Custom Bagasse Tray Heat Deflection Test: Microwave vs Industrial Tunnel Oven
2026-04-07
In the continuous production process of food processing, bagasse trays, as a preferred environmentally friendly and biodegradable packaging, often fail in the industrial tunnel oven and microwave heating links—problems such as softening, collapse, and oil leakage occur frequently, which not only affect production efficiency but also may lead to compliance risks for failing to meet food contact standards. With years of experience in customizing disposable tableware, Gorlando has specially carried out tests on the thermal deformation critical point of customized high-density bagasse trays in microwave and industrial tunnel ovens to solve the practical problems in industrial heating scenarios with actual measurement data, while ensuring environmental protection and compliance to meet the strict requirements of various food processing.
In fact, many enterprises only focus on the environmental protection attribute when purchasing bagasse trays, but ignore the high-temperature demand and compliance requirements in industrial scenarios, which is the key reason for frequent problems in subsequent use. Due to unreasonable fiber ratio and rough molding process, ordinary bagasse trays are prone to obvious deformation when heated in an industrial tunnel oven above 150℃ for more than 5 minutes, and the oil permeability rate is even as high as 35% or more, which not only pollutes food but also may fail to pass food contact safety tests due to insufficient material stability. The core advantage of industrial-grade bagasse trays is that they can not only adhere to the bottom line of environmental protection but also withstand the strict test of industrial heating, which is the core focus of Gorlando in the field of customization for many years.
I. Test Details: Real Performance Comparison in Tunnel Oven and Microwave Environments
To accurately capture the thermal deformation critical point of bagasse trays, we conducted a comparative test between Gorlando's customized high-density model and ordinary market models, simulating the most common heating conditions in food processing. The test details and data are as follows:
Test Basic Information
- Test Samples: Customized high-density bagasse trays (produced by Gorlando, particle size less than 5mm, moisture content 12%, long fiber ratio 70%), ordinary bagasse trays (conventional market models, particle size 5-8mm, moisture content 18%, long fiber ratio 40%)
- Test Equipment: Industrial tunnel oven (temperature adjustable range 80℃-250℃), commercial microwave heating equipment (power 800W, simulating industrial batch heating)
- Test Standards: Referring to FDA 21 CFR 176.170 food contact material standards and EU EN13432 biodegradable standards, focusing on testing three core indicators: thermal deformation rate, oil permeability rate, and material stability
- Test Conditions: Five commonly used industrial temperature ranges (80℃ for low-temperature drying, 100℃, 150℃, 200℃, 220℃) were selected, and heating durations of 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes were tested respectively. Each group of tests was repeated 3 times, and the average value was taken to ensure data rigor.
Actual Measurement Data Comparison Table
| Heating Temperature | Heating Time | Deformation Rate of Ordinary Bagasse Trays | Deformation Rate of Customized High-Density Bagasse Trays | Oil Permeability Rate of Ordinary Bagasse Trays | Oil Permeability Rate of Customized High-Density Bagasse Trays | Material Stability of Customized Model (No Cracking, No Odor) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80℃ | 3min | 3% | 0.5% | 5% | 0% | Good |
| 80℃ | 10min | 7% | 1% | 10% | 0.5% | Good |
| 100℃ | 3min | 8% | 1% | 12% | 0% | Good |
| 100℃ | 5min | 12% | 2% | 18% | 0% | Good |
| 100℃ | 10min | 18% | 3% | 25% | 1% | Good |
| 150℃ | 3min | 15% | 2% | 22% | 0% | Good |
| 150℃ | 5min | 26% | 4% | 35% | 1% | Good |
| 150℃ | 10min | 38% | 6% | 42% | 2% | Good |
| 200℃ | 3min | 32% | 5% | 40% | 2% | Good |
| 200℃ | 5min | 47% | 9% | 53% | 3% | Good |
| 200℃ | 10min | 65% | 12% | 61% | 4% | Basically Good (No Cracking) |
| 220℃ | 3min | 58% | 10% | 57% | 5% | Basically Good (Slight Discoloration) |
| 220℃ | 5min | 72% | 15% | 68% | 7% | Slight Cracking |
It can be clearly seen from the actual measurement data that the higher the temperature and the longer the heating time, the more prominent the deformation and oil leakage problems of bagasse trays. Gorlando's customized high-density model is far superior to ordinary models in performance due to process optimization. In fact, when the heating temperature exceeds 200℃ and the duration exceeds 10 minutes, even the customized model will have slight deformation, which also reminds us that the heat resistance of bagasse trays has a clear critical point. Reasonably controlling the heating conditions can maximize its advantages—which is why Gorlando provides additional working condition adaptation suggestions when providing customized solutions for customers.
