Custom printed plastic lunch boxes

Types of custom printed plastic lunch boxes

Custom printed plastic lunch boxes are containers used to store meals, which are made of plastic. They are specifically designed for people who wish to store their food in a container that is not only safe but also has their preferred print on it. There is a wide variety of custom-printed lunch boxes to choose from, with each type having its own unique features. Here are some of the most common types:

• Bento Boxes:

  Bento boxes are inspired by the traditional Japanese lunch boxes. They are segmented to keep different food types separate, usually featuring multiple tiers or compartments. This segmentation allows for a variety of foods to be stored without mixing them. Typically, made from durable polypropylene, these boxes are microwave and dishwasher-safe. They come in various sizes to accommodate different meal portions.

• Insulated Lunch Boxes:

  Insulated lunch boxes are made with double-walled construction and vacuum insulation technology. They are intended to keep food hot or cold for extended periods. The insulation helps maintain the temperature of the stored food, ensuring that meals stay warm or cool until it's time to eat. These boxes often have a stainless-steel interior, which is a good thermal conductor and helps retain temperature effectively. The exterior is usually made of durable, food-grade plastic to withstand daily use. They come with secure lids to prevent leaks and spills.

• Eco-friendly Lunch Boxes:

  These lunch boxes are made from biodegradable materials like bamboo fiber or recycled plastics. They are printed to promote sustainability. These boxes are designed for environmentally conscious individuals. They help reduce plastic waste and promote a greener lifestyle. They are usually made from materials like stainless steel, glass, or food-grade silicone, which are more easily recyclable or biodegradable.

• Gear Lunch Boxes:

  Gear lunch boxes are designed for gear enthusiasts. They are printed with images of gears and other machinery. These boxes are usually made from durable materials and can withstand rough handling. They often have extra features like side pockets and straps for carrying.

• Artisan Lunch Boxes:

  These lunch boxes are for people who appreciate artisanal goods. They are printed with unique, handmade designs. Artisan lunch boxes are often made from higher-quality materials and have more intricate designs. They can be more expensive than other types of lunch boxes.

Design of custom printed plastic lunch boxes

Custom printed plastic lunch boxes come in various designs, appealing to different age groups and preferences. They are often made to order, allowing for personalization and branding opportunities. When choosing a lunch box, consider the materials used in construction, such as plastic or metal, as well as its shape and size. Opt for containers that are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring long-term use.

• Modular system design

  These models are designed in a modular system, with several small containers/modules packed in one large container. This design allows people to store and carry different foodstuffs separately. For example, one can store rice in one module and chicken in another without mixing them up. However, all the modules are packed in one box.

• Tray-style lunch boxes

  Tray-style lunch boxes resemble trays and usually have compartments. Hence, this type of plastic lunch box is good for storing different foodstuffs together. It is suitable for people who want to carry a full meal with various items.

• Box-style lunch boxes

  Box-style plastic lunch boxes are among the most common styles. They are usually rectangular or square and can have multiple compartments. This custom printed lunch box is ideal for carrying snacks and full meals, as it can be designed with trays and various compartments.

• Pouch-style lunch boxes

  Pouch-style lunch boxes are more like bags and are typically lightweight and portable. They are good for people who want to carry light meals and snacks.

• Insulated lunch boxes

  Insulated lunch boxes are designed with insulation that helps retain the temperature of the food. In other words, the insulation keeps hot foods hot and cold dishes cold.

• Foldable lunch boxes

  Foldable lunch boxes are designed to be easily folded for storage when not in use. They are portable and space-saving options.

• 3D printed lunch boxes

  With advancements in technology, 3D printed lunch boxes are becoming more popular. These custom printed plastic lunch boxes are designed with intricate patterns and structures. They also offer personalization.

• Vintage-style lunch boxes

  Vintage-style lunch boxes are designed to resemble the old-fashioned model, with a modern twist. They evoke nostalgia and are typically designed with bright colors. They are suitable for people who want to make a fashion statement.

• Eco-friendly lunch boxes

  Eco-friendly lunch boxes are custom printed with designs that promote environmental consciousness. They are typically designed to reduce plastic usage and waste.

