PET clamshells are hinged plastic containers made from polyethylene terephthalate — the same crystal-clear, food-safe resin used in water bottles. The hinged design seals with a simple snap closure (no separate lid to lose), and the transparency lets buyers see the product through the package. Common foodservice uses: salads, sandwiches, bakery items, fresh-cut produce, deli prepared meals.
When to choose PET over other clamshell materials
| Use case | Right material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cold salads, sandwiches, fresh produce | PET | Crystal clarity, freezer-safe, food-safe |
| Hot food, takeout dinners, microwave reheat | MFPP (microwavable polypropylene) | Stable to 230°F, microwave safe |
| Bulk steam-table catering | Aluminum pan | Oven and steam-table compatible |
| Hinged sandwich box (room-temp only) | PET or Fiber | PET = visibility; fiber = compostable |
| Compostable cold meal package | Bagasse fiber clamshell | Certified BPI compostable |
The PET-vs-foam decision has largely been made for us — foam clamshells are now banned in 10+ US states and counting. PET is the most common direct replacement for cold-food applications.
Specifications at a glance
| Property | PET clamshell |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, resin code #1) |
| Temperature range | -40°F to 160°F |
| Microwave safe | No |
| Freezer safe | Yes |
| Oven safe | No |
| Recyclable | Yes (#1, where accepted) |
| Compostable | No |
| Typical case packs | 200, 250, 500 |
| Common sizes | 6×6×3, 8×8×3, 9×6×3, 9×9×3 (inches) |
| Special variants | Taco clamshell (compartmented), embossed, single-vent |