Reusable containers for caterers: the COMATEC selection for flawless and virtuous service
Why reusable containers are becoming essential for caterers in 2026 ?
The event catering industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Faced with growing customer expectations regarding environmental responsibility, caterers must rethink every detail of their serviceincluding tableware. Reusable catering containers are no longer a niche option; they are becoming a standard for quality and professional credibility.
According to ADEME, the foodservice sector still generates over 200,000 tons of disposable packaging per year in France. In this context, choosing reusable containers represents a significant step forward, but also a competitive advantage. Clients—companies, event agencies, and local governments—now include CSR criteria in their requests for proposals. A caterer capable of offering impeccable service and a commitment to sustainability immediately rises to the top of the list.
COMATEC, a specialist in food packaging for professionals, has developed products designed to address this dual challenge: offering impeccable presentation while incorporating environmental considerations through reusable products. In this article, we will explore in detail five essential products, suitable for every stage of the catering service, from appetizers to beverage service, including presentation and tasting.
The 5 essential COMATEC reusable containers for caterers
Each moment of a catering service has its own codes, constraints and aesthetic requirements. COMATEC has understood this perfectly by offering specific containers for each use. Here is our detailed selection.
The Oveo black 5 cl: the elevated appetiser
The appetiser is the first gustatory impression your guests receive. It must be visually flawless and served in a container that matches. The Oveo black 5 cl was designed precisely for this purpose.
With its elegant ovoid shape and matte black finish, this small 5 cl container provides a sophisticated setting for your savoury or sweet verrines. Mousses, gazpachos, miniature crèmes brûlées, tartares everything gains an extra dimension when presented in the Oveo.
- Capacity: 5 cl : ideal for a tasting portion
- Material: reusable plastic, robust and dishwasher-safe
- Aesthetic: deep black, organic and contemporary shape, also available in white
- PlanetScore: rated A across multiple environmental criteria
The Oveo washes easily in a commercial dishwasher and maintains its impeccable appearance after dozens of uses. For a cocktail event serving 200 guests, investing in reusable Oveos eliminates several hundred single-use verrines per event.
The Twist Bodega pot 25 cl: versatile tasting
For more generous tasting portions individual salads, tiramisu, panna cotta, cold soups the Twist Bodega pot 25 cl is a first-rate partner. Its 25 cl format allows you to offer satisfying portions while maintaining the catering spirit.
The Twist Bodega's design draws inspiration from traditional preserving jars with a modern twist, a highly fashionable style in the premium catering world. Chefs value its transparency, which showcases the layers of preparations a major aesthetic asset for layered verrine recipes.
This container is compatible with several lid types to suit your logistical needs:
- Aluminium lid: perfect for airtight transport and optimal preservation before service
- Grey PP lid: understated and functional, ideal for deliveries
- Glossy black PP lid: adds a premium finish to the container, perfect for room service
This modularity makes the Twist Bodega a versatile reusable container that adapts to both kitchen preparation and table service. A single investment for multiple uses.
The Woodbox 6,8 L: spectacular staging
A catering buffet is also about scenography. The Woodbox 6,8 L is a centrepiece for creating impactful presentations. With its 6-litre capacity and 330 mm diameter, it offers a generous volume for arranging assortments, verrine compositions, or even complete dishes.
Its aesthetic evokes natural wood while being made from a durable and reusable material. This detail is essential: you get the visual charm of a noble material without the maintenance and fragility drawbacks of real wood. The Woodbox cleans quickly, does not retain odours, and withstands the knocks of daily professional use.
Some ideas for your events:
- Salad bar or dessert bar with internal compartments
- Artisan bread basket or mignardises display
- Table centrepiece for a catering brunch
The Woodbox transforms a simple buffet into a memorable visual experience. It embodies the approach where the container becomes as important as the content a fundamental principle of the catering profession.
The Comptoir glass 15 cl: the beverage service reinvented
Beverage service is often the overlooked element in a caterer's eco-responsible strategy. Yet single-use cups represent a considerable volume of waste at an event. The Comptoir Glass 15 cl provides an elegant and durable solution.