II. Technology Disclosure: How Gorlando Improves the Heat Resistance Limit and Compliance of Bagasse Trays
Many people wonder why Gorlando's customized bagasse trays can withstand industrial-grade high temperatures, while ordinary ones cannot? The core lies in three major process optimizations, each detail is tailored to the actual needs of food processing enterprises, while complying with international standards:
- Optimization of Plant Fiber Ratio: Abandoning the "single short fiber" ratio of ordinary models, 70%-75% long fibers are mixed with 25%-30% high-quality short fibers (supplemented with a small amount of peanut shell additives), which not only enhances the overall structural tension of the tray but also reduces softening and deformation at high temperatures. At the same time, the moisture content of raw materials is strictly controlled between 10%-15%, which is the optimal parameter obtained through multiple tests, ensuring both molding effect and avoiding cracking caused by water evaporation during high-temperature heating .
- Precise Control of Molding Process: Adopting a secondary hot-pressing process, demolding and deflating for 3-5 seconds after the first hot pressing, then performing the second hot pressing. The hot-pressing temperature is controlled between 110℃-155℃, and the pressure is stably maintained at 800-1200 tons, allowing fibers to combine closely to improve product density and resist high-temperature impact from the basic structure. This process can not only enhance heat resistance but also improve the load-bearing capacity of the tray, avoiding damage during transportation and heating .
- Upgrade of PFAS-Free Environmental Additives: Using PFAS-Free oil and water repellent additives that meet FDA standards, with PFAS content ≤20ppt, fully complying with the requirements of California AB 1200 Act. It can not only meet food contact safety needs but also maintain stable protective performance in high-temperature environments to avoid oil leakage. At the same time, the dosage of additives is strictly controlled at 3%-5% of the total mass of the mixture, which does not affect the biodegradable performance and maximizes the heat resistance .
In addition, Gorlando's customized bagasse trays have passed multiple international certifications such as FSC, BRC, FDA, REACH, and DGCCRF, and can provide third-party test reports. Each batch of products undergoes 100% quality inspection to ensure no odor and no harmful residues, fully meeting the compliance requirements of various food processing scenarios—which is the core reason why many enterprises choose Gorlando for customization. After all, in the food industry, compliance and quality are equally important.
III. Adaptation Scenarios: Industrial-Grade Application Closed Loop of Customized Bagasse Trays
With excellent heat resistance and compliance, Gorlando's customized high-density bagasse trays have been widely used in multiple industrial-grade food processing scenarios, forming a full-process closed loop from production, heating to packaging and transportation:
- Prefabricated Food Production Line: Adapt to batch heating in tunnel ovens and rapid reheating in microwaves. The tray maintains a complete shape without oil leakage or collapse, and can be directly used with food packaging, reducing secondary packaging links and improving production efficiency;
- Airline Meal Heating: Meet the demand of "low-temperature freezing - direct microwave heating" for airline meals. After rapid freezing at -40℃, it can be directly heated in microwaves without cracking, deformation or odor, and meets the standards for airline food contact;
- Prefabricated Food in Large Supermarkets: Adapt to cold chain transportation and terminal microwave heating, balancing environmental protection and practicality. It can not only meet consumers' demand for environmentally friendly packaging but also help supermarkets reduce packaging costs;
- Baking Food Processing: Can withstand baking and heating at 180℃-200℃, adapting to small tunnel ovens. The tray has no odor and does not release harmful substances, suitable for the packaging and heating of baked foods such as cakes and bread.
