Uses of Dart Plastic Containers in Foodservice and Beyond
When it comes to foodservice packaging, Dart plastic containers have become a household name across the United States and globally. Known for their durability, convenience, and variety, Dart products go beyond just holding your morning coffee—they’re integrated into the operational backbone of countless businesses.
In this article, we’ll explore the top uses of Dart plastic containers in foodservice and other industries, highlighting their versatility, sustainability features, and why they're trusted by professionals in and beyond the kitchen.
What Are Dart Plastic Containers?
Dart Container Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of foodservice packaging in the world. Founded in 1960, the company produces a wide range of products, including:
- Plastic cups and lids
- Food containers
- Bowls and trays
- Cutlery and straws
- Foam containers (including EPS and alternative eco-lines)
Dart’s plastic containers are made primarily from polystyrene, PET, and polypropylene, offering options that are microwaveable, recyclable, and leak-resistant.
1. Takeout and Delivery Packaging
One of the most widespread uses of Dart plastic containers is in the takeout and food delivery industry. With the rise of platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, restaurants rely on secure and leak-proof containers to ensure food arrives fresh and intact.
Why Dart Works:
- Tight-sealing lids prevent spills
- Microwave-safe options for reheating
- Clear containers offer visibility for order accuracy
- Stackable design saves space and improves transport efficiency
Popular Products: ClearSeal® Hinged Lid Containers, PresentaBowls® Pro, and Vented Microwave Containers.
2. Catering and Event Services
Caterers love Dart products for their professional presentation and functional utility. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or party, Dart plastic trays and bowls make food display simple and appealing.
Why Dart Works:
- Elegant yet disposable options for easy cleanup
- Variety of sizes for entrées, sides, and desserts
- Tamper-evident designs available for safe transport
- Dome lids help maintain freshness and presentation
Popular Products: SafeSeal® Tamper-Resistant Containers, Catering Trays with Dome Lids.
3. Fast-Food Chains and QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants)
Major fast-food brands and QSRs utilize Dart containers for consistent food packaging. Their uniform quality and cost-efficiency make them ideal for high-volume environments.
Why Dart Works:
- Disposable, hygienic, and food-safe
- Helps maintain food temperature (hot or cold)
- Great for combo meals, side dishes, and desserts
- Branded options available for better customer engagement
Popular Products: Foam Food Containers, Plastic Portion Cups, Flexstyle® Paper Food Containers.
4. Coffee Shops and Beverage Outlets
Dart is widely known for its role in the hot beverage industry. From foam cups to plastic iced coffee tumblers, their beverage solutions are used by cafés, gas stations, and vending services.
Why Dart Works:
- Foam cups retain heat without burning hands
- Plastic lids prevent spills and improve drinking experience
- Custom print options for branding
- Eco-forward alternatives available (recyclable, compostable lines)
Popular Products: Fusion™ Hot Cups, Clear Plastic Cold Cups, Traveler® Dome Lids.
5. School and Institutional Cafeterias
Educational institutions, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias benefit from Dart containers for meal prep, serving, and portion control.
Why Dart Works:
- BPA-free and food-safe materials
- Easily portion controlled for consistent meal servings
- Microwave-safe designs for quick reheating
- Durable enough for high-traffic environments
Popular Products: Impact® Bowls, Portion Cups, and School Tray Systems.
6. Grocery and Deli Packaging
Dart’s containers are a staple in grocery stores and deli counters for pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, fruits, and baked goods.
Why Dart Works:
- Crystal-clear design enhances product visibility
- Secure lids for tamper evidence and freshness
- Stackable for display and storage efficiency
- Cost-effective for bulk packaging
Popular Products: ClearPac® Containers, PET Hinged-Lid Deli Containers.
7. Microwaveable Meal Solutions
With the growing demand for ready-to-eat and microwaveable meals, Dart’s microwave-safe product lines are ideal for food producers and meal kit services.
Why Dart Works:
- Designed for heat resistance
- Venting lids prevent pressure build-up
- Multiple compartments for meal separation
- Suitable for freezer-to-microwave transitions
Popular Products: MicroGourmet®, PresentaBowls® Pro, and Vented Food Containers.
8. Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
Convenience stores rely on Dart for packaging a wide range of food and beverage items that are consumed on-the-go.
Why Dart Works:
- Compact designs for grab-and-go items
- Insulated beverage containers
- Easily branded for private-label packaging
- Excellent durability for vending shelves
Popular Products: Solo® Plastic Lids and Cups, Dart Foam Cups, Grab-and-Go Clamshell Containers.
9. Food Manufacturing and Meal Prep Businesses
Meal prep services and food manufacturers use Dart containers for bulk packaging, portioned meals, and transport.
Why Dart Works:
- Efficient packaging for high-volume orders
- Extended shelf life with secure lids
- Label-friendly for branding and nutritional info
- Compatible with sealing and automation machines
Popular Products: SafeSeal® Tamper Evident Containers, Stackable Meal Prep Bowls.
10. Beyond Food: Industrial and Lab Applications
Though Dart is best known in foodservice, their containers are occasionally used in industrial and lab settings for temporary storage, sample containment, and transport.
Why Dart Works:
- Affordable, single-use storage solution
- Available in sterile-ready formats
- Lightweight and stackable
- Non-reactive to most chemicals used in labs
Popular Uses: Chemical mixing cups, sample transport trays, temporary equipment covers.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Initiatives
Dart has responded to environmental concerns by developing eco-forward packaging solutions, including:
- Recyclable plastics like PET and polypropylene
- Post-consumer recycled content options
- Compostable containers under the Bare® by Solo® line
- Community foam recycling programs across the U.S.
These initiatives help bridge the gap between functionality and environmental responsibility.
Final Thoughts
From your morning coffee to late-night takeout, Dart plastic containers play a significant role in how food is packaged, served, and enjoyed. But their applications go well beyond just foodservice—they're also valuable in event catering, grocery retail, institutional settings, and even labs.
With a wide range of product lines tailored to performance, safety, and sustainability, Dart continues to be a trusted name across industries. As businesses and consumers become more conscious of waste and eco-impact, choosing smart packaging solutions like Dart’s evolving container offerings can help ensure a balance between convenience and responsibility.
✅ Quick Summary of Dart Container Uses:
SectorUse CasesRestaurants & QSRsTakeout, combo meals, drinksCateringTrays, tamper-proof lidsCoffee ShopsFoam cups, plastic cold cupsSchools & CafeteriasBowls, trays, portion controlGrocery & DeliSandwiches, salads, fruitsMeal Prep ServicesMicrowave-ready containersC-Stores & Gas StationsGrab-and-go itemsIndustrial LabsSample storage, mixing cups