With the rise of food delivery and takeout across Canada, restaurant owners are under growing pressure to balance quality, convenience, and sustainability. Choosing the right takeout containers is crucial—not just for keeping food fresh, but also for complying with environmental regulations and meeting customer expectations.
At C-Pac, we specialize in high-quality compostable clamshell containers, the most popular and versatile solution for restaurants looking to serve takeout with confidence. In this guide, we’ll help you select the best containers based on food type, sustainability goals, and Canadian packaging laws.
1. Why Clamshell Containers Are a Restaurant Favourite
Clamshell takeout containers, especially those made from compostable materials like sugarcane (bagasse), are one of the most practical and eco-friendly options for foodservice businesses. Their hinged-lid design makes them ideal for a wide variety of foods—from burgers and sandwiches to rice bowls and full entrees.
Benefits of Compostable Clamshells:
✅ Sturdy & Leak-Resistant – Great for hot, greasy, or saucy foods
✅ Insulated – Keeps food warm during delivery
✅ Eco-Friendly – Made from renewable plant fibres like sugarcane
✅ Compliant with Canadian Regulations – Fully compostable, with no plastic lining
✅ Customer Approved – Modern diners appreciate sustainable packaging
Best for: Hot meals, burgers, pasta, fries, wraps, salads, and more.
🔍 C-Pac’s compostable clamshells are BPI-certified and accepted by many municipal compost programs across Canada.
2. Comparing Other Takeout Container Types
Although clamshells are the most versatile, you may need other packaging options for specific menu items. Here's a breakdown:
Paperboard Containers
Great for salads, baked goods, and sandwiches. Choose versions with a compostable liner for added moisture resistance.
Pros: Compostable, lightweight, customizable.
Cons: Not ideal for hot or very saucy foods.
Soup & Sauce Containers
Use compostable bowls with lids for soups, curries, and stews.
Pros: Leak-proof, heat-resistant, stackable.
Cons: May need a separate lid purchase.
Clear Compostable Containers
Perfect for cold dishes like salads, sushi, or desserts where presentation matters.
Pros: Transparent, eco-friendly PLA versions available.
Cons: Less heat resistant.
Avoid: Foam and Plastic
Foam is banned in many Canadian provinces due to its environmental impact. Traditional plastic is also falling out of favour due to national single-use plastic bans.
Verdict: Transition to plant-based compostable options to stay compliant and future-ready.
3. Match Your Packaging to the Food You Serve
Here’s how to select the right container for different menu items:
- Hot Entrées: Compostable clamshells made from sugarcane maintain heat and prevent sogginess.
- Cold Salads & Desserts: Use clear compostable PLA containers or kraft paper boxes.
- Greasy Items (like fried chicken or burgers): Choose grease-resistant clamshells or paperboard boxes with a liner.
- Soups & Sauces: Compostable bowls with snap-on lids keep liquids secure during transit.
4. Stay Compliant with Canadian Sustainability Laws
Across Canada, restaurants must follow increasingly strict guidelines for single-use packaging:
- Foam Bans: In effect in Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia
- Plastic Restrictions: National phase-out of single-use plastic items
- Compostability Requirements: Many municipalities require BPI-certified or compost-facility-accepted products
By choosing compostable clamshells and other eco-friendly packaging, you keep your business compliant while reducing landfill waste.
5. Make Sustainability Part of Your Brand
Today’s consumers want more than great food—they want to support businesses that care about the planet. Using compostable containers is a simple but powerful way to show that your restaurant is:
🌱 Eco-conscious
♻️ Waste-reducing
💚 Aligned with modern values
Plus, sustainable packaging complements organic, locally sourced, or plant-based menu offerings and strengthens your brand image.
Why Restaurants Across Canada Trust C-Pac
At C-Pac, we provide Canadian foodservice businesses with a full line of compostable takeout containers, including our best-selling sugarcane clamshells. Whether you're running a fast-casual restaurant, a food truck, or a catering service, we have the right packaging to suit your menu and your sustainability goals.
We offer:
✔️ Compostable clamshells in multiple sizes
✔️ Leak-proof compostable bowls
✔️ Eco-friendly utensils, napkins, and more
✔️ Fast, reliable delivery across Canada
Final Thoughts: Choose Containers That Work for Your Food and the Planet
The right takeout containers help ensure customer satisfaction, protect your food during delivery, and reflect your restaurant’s values. With foam and plastic on the decline in Canada, now is the time to make the switch to sustainable solutions.
Compostable clamshell containers from C-Pac are the best all-around option for most takeout meals—durable, eco-friendly, and regulation-ready.
✅ Ready to upgrade your packaging? Contact C-Pac today to find the right compostable takeout containers for your restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still wondering which takeout containers are best for your restaurant? Below are some quick answers to common questions Canadian foodservice businesses ask when making the switch to compostable packaging:
What are compostable clamshell containers made of?
C-Pac’s compostable clamshells are made from sugarcane fiber (bagasse), a renewable byproduct of the sugar industry. They’re fully biodegradable and free from plastic or chemical linings.
Are compostable containers accepted in Canadian compost programs?
Yes, C-Pac’s clamshell containers are BPI-certified and accepted by many municipal and commercial compost programs across Canada. Always check with your local guidelines for confirmation.
Can compostable clamshells hold hot or greasy food?
Absolutely. These containers are heat-resistant, leak-resistant, and perfect for hot, saucy, or greasy meals like burgers, pasta, and stir-fry.
What sizes of compostable clamshells does C-Pac offer?
C-Pac offers a variety of sizes to suit your menu, from single-compartment containers to multi-section clamshells. They're ideal for everything from snacks to full entrées.