Save the planet by saying goodbye to single-use plastic containers and hello to quality reusable food containers
We have all been exposed and educated on the impact of plastic waste on our environment. Not only does it make up a large proportion of landfills but it has also found a home in the oceans, harming precious wildlife and even finding its way into our food as microplastics!
Sadly, while Australia made great strides in reducing single-use plastic use, the Covid-19 pandemic saw a strong resumption and surge in single-use plastic containers and takeaway cups, from living in lockdown and ordering Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Single-use plastic containers provide temporary convenience but at the expense of mother nature. WWF reported that “On average, Australians use 130kg of plastic per person each year. Only 12% of that is recycled. More frightening still, up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic will find its way into our waterways and into the ocean.”
We can all do our part by using reusable food containers and reusable coffee cups in place of single-use plastic containers and cups. Having quality containers at home is good for reducing plastic waste and food wastage too, which is good for the environment and for your pocket. Allow us to run you through some of our recommended food containers.
Lock & Lock Containers
Lock & Lock made its debut in South Korea with the release of the company’s Classic 4 side locking containers. Since then, they have taken the world by storm with their BPA-free, leakproof, airtight containers that won’t break if accidentally dropped. Lock & Lock’s containers are a popular choice amongst many due to their reputation of being highly durable and long-lasting with an affordable price tag. On top of that, Öko Test Germany, a well regarded European magazine that is dedicated to critically reviewing consumer products awarded Lock & Lock with “First-Class” recognition in a food container comparison test.
Further R&D and company focus towards more eco-friendly products and operations led the company to produce an Eco-friendly range of containers that are made using recycled plastic. These containers are typically made from post-production materials such as offcuts, defect stocks, trims and surplus, breathing new life into the materials instead of discarding them.
For those who prefer glass containers, Lock & Lock have developed their very own Euroglass range that shares the same fantastic abilities of their regular plastic containers with the additional benefits of thermal resistance and being odour and stain-resistant even after prolonged use. Designed with convenience in mind, the Reddot design award-winning Lock & Lock borosilicate glass containers are highly resistant to heat. It can withstand rapid temperature change without the risk of breaking or shattering on its own. This allows you to store food in the fridge or freezer and pop the glass bases into the oven or microwave safely as it supports heat temperatures up to 400℃.
A great feature that Lock & Lock has included in some of their glass containers range is the steam lid. These lids feature flip top caps purposefully designed to expel the steam within the container, without completely removing the moisture of your food as it heats up in the microwave.
As one of the most popular food container brands in the world, Lock & Lock strives to stay ahead of the game through innovation and technology, spearheading them into winning numerous awards including the prestigious Reddot Design Award and iF Design Award.
Features of Lock & Lock Containers:
- Lightweight
- BPA-free
- Made in South Korea
- Lock & Lock plastic containers have a lower permeability factor – flavours and colours can be removed after a deep wash
- Freezer and microwave safe, making it perfect for packing and reheating lunch
- A wide selection of sizes available
- Perfect for storing a wide range of wet and dry ingredients
- Lock & Lock borosilicate glass containers are highly resistant to chemical exposure, thermal expansion and thermal shock
- Lock & Lock Eco range of containers are made from 100% recycled plastic
Pyrex Containers
Back in the early 1900s, scientists at Corning Glass were in charge of developing heat-shock resistant lantern globes and battery jars for railroads. The borosilicate glass became popular and was later used in a number of industrial applications. Later on, Jesse Littleton, a physicist at Corning Glass, brought home a sawed-off bottom section of a battery jar at the request of his wife who wanted to replace a broken casserole dish. Impressed by the cooking potential of borosilicate glass, the team went on to further develop the glass by removing lead from it and making it a consumer product. This led to the birth of the Pyrex brand of products that we know today.
A household name around the world, Pyrex is renowned for its glass containers which are heat, shatter, odour and stain-resistant. The brand has developed a wide range of glass products of varying sizes, from large roasting dishes to smaller containers that you can use to store leftovers or pack lunch in.
As their products are oven, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher safe, they’ve become a popular choice for one-dish recipes like this Piri-Piri Chicken. You can use them to bake, serve, freeze and reheat with just one dish, saving you the hassle of washing up multiple dishes.
Features of Pyrex Containers:
- Borosilicate glass is highly resistant to chemical exposure, thermal expansion and thermal shock
- Easy to clean
- Non-porous and impermeable - won’t absorb flavours, stains or odours
- Freezer, microwave, and oven safe, making it perfect for packing and reheating lunch
- A wide selection of sizes available
- BPA-free
- Segmented options available
- Leakproof and airtight (specifically for those featuring lids with silicone inserts)
Glasslock Containers
Since the launch of its first food containers in 2005, Glasslock has grown to be a household name worldwide. Like Lock & Lock, Glasslock produces its food containers in South Korea. All of their containers are made of 100% natural glass, allowing them to be fridge, freezer, microwave and oven safe. The company utilises a trademarked glass tempering technique, called Tempermax. With this tempering method, all Glasslock containers have outstanding toughness and the ability to withstand extreme thermal change.
Glasslock prides itself on being an eco-friendly company, reducing their carbon footprint by producing containers which are made from silica, limestone, soda ash and other natural components. Unlike regular glass manufacturing, their use of soda-lime glass requires less energy and emits far less carbon dioxide during production. The products themselves are also recyclable.
Glasslock’s Oven Safe range is also an excellent choice for roasting and baking, perfect to prepare and marinate ingredients overnight to pop into a pre-heated oven for cooking the next day.
A range that we’re big fans of is the Duo range. It’s an ideal lunch box with dual compartments to separate foods like last night’s dinner with a freshly cut salad for lunch. Perfectly airtight and leakproof, your food will stay fresh for longer and will not spill in your bag when commuting to work.
Features of Glasslock Containers:
- Made in South Korea
- Highly durable and tempered glass
- Dishwasher safe
- Non-porous and impermeable - won’t absorb flavours, stains or odours
- Freezer, microwave, and oven safe
- BPA-free
- Leakproof and airtight sealing lids
- Eco-friendly – fully recyclable
Avanti Stainless Steel Containers
Avanti is an Australian owned company that is popular for its wide array of gorgeous homeware. From reusable coffee cups and premium quality food containers to kitchenware and bakeware, Avanti’s products are eye-catching as they are functional.
As the name goes, Avanti’s Dry Cell Stainless Steel Containers are made from food-grade stainless steel instead of plastic or glass. This allows them to be a lightweight alternative to glass containers while also being plastic-free. The silicone seal in the lid, which can be easily removed for cleaning, is what gives this container its leakproof and airtight properties. It is great for storing leftovers or bringing lunch with you without worrying about the contents leaking onto your bag.
The downside to this stainless-steel container is that it cannot be used in the oven nor the microwave. You will have to reheat your meal in a separate dish or use it to pack dishes that do not require any heating up.
Features of Avanti Stainless Steel Containers:
- BPA-free
- Lightweight compared to glass containers
- Free of plastic
- Won’t absorb flavours, stains or odours
- Dishwasher safe
- Refrigerator safe
As the world moves toward an environmental conscious living, it takes each and every one of us to help make a difference. Everten is huge advocates of Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages everyone to reduce plastic pollution around the world. It’s also what inspired us to create an entire store category dedicated to Zero Waste where you can reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your home. You can do your part by swapping out single-use plastic containers for reusable food containers. Shop our wide range of food containers and start your journey towards reducing single-use plastics in your home.
Next Read: The Best Frypans for 2020