It is worth mentioning that Gorlando can customize bagasse trays of different sizes, thicknesses and heat resistance levels according to the specific working conditions of customers. Whether it is small-batch customization or large-scale industrial orders, it can ensure quality stability and delivery efficiency—conventional mixed orders are delivered within 35 days, and single-specification orders can be delivered within 7 days, fully adapting to the urgent needs of holiday promotions and new product launches .
IV. Procurement Pitfall Tips
When purchasing bagasse trays, many enterprises are prone to the misunderstanding of "only focusing on price and ignoring quality and compliance". Combining years of industry experience, we share 3 practical suggestions to help you avoid procurement pitfalls:
- Prioritize Checking Certification Qualifications: Be sure to require suppliers to provide FDA, BRC and other food contact-related certification reports to avoid product failure to pass tests due to incomplete qualifications, which affects production and delivery;
- Conduct Sample Testing in Advance: Do not blindly purchase in bulk. First, request samples and conduct heating tests simulating your own production conditions, focusing on testing deformation rate, oil permeability rate and material stability;
- Pay Attention to Customization Service Capabilities: Choose suppliers with their own factories and personalized customization capabilities (such as Gorlando), which can not only adapt to your own product size and heating conditions but also respond quickly and provide solutions when problems arise .
V. High-Frequency Procurement FAQs
1. Can bagasse trays be put into a 200℃ oven? What is the maximum safe duration?
Gorlando's customized high-density bagasse trays can withstand 200℃ high-temperature baking. In conventional industrial heating scenarios, there will be no obvious deformation or oil leakage within 10 minutes, and the material remains stable; if the heating duration exceeds 15 minutes, it is recommended to reduce the temperature to 180℃ to avoid slight cracking. Ordinary bagasse trays are not recommended to be heated at this temperature for more than 3 minutes.
2. Will the tray crack after rapid freezing (-40℃) and direct microwave heating?
No. Gorlando's customized bagasse trays have passed strict cold and hot cycle tests. After rapid freezing at -40℃ and direct heating in an 800W microwave, there will be no cracking, deformation or odor, which can perfectly adapt to the "freezing-heating" closed-loop demand of cold chain food; ordinary bagasse trays are prone to brittle cracking at the edges and corners due to insufficient material density.
3. Can customized bagasse trays provide international certification reports?
Yes. Gorlando's bagasse trays have passed multiple international certifications such as FSC, BRC, FDA, and REACH. According to customer needs, corresponding third-party test reports and certification documents can be provided to ensure that the products meet the food contact standards of the target market and avoid export obstacles .
4. What is the delivery cycle for bulk customization? Can it be expedited?
Under normal circumstances, mixed-specification orders (1×40HQ) are delivered within 35 days, and single-specification orders can be delivered within 7 days; if there is an urgent demand, you can contact Gorlando to negotiate expedited production. Samples can be delivered as soon as 3 days, and bulk production can be completed within 25 days, without affecting the customer's production progress .
5. Can we customize bagasse trays of exclusive specifications according to our product size?
Absolutely. Gorlando has a professional mold development team and its own production factory. It can customize bagasse trays of exclusive specifications according to the product size, load-bearing requirements and heating conditions provided by customers. At the same time, it can provide packaging design services to fit the customer's brand image and use needs, achieving "customization on demand and precise adaptation".
For food processing enterprises, bagasse trays that adapt to industrial heating scenarios and meet international compliance standards are the best choice that balances environmental protection, practicality and cost. With years of experience in customizing disposable tableware, Gorlando, relying on its own raw material base, professional process technology and perfect customization services, has become a preferred partner for many food enterprises. It can provide customers with exclusive bagasse tray customization solutions according to different industries and working conditions, solve various pain points in high-temperature use, and help enterprises achieve green production and compliant export.
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