As foodservice providers adapt to increasing sustainability demands, the packaging you choose plays a bigger role than ever. Whether you’re serving sealed meals in schools, senior nutrition programs, correctional facilities or anywhere else, your trays and lidding film don’t just need to perform. They need to align with your environmental values and regulatory requirements. At Oliver Packaging, we’ve been leading the way in offering eco-friendly meal trays and films that support real-world kitchens while reducing environmental impact. But with so many “green” options available, how do you know which is right for your operation?
Let’s take a closer look at the three most common sustainable packaging categories: recycled, compostable, and the newer, PFAS-compliant.
Why Eco-Friendly Meal Trays & Films Are A Priority Now
- New legislation is phasing out materials like polystyrene and PFAs
- Customers and stakeholders are asking for greener solutions
- The foodservice industry is under pressure to minimize waste
We know that sustainability isn’t just about switching materials, it’s about providing solutions that maintain safety, performance, and affordability.
What Materials Do We Use?
Our trays are manufactured using a variety of materials, including plastic (CPET, APET, and polystyrene), fiber (with options such as PET-lined and 100% compostable PLA-lined), and recyclable paper. Both our black CPET trays and our APET trays are fully recyclable, while polystyrene trays may be recyclable in some areas, depending on local facilities.
Oliver’s lidding films are recyclable, made from a two-part material: A polyester base film with a heat-activated sealant layer on the top. We offer these in different thicknesses and with different options like anti-fog, high strength, and with perforations of different sizes.
A Closer Look at the Options
Recycled Meal Trays & Lidding Films
Oliver’s plastic meal trays are classified as #1 recyclables, which can be accepted by many local recycling programs. PET trays perform reliably from 0° to 120°F, making them well-suited for cold or ambient meal applications. CPET trays are “dual-ovenable,” working safely from -40° to 400°F, usable in freezers, ovens, and microwaves. They match the performance of other lines and maintain structural integrity during transport, sealing, and reheating. These trays deliver the same durability and heat-sealing performance Oliver is known for.
We also offer lidding films that are recyclable through many local programs, giving kitchens an eco-friendly option without sacrificing performance. These films maintain seal strength, clarity, and food safety, ensuring a tamper-evident and easy-peel seal.
Benefits:
- Fully compatible with our Speedseal® Systems
- Accepted in standard recycling streams (depending on local regulations)
Considerations:
- Not all recycled materials are food-safe. Oliver only uses FDA-compliant content.
Compostable Trays
Compostable packaging is ideal for programs with access to commercial composting facilities. We offer eco-friendly meal trays made from 100% renewable, plant-based materials that are BPI-certified compostable and engineered to run efficiently on Oliver machines. Oliver’s certified 100% compostable trays offer an easy switch to eco-friendly meal trays and films. These trays work just like our PET fiber and CPET trays at every step, from freezer to oven to microwave, throughout transportation, with sealing film, and with the Speedseal® Packaging System tray carriers. Transitioning to a more sustainable packaging solution couldn’t be simpler.
Benefits:
- Breaks down into non-toxic components in the right composting conditions
- Made from renewable resources
- Great for organizations pursuing zero-waste goals
Considerations:
- Not all communities have composting infrastructure
- Shorter shelf life compared to plastic-based options
PFAS-Compliant Packaging
PFAS (forever chemicals) are under increasing scrutiny. Many states have banned packaging that contains intentionally added PFAS or has PFAS at or above 100 parts per million from food packaging, and more regulations are on the horizon. Oliver offers only PFAS-compliant trays and films that meet regulatory standards without sacrificing sealing integrity or product protection.
Benefits:
- Safer for food, people, and the environment
- Future-proofs your operation as regulations change
- Compatible with your current Oliver equipment
Considerations:
As of 2025, U.S. food packaging manufacturers are phasing out PFAS-based grease-proofing substances due to regulatory and health concerns. Some PFAS alternatives may slightly impact moisture or grease resistance.
How to Choose the Right Eco-Friendly Meal Trays for Your Kitchen
When selecting eco-friendly meal trays and films, consider:
- Your end users’ ability to recycle or compost packaging
- Local regulations on PFAS or compostability
- Shelf life and food type
- Brand positioning and sustainability goals
- Operational compatibility with sealing equipment
Oliver Packaging’s experienced team can help you evaluate your options and test materials that align with your needs.
Find the Right Eco-Friendly Meal Trays and Films Fit for Your Program
Choosing sustainable packaging doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance or flexibility. With Oliver, you get eco-friendly meal trays and films designed to work in the real world — backed by industry expertise, responsive service, and equipment that lasts. Whether you’re interested in recycled content, compostable trays, or PFAS-compliant packaging, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your program and the planet. Let’s build a more sustainable future together. Contact us to get started.