With its 15 cl capacity, it is perfectly sized for:
- Freshly pressed fruit juices at welcome cocktails
- Smoothies and detox drinks
- Gourmet coffees and teas
- Soup shots in winter
- Liquid amuse-bouches
Its sleek design and transparency give it the look of traditional glass, combined with the strength and lightness of a reusable material. No more stress over broken glasses at the end of the evening.
The Sfera flask 25 cl: originality in service of taste
For caterers who want to surprise and stand out, the Sfera flask 25 cl is a gem. Its unique spherical shape immediately catches the eye and sparks guests' curiosity.
This 25 cl flask is ideal for serving liquid or semi-liquid preparations with a touch of theatre: homemade vinaigrettes, accompanying sauces, infused oils, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails, iced infusions or reimagined gazpachos.
The Sfera flask also works beautifully as a table decoration element. Filled with a colourful preparation, it becomes a visual object that contributes to the overall atmosphere of the event. It is this type of detail that makes the difference between standard catering and a memorable premium service.
PlanetScore: a trust label for your clients
Several references in the COMATEC range display a PlanetScore category A rating, the highest level of this environmental classification. But what does this score actually mean for a caterer?
The PlanetScore is a multi-criteria evaluation system that analyses a product's environmental impact across its entire lifecycle: manufacturing, CSR Commitment-Quality of our suppliers, transport, use and end of life.
A product rated A demonstrates optimal environmental performance in its category.
Premium image and durability: the winning combination
Elegance at the service of your reputation
A few years ago, reusable containers suffered from a dull and utilitarian image. Those days are over. The COMATEC selection demonstrates that it is entirely possible to combine premium aesthetics and eco-responsibility without any compromise.
The deep black of the Oveo verrine, the crystal-clear transparency of the Bodega, the warm wooden look of the Woodbox, the intriguing roundness of the Sfera flask: each container has been designed to enhance your culinary creations. Your event photos on social media gain visual impact. Your clients spontaneously share their plates on social media. This is organic marketing generated by the quality of your presentation.
A caterer who invests in attractive and durable containers sends a clear message: they don't cut corners. It is a signal of professionalism that translates directly into client retention and referrals.
Robustness that withstands the catering pace
A caterer's daily routine is intense. Loading vehicles, transporting to venues, quick setup, service, breakdown, return to kitchen, washing. Containers endure significant mechanical and thermal stresses.
COMATEC containers are engineered to withstand this pace. Their material is designed to handle:
- Repeated wash cycles in commercial dishwashers
- Temperature variations (refrigeration, ambient temperature service)
- Stacking and frequent handling
- Contact with acidic, fatty or spicy preparations
This durability is not just an environmental argument. It is an operational guarantee. A container that degrades after just a few uses generates replacement costs and diminishes service quality. With the COMATEC range, you are investing in peace of mind and quality.
FAQ :
How many times can a COMATEC container be reused?
COMATEC reusable containers are designed to withstand several dozen cycles of use and professional machine washing. Their lifespan depends on the conditions of use, but careful use easily allows 50 to 100 reuses, or even more for some models like the Woodbox.
Are reusable containers compatible with food contact?
Yes, all containers in the COMATEC range intended for catering purposes comply with the European regulations on materials in contact with foodstuffs (Regulation EC No. 1935/2004). They are tested and certified for safe professional food use.
What is the PlanetScore and why is it important?
The PlanetScore is an environmental scoring developed by COMATEC that evaluates the impact of a product on its entire life cycle (manufacturing, use, transport, end-of-life). An A PlanetScore is the highest level of environmental performance within this rating. Several COMATEC containers benefit from this rating, which is a guarantee of credibility for caterers committed to a CSR approach.
How can reusable containers be transported without breaking?
The advantage of COMATEC reusable containers is their impact resistance, which is far superior to that of glass. For transport, use insulated crates or professional-grade bins with dividers. For filled containers, the appropriate lids (aluminum, gray PP, or glossy black PP for the Bodega, for example) ensure an airtight seal that keeps the contents secure during transport.
Can COMATEC containers be customized?
COMATEC offers solutions tailored to the needs of professionals. For customization requests (branding, specific colors, custom packaging), we recommend contacting the COMATEC sales department directly to discuss the options based on the desired quantities and product codes.
