Compostable Take Out Containers

Compostable take out containers hold hot and cold meals securely, then break down after use, so your packaging matches your sustainability promise. Diners increasingly judge a brand by its packaging, and a plastic clamshell undercuts an otherwise green menu. At Apexio Packaging, we make custom compostable take out containers in the USA from bagasse fibre and PLA-lined kraft that are sturdy, leak-resistant and printable. With zero MOQ, free design, a free 3D mockup and free US shipping, you can order one sample or a full bulk run and get the same certified, food-safe result. Get your free quote and free 3D design proof today – email sales@apexiopackaging.com or call +1 (855) 466-6990.

What Are Compostable Take Out Containers?

Compostable take out containers are food-grade packaging made from plant fibre that breaks down under composting conditions. Instead of plastic, they use bagasse (sugarcane fibre), kraft paperboard or wheat-straw fibre, often with a plant-based PLA lining that resists grease and moisture. They hold hot mains and cold salads alike, then decompose in a commercial or home compost setting rather than sitting in landfill. Many buyers pair them with recyclable kraft cartons like our custom paper take out boxes for a fully green line.

Which Businesses Use Compostable Containers

Compostable packaging suits any food business that markets sustainability or must meet local green mandates. Organic and health-focused restaurants use them to reinforce clean-eating branding, cafes and juice bars serve salads and bowls in them, and meal-prep services ship portioned plans guilt-free. Cloud kitchens in cities with plastic bans rely on compostable fibre to stay compliant, and caterers use large bowls for events. With zero MOQ, a startup can trial one design first.

Compostable Container Sizes and Portions

Containers are made in many capacities; the chart maps common ounce sizes to portions and dimensions.

Capacity (oz)	Dims (L x W x H)	Fits	Common use
8 oz	4.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 in	Sides, salads, sauces	Small bowls
16 oz	6 x 4.5 x 1.75 in	Single meals	Standard container
26 oz	7 x 5 x 2 in	Rice and grain bowls	Entree container
32 oz	8.5 x 6 x 2.5 in	Family or combo meals	Large container
3-compartment	9 x 9 x 1.75 in	Portioned plates	Bento-style tray

These are starting points, not limits. We size every container around your exact portion, add compartments for balanced plates, and cut custom shapes on request, so food stays level and the compostable lid seals cleanly.

Compostable Fibres and Materials

Compostable take out containers use renewable plant fibres, each paired with a natural or PLA barrier.

Material / fibre	Source	Barrier	Best for
Bagasse (sugarcane fibre)	Renewable byproduct	Natural grease and water	Hot and cold meals
Kraft paperboard	Recycled or virgin fibre	PLA compostable liner	Printed eco cartons
Wheat-straw molded fibre	Agricultural byproduct	Natural	Sturdy bowls
PLA-lined paperboard	Plant-based lining	Compostable moisture barrier	Wet and saucy food

Bagasse is naturally sturdy and grease-resistant, kraft prints cleanly for branding, and a PLA lining handles wet, saucy dishes without plastic. All fibres are food-safe and designed to compost, and we can align them with your BPI certification requirements.

Printing Options: Offset and Digital

We print compostable containers by two methods, chosen by run size, artwork and deadline.

Printing method	Best for	Main strength
Offset printing	Larger runs, brand-colour consistency	Sharpest detail, steady colour at scale
Digital printing	Short runs, samples, seasonal menus	No plates, fast and affordable

Offset printing uses plates for the crispest logo and steady colour across a large run, while digital printing skips plates for fast, affordable short runs and seasonal menus. Soy-based inks keep the print eco-friendly on both routes, and we recommend the better method free.

Colour Options: CMYK, PMS and RGB

Compostable containers print in CMYK and match exact Pantone (PMS) brand colours, while RGB stays for on-screen design.

Colour system	Use it for	Note
CMYK	Full-colour art, photos, gradients	Standard four-colour print
PMS (Pantone)	Exact logo and brand colours	Identical shade on every reprint
RGB	On-screen design and previews	Convert to CMYK before printing

CMYK reproduces full-colour art on natural fibre, while Pantone (PMS) matching locks a signature colour so every reprint stays consistent. Kraft and bagasse shift colours slightly, so we confirm on your proof. Our CMYK, PMS and RGB colour guide explains it simply.

Eco Finishes and Compostable Coatings

Finishes keep the natural look while compostable coatings block grease and moisture without plastic.

Finish / coating	Effect	Best for
Natural or uncoated fibre	Clean, organic appearance	Eco-first brands
PLA compostable lining	Grease and water barrier	Wet and saucy food
Aqueous grease-resistant coating	Blocks oil soak-through	Fried and oily food
Soy-based ink printing	Low-impact colour	Logos and menus
Water-based matte coating	Subtle premium finish	Upscale eco lines

Most eco brands keep the fibre natural and add only a PLA or aqueous barrier where the food needs it. Soy inks and water-based coatings avoid petroleum finishes, so the finished container stays fully compostable end to end.

Compostable Lids, Vents and Add-Ons

Add-ons keep the meal sealed and vented while staying inside the compostable system.

Option	What it does	Best for
Fibre or PLA lid	Secure compostable closure	Delivery orders
Steam vent holes	Releases steam, stops sogginess	Hot food
Compartment dividers	Separates items and portions	Balanced meals
Leak-resistant fibre wall	Prevents sauce spills	Saucy dishes
Kraft sleeve or band	Adds branding and grip	Retail and grab-and-go

A matching fibre or PLA lid keeps the whole pack compostable, while vents stop hot food steaming soggy. Dividers portion balanced meals, and a kraft band brands the pack, much like our custom takeout containers. Ready to build yours? Get a free quote and a free 3D proof now – email sales@apexiopackaging.com or call +1 (855) 466-6990.

Food Safety and Honest Compostable Claims

Every compostable container is food-grade, and every green claim is kept specific and provable. Our fibres are food-contact safe for direct food use and can be supplied BPI-certified for commercial composting. Keep terms like compostable and biodegradable accurate under the FTC Green Guides, and point customers to EPA composting guidance so disposal is clear. We help you label the container correctly, so the sustainability message holds up to scrutiny.

Compostable Containers Shipped Across the USA

We produce and ship compostable containers free to food brands nationwide. A San Francisco juice bar may want bagasse bowls, while a Portland cafe chooses PLA-lined kraft for hot mains. Apexio Packaging serves California, Oregon, Washington, New York and Texas, plus Chicago, Austin, Denver and Seattle, with free nationwide shipping on every order.

Wholesale Compostable Containers: Zero MOQ and Lead Time

Ordering wholesale compostable take out containers stays simple, with zero MOQ, free design and free US shipping. Test a single container, then scale to bulk for daily service and lower per-unit pricing. Standard production runs about 5-7 business days after proof approval, with a RUSH option. For a fuller green menu, pair them with our custom food boxes. Order now with zero MOQ and free US shipping – get your free quote today.

Our Quality Review Before Production

We review every compostable container for food safety, fit, print, barrier and certification before it ships. We check portion fit, wall and lid strength, print quality on fibre, barrier coverage and that any compostable claim matches supplier documentation. Brands that switch from plastic to certified fibre report stronger eco credibility and cleaner disposal, without giving up strength.

Order Custom Compostable Take Out Containers Today

Match your packaging to your values. Start with zero risk: no minimums, free design, a free 3D mockup and free US shipping. Send us your dish and logo, and our team builds certified compostable containers that hold heat, resist leaks and break down responsibly. Get your free quote and free design proof now – email sales@apexiopackaging.com or call +1 (855) 466-6990.