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This complete guide to sushi trays highlights the different types of sushi containers, their benefits for customers, and their impact on your business.
In today’s competitive food industry, presentation, safety, and customer experience are just as important as taste, especially for takeout and delivery. For sushi businesses, the tray you choose isn’t just a container, it’s a silent ambassador for your brand.
In this article, we highlight different types of sushi containers, their benefits, and their impact on your business.
Sushi container designs are strongly influenced by material choice. Premium materials like wood are ideal for larger boxes with several compartments for the various types of sushi.
Here is every type of sushi container based on material choice.
Plastic containers have become the go-to option for sushi packaging in the past decade. The versatility of plastic makes it an ideal option for foods like sushi, which have a strong visual element.
Every plastic sushi container has the same basic design - a black base and a clear top. A black plastic base is ideal for showcasing the white rice and the colorful fish slices.
Of course, since sushi is all about freshness, it makes sense that vendors want a clear top that displays the fresh fish in all its glory.
Generally speaking, plastic is only unsafe as a food container when exposed to heat. Since sushi is best served cold or at room temperature, there is less risk of microplastic contamination.
However, these plastic sushi trays are single-use and non-biodegradable, which means they end up as microplastics in the ocean.
Table 1 - Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Plastic Sushi Containers
Plastic Sushi Containers | |
Benefits | Drawbacks |
Affordable | Damaging to the Environment |
Transparent Top | Non-Biodegradable & Non-Compostable |
Food Safe | Perceived as Cheap & Low-Cost |
Available in Several Sizes & Shapes | |
Foam containers are one of the most popular options for takeaway food packaging. Food-grade foam containers are made from plastic, more specifically, expanded polystyrene.
The biggest advantage of a foam container is its heat insulation. The tiny air pockets in the foam prevent heat from escaping the container, keeping your food nice and warm for a long period. Similarly, these foam containers keep the sushi nice and cold during delivery.
However, foam containers are less practical than some other sushi packaging options.
1. Foam has poor structural rigidity, so it can easily bend or warp under the weight of the food.
2. It doesn't form a good seal like plastic or paper.
3. The appearance of foam packaging doesn't match the perceived premium value of sushi.
Many of foam packaging's drawbacks are negated by its incredible heat insulation and affordability. But in the case of sushi, those advantages are less desirable compared to good visual presentation.
Table 2 - Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Foam Sushi Containers
Foam Sushi Containers | |
Benefits | Drawbacks |
Affordable | Limited Design Options |
Heat Insulation | Non-Biodegradable & Non-Compostable |
Food Safe | Poor Visual Appeal |
Perceived as Cheap & Low-Cost | |
Paper and cardboard are highly valued packaging materials for their versatility and eco-friendliness. Paper is completely biodegradable and compostable, making it one of the most green packaging solutions for sushi.
Compared to foam and plastic, paper and cardboard packaging are more rigid and offer better structural stability. Another big benefit of paper sushi boxes is the option for a clear window.
Paper is susceptible to water and moisture damage. While sushi isn't particularly a moist food, paper’s poor water resistance is still concerning.
Another concern with paper and cardboard sushi containers is the price. Thicker kraft paper and cardboard offer more design stability, but they also cost more than plastic packaging.
Table 3 - Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Paper Sushi Containers
Paper Sushi Containers | |
Benefits | Drawbacks |
Eco-Friendly | Slightly More Expensive than Plastic |
Biodegradable & Compostable | Poor Moisture Resistance |
More Premium than Plastic | |
Food Safe | |
Wood is the original sushi container that was popular for many years before the mass adoption of plastic sushi trays. Today wood based sushi trays are primarily limited to high-end establishments.
Unlike other materials on this list, wooden sushi trays aren't suitable as takeout containers. Wooden sushi containers are ideally used as gift boxes for special occasions.
Of course, wood is an incredibly eco-friendly material. It's a renewable resource, and wooden packaging is completely biodegradable and compostable.
However, the cost of wooden sushi boxes and trays is simply too much for restaurants with tight operating budgets. Even bamboo packaging, which is generally more cost-efficient, is still too expensive compared to paper and plastic.
Aside from the cost, there is the concern of weight. Wood is a dense material, and wooden food containers are typically heavier than the food inside.
Table 4 - Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Wooden Sushi Containers
Wooden Sushi Containers | |
Benefits | Drawbacks |
Eco-Friendly | Very Expensive |
Biodegradable & Compostable | Very Heavy |
Premium Appearance & Feel | |
Food Safe | |
In an age dominated by single-use plastic containers, bagasse stands out as one of the most environment-friendly food packaging solutions. While paper and recyclable plastic have their place in the food service industry, they don't address the long-term environmental concerns.
Bagasseis a fibrous byproduct generated from sugarcane processing. It's a renewable resource that mostly went ignored until a few years ago. Thematically, the all-natural design of bagasse containers goes well with the fresh and unprocessed aspect of sushi.
