Materials & compliance
Can PET and rPET containers go in the microwave?
Short answer
No. Standard PET and rPET packs, such as clamshells, punnets and salad containers, are made for chilled and room-temperature food. PET starts to soften at around 70 °C, so it can warp in a microwave or with hot fill. For heating, food is moved to a microwave-safe dish, or packed in trays made for heat, such as CPET or suitable PP. Ask AVI's team before using any pack for hot food.
Part of the guides: Bakery, deli and dry fruit packaging guide and PET and rPET: the material guide
- PET softens atabout 70 °C
- Made forChilled and room-temperature food
AVI's food packs
- Food & Deli Packs — Containers & TraysAVI Global Plast thermoforms food & deli packs for export and domestic markets. Explore formats and request a quote.
- MAP / Modified Atmosphere Trays13 MAP tray formats from AVI Global Plast, matched to AVI's high-barrier film structures for extended shelf life....
Why PET is for cold food
Clear PET is chosen for fresh produce, salads, bakery and deli because it is clear, stiff and recyclable. Those properties hold at fridge and room temperature. Above about 70 °C the material softens, so heating in the pack can warp it.
Packs made for heat
- CPET trays: for ovenable and microwavable ready meals.
- PP trays: many are made for microwave reheating; check the grade.
- AVI makes some MAP trays in PP; ask the team whether a specific tray is suitable for heating before relying on it.
Labelling
If a pack is not for heating, say so on the label. Consumers often assume any food container is microwave-safe.
Related questions
What is CPET?
Crystallised PET, a PET made heat-resistant for ready meals that go into ovens and microwaves. Standard clear PET and rPET are not CPET.
Can PET take hot food at a counter?
Warm food for immediate eating is sometimes packed in PET, but hot fill can deform it. Tell AVI's team the temperature and they will advise.