Kraft Paper vs Plastic Containers: Which Is Right for Your Restaurant?

Published June 16, 2026 · By True Earth Packaging Team · 7 min read

Kraft paper containers and plastic containers are the two most common formats in commercial food service — and the choice between them comes up constantly when operators are building or refreshing their packaging lineup. The answer isn't that one is universally better. Each has clear advantages in specific situations, and most restaurants end up using both depending on the dish.

This guide runs through the comparison across five dimensions that actually matter for day-to-day operations: cost, heat performance, leak resistance, eco credentials, and customer perception.

The Summary Table

Cost

PP #5 plastic containers generally have the lowest per-unit cost in the takeout container category. Kraft paper containers typically run 10–30% higher for equivalent capacity, though the gap narrows at higher case quantities.

That said, cost-per-unit is only part of the equation. If kraft presentation reduces packaging complaints or supports a price premium on your menu, the cost difference becomes less relevant. Evaluate total packaging cost in the context of your margins, not in isolation.

Heat Performance

PP #5 is microwave-safe — customers can reheat directly in the container without transferring food. Kraft paper containers cannot be microwaved without risk of the paper burning or the contents drying out unevenly.

For hot food going directly from the kitchen into a container, both perform adequately. Kraft handles dry heat well; the risk is with high-moisture foods where the base can soften over time. PP retains heat longer due to its insulating properties, which can be a meaningful advantage for delivery orders.

PET (clear plastic) is a different category entirely — it's not suited for hot food. PET softens and can warp above 60°C. It's specifically designed for cold food display.

Leak Resistance

This is where plastic has a clear technical advantage for wet and saucy foods. PP containers with snap-close lids provide an excellent seal that holds up to delivery and transit. Kraft paper is inherently porous — uncoated kraft will absorb grease and eventually allow liquid to seep through.

Some kraft containers have a PE (polyethylene) or PLA inner coating to improve moisture resistance. These perform better with wet foods but are no longer fully compostable (the PE coating doesn't break down). If compostability is important to you, uncoated kraft is the right choice — but pair it with drier menu items or use sugarcane bagasse instead for saucy applications.

For a detailed comparison of bagasse as a middle-ground option that handles both heat and moisture, see our guide on sugarcane bagasse packaging.

Eco Credentials

Uncoated kraft paper containers are compostable and in most cases recyclable — a strong eco profile. PP #5 and PET #1 are both recyclable and accepted in Metro Vancouver's curbside program, but are not compostable. Neither is banned under BC's single-use item bylaw — the bylaw targets foam (EPS) and specific plastic formats like straws and cutlery, not food containers.

From a practical communication standpoint, kraft reads as eco to customers even when it isn't certified compostable. PP and PET read as plastic, even though both are recyclable. If visual eco signaling matters for your brand, kraft has a clear edge on perception regardless of the technical recyclability of either option.

Presentation and Customer Perception

Kraft paper has a premium, artisan quality that resonates well with BC consumers — particularly in markets like Vancouver's Main Street corridor, North Shore, and Kitsilano where food presentation and brand values are closely connected. It photographs well on social media, and customers often comment positively on it unprompted.

PP containers are functional and neutral — they don't elevate the presentation, but they don't detract from it either. They're the workhorse of food service packaging for good reason.

PET clear containers have a distinct advantage for cold food display: the transparent lid lets customers see the product immediately. For salads, pastries, cut fruit, and desserts, this visibility is a genuine sales driver at retail and deli counters.

When to Use Each

Most restaurants use a combination — kraft for some dishes, PP for others. The decision doesn't have to be binary. Browse our kraft containers and PP recyclable containers to compare current SKUs, sizes, and case quantities. If you're deciding between formats for a specific dish, contact us and we'll give you a straight recommendation.