In terms of strength, bagasse-based sushi containers are several times stronger than plastic and paper options. It's also completely biodegradable and excels as a compost material.
Bagasse provides all these benefits while being lighter than wood and roughly the same price as plastic. This incredible material has only one shortcoming - a lack of design versatility. Bagasse sushi trays are limited to a handful of design options.
Table 5 - Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of Bagasse Sushi Containers
Bagasse Sushi Containers | |
Benefits | Drawbacks |
Eco-Friendly | Limited Design Options |
Lightweight | |
Biodegradable & Compostable | |
Natural & Renewable | |
Food Safe | |
Sushi containers are insanely customizable. Materials are only one part of a sushi tray design. The shape and style of the sushi container are just as important.
A sushi tray is a flat, often rectangular container used to display and serve sushi, particularly in takeout or pre-packaged formats. Typically made from plastic or biodegradable materials, sushi trays are designed with individual compartments or grooves to keep sushi pieces neatly arranged and prevent them from shifting during transport. Many trays come with transparent lids to protect the food while allowing customers to view the contents clearly, combining practicality with visual appeal.
The simple sushi container design is the classic clamshell. It's a single piece of packaging that folds around the sushi. This design is compatible with almost every material except wood.
Plastic foam and bagasse clamshells are pre-assembled and provide a quick and convenient packaging solution. Paper-based clamshells often need to be folded into shape before use.
A see-through design is ideal for sushi, so customers can easily see the fresh and delicious food through the packaging. Plastic is the go-to material for transparent sushi containers. However, you can add windows to paper and bagasse sushi boxes to make a hybrid see-through design.
Flip-top boxes are a more premium option than clamshell containers. Their square design with custom branding increased the perceived value of the packaging. You can also add a window to the top half for a see-through design.
A telescope box is very similar to a flip-top box, except the top is completely separate from the base. It is one of the most premium-looking and expensive sushi packaging. Telescope boxes are made with rigid cardboard or wood.
Unlike most foods, there is an objective answer to the best sushi tray. Your perfect sushi tray should follow five rules.
1. Sturdy Base - Your sushi tray should be able to maintain its shape under the weight of the food.
2. Tight Seal - Out of all foods, sushi demands a nice air-tight seal that maintains freshness.
3. Clear Top - Customers should be able to see the fresh sushi through the packaging.
4. Avoid Plastic - Plastic has a negative perception and should be avoided for high-end sushi packaging. Alternatively, you can use recyclable PET plastic.
5. Custom Boxes - Design your sushi boxes to have a unique and classy visual appeal.
Custom sushi boxesbring several competitive advantages to your business. Here are some of our favorite benefits of custom packaging.
By customizing your containers, you get the opportunity to present your sushi in a more attractive packaging. Print your logo on the box, use your brand colors, and go with a higher-quality design.
Ideally, you want a sushi box that is stronger and more attractive looking than your competitors.
Custom sushi boxes leave a lasting impression on your customers. Unique colors and mascot designs on the packaging result in the customers remembering your business the next time they order takeout.
In a takeout food market where everyone is using generic designs, your custom designs stand out as a higher-value option to customers. Customized sushi containers barely cost more than generic designs, but customer perception of its value skyrockets.
The right sushi tray can result in a direct increase in sales. Here are three ways how your sushi packaging drives business.
A good sushi tray gives your business a professional look that increases customer trust. A neat, stylish, and nice-looking sushi tray gives the impression of superior quality.
A secure sushi container keeps your food fresh and prevents contamination. Customers are, of course, more likely to buy from businesses that have a safer packaging design.
Sushi is one of those dishes that caters to all five senses. The visual appeal of sushi is just as important as the taste. Quality sushi packaging with a clear top emphasizes the beautiful sushi presentation.
Here are some quick tips to help you improve your sushi takeout packaging.
a. Use a sturdy packaging material such as bagasse boxes or thicker plastic and paper containers.
b. Ensure a tight seal for your containers. Seal the containers with tape if you want additional safety.
c. Make sure your sushi takeout boxes have a wide base so they stay upright during delivery.
Sushi packaging plays a very important role in driving business to your restaurant. A well-crafted sushi tray or box will help you stand out from the competition and establish yourself as a reputable brand among customers. While fresh sushi is no longer considered a luxury, it's still seen as a high-end dish that should be paired with high-end packaging. Your sushi takeout containers need to convey freshness and quality at first glance. Follow the tips mentioned in this article to get the best sushi tray for your business.
Sumkoka is a premier manufacturer of high-quality biodegradable food containers. We specialize in bagasse-based disposable food containers, cutlery, and tableware.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility ensures you get the most durable and reliable sushi trays. Give your business a green makeover with fully biodegradable and compostable bagasse containers.
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