How to Compare the Usage of Styrofoam Paper Boxes in Restaurants
Eating on the run depends upon the food packaging. Polystyrene containers --- nicknamed Styrofoam, a trademarked material made by Dow Chemical Corp. --- hold in heat. Common styles help consumers determine how to compare the usage of Styrofoam and paper boxes in restaurants.
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Styles
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Hinged containers known as clamshells house a lone burger or sandwich. Clamshells with grooved compartments keep foods from running into each other. These divided boxes are popular at buffet-styled restaurants and other eateries where some menu choices should not commingle, such as curry chicken and rice. School cafeterias use foam trays that are like compartmental clamshells but without the lid.
Usage
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Some restaurants say takeout orders represent 10 percent or more of their overall business. Educators report heavy consumption of tray-shaped boxes, including Chicago schools where 250,000 are used daily and New York City school system that uses 153 million each year.
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Changes
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Government officials lead the charge to steer food providers away from foam boxes and toward eco-friendly materials. Critics of polystyrene cite potential health risks such as cancers and hormonal imbalances, as well as the fact that it may take thousands of years to decompose. The food service industry argues that clamshells cost 10 cents apiece while aluminum versions are 17 cents each, and consumers will swallow the difference through increased prices.
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References
- Photo Credit loaded chinese buffet take out container image by James Insogna from Fotolia.com
