placemat.

Bagasse is used for Snack Fibra and Quadra trays, with a matching lid made from the same material. For the sets supplied assembled, the tableware varies: palm leaf for Biodine and poplar wood for Maderadine.

The Bosco tray, made in France, is manufactured from poplar plywood. rPET is used for the compartmented lids: recycled and recyclable, it allows the contents to be seen without opening the tray. PS is used for the aqua-green Quadra and is manufactured in France.

The Meal Tray for Different Types of Service

For a caterer, the Thema base, insert and lid form a set to be assembled according to requirements. One insert holds a tableware kit, another can hold several Woodbox containers, while a third is perforated for verrines. The lid colour changes the presentation without changing the base.

For institutional catering, school cafeterias and corporate meal delivery, Snack Fibra trays are the most economical option: five or six compartments, a matching lid, and the ability to go from freezer to oven.

For takeaway, Quadra closes with a compartmented lid and a kraft retaining band, providing greater security during transport.

For a reception, the French-made poplar Bosco tray works equally well for a complete meal or a lunch box, with a Thema cardboard lid.

Recyclable, Reusable or Single-Use Meal Tray?

Recyclable refers to end of life: the material can enter a recycling stream. Reusable refers to use: the product can return to service after washing. A product can be one without necessarily being the other.

On this page, almost all references are recyclable, while only a small minority are reusable. Recyclable meal trays also form a separate subcategory. Atlas is the exception: reusable and recyclable, stackable thanks to its flared edges, and eco-designed using less material.

For on-site service, the French AGEC law encourages a move away from single-use products, with reusable ranges providing the alternative.

Comatec, Meal Tray Supplier Since 1994

Comatec Packaging has been supplying caterers, restaurants, hotels and institutional customers since 1994, from Carcassonne. Products on this page are not sold individually: bases and lids are generally supplied in packs of one hundred.

Some references on this page can be customised. The Thema lid features a notch designed to hold a business card, and logo printing is available. Details can be found on the customisation page.

Before deciding between references, request your free samples: the way a lid clips into place is best assessed by hand. Quotations can be requested online, and delivery is free on orders over €350 excluding VAT.