Scenarios for custom printed plastic lunch boxes

Custom printed plastic lunch boxes play a vital role in different industries and activities. They provide a practical solution for carrying food while promoting branding and improving the user experience. In the corporate world, businesses can provide branded lunch boxes to employees as part of a wellness program or as gifts to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Also, businesses involved in catering or food production can use custom lunch boxes to package and deliver food to clients. This will help in securing food and increasing brand visibility.

In the education sector, schools and colleges can use custom printed plastic lunch boxes during orientation for students. This will give them a chance to brand the institution and provide students with essential items. Also, during school trips, teachers can ask students to carry their lunches in custom plastic boxes. This will ensure that the lunch is carried safely and in an organized manner.

Custom printed plastic lunch boxes can also be used in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They can be used to supply patients with diet trays, ensuring that the food is intact and convenient to serve. Furthermore, in the retail sector, stores selling groceries or ready-to-eat meals can use custom plastic lunch boxes to package their food products. This will provide an option for customers who want to buy pre-packared meals and help them find healthy meal choices quickly.

Additionally, custom printed plastic lunch boxes are not only limited to commercial use. They can be used for personal use. For instance, a person can opt to customize the lunch boxes with images or prints that reflect their interests or personality. Whether it is a sports theme, a favorite cartoon character, or even a motivational quote, the customization allows individuals to express themselves in a small yet meaningful way.

How to choose custom printed plastic lunch boxes

Here are some essential factors that should be considered when choosing the custom printed plastic lunch boxes.

• Target audience

  Knowing who will use the lunch boxes is the first step in choosing the right one. Are these lunch boxes for young children, teenagers, or employees? Do they need to be more trendy, or do they need to be more functional? For children, choose lunch boxes that have appealing artwork and are simple to use and clean. Choose lunch boxes with a more sophisticated design and excellent features for older students and employees.

• Purpose and usage

  Consider the lunch box's purpose and use. Is it intended for daily use by pupils? Will it be used in schools, workplaces, or picnics? Consider the features required for its intended use. For example, if the lunch box is for students, select one with multiple compartments to store various foods. If the lunch box is for employees, opt for one with a vacuum insulation feature to keep the food hot or cold during working hours.

• Material and safety

  Choose lunch boxes made of food-grade plastic that are safe for users. Make sure the materials are BPA-free and environmentally friendly. If the lunch box is for children, ensure it is durable enough to withstand accidental drops and impacts.

• Design and customisation

  Choose a design and customisation option that matches the brand image or personal preference. For example, lunch boxes for employees can have a company logo. Lunch boxes for children can have their names printed on them. Select designs that are appealing and unique to make the lunch boxes stand out. Consider using design elements such as vibrant colors, interesting patterns, and space for name customisation.

• Size and capacity

  Choose a lunch box with an appropriate size and capacity to meet the needs. Ensure that it is large enough to hold all the food and drinks but not too big to carry. For children, choose lunch boxes with suitable sizes that they can easily carry. For employees, choose larger lunch boxes that can accommodate a wider variety of foods.

• Ease of cleaning

  Check if the lunch box can be easily disassembled for cleaning. Ensure that it can be thoroughly cleaned to maintain hygiene. Some lunch boxes can be disassembled into multiple parts for easy cleaning, while others can be cleaned more easily.

Q&A

Q1: Are custom printed plastic lunch boxes eco-friendly?

A1: Many custom printed plastic lunch boxes are made from recyclable materials or bioplastics, which have a lesser environmental impact. Additionally, companies are striving to reduce plastic usage and create recyclable or compostable packaging.

Q2: What is the minimum order quantity for custom printed plastic lunch boxes?

A2: The minimum order quantity varies among suppliers. Some may offer as few & 10, while others require a more considerable initial investment to justify the cost of customization.

Q3: How can the printing on custom lunch boxes withstand frequent washing?

A3: To ensure that the printing lasts after repeated washing, opt for suppliers who use durable inks or printing methods, e.g., UV printing or screen printing, which are less likely to be washed away by water.

Q4: What are the popular sizes for custom plastic lunch boxes?

A4: The lunch box size will depend on the type of meal it is meant for. However, some widely accepted sizes are 400ml, 600ml, and 800ml. For an MOQ, go for suppliers that offer size customization.

Q5: Do custom printed plastic lunch boxes come with their cutlery?

A5: Yes, many custom printed plastic lunch boxes are sold together with their cutlery. This is generally packaged separately within the lunch box or in a different compartment. It helps make eating more accessible, mainly when dining outside the home.