When traveling by train or airplane, one of the most important things to enjoy your journey is having something to eat. The food on these modes of transportation is often served in special containers that keep it warm or cold until it’s time for you to eat. But what are these containers made from? Here are some of the most common materials used to hold food on trains and airplanes!
1. Liquid Silicone Foam
Airplane and train food must stay in place during take-offs, turbulence, and heavy braking. For this reason, many companies use liquid silicone foam to hold food items in place. For instance, HT 870 is a product commonly used for airplane food trays.
It is a durable material that can resist high temperatures and will not break down over time. In addition, it is easy to clean and does not absorb odors. As a result, it is an ideal material for holding airplanes and training food.
This container is becoming more popular because it’s lightweight and can be reused. It also doesn’t absorb smells or flavors, so your food will taste the same as when you first prepared it.
2. Thermoset Plastic
This type of plastic hardens when it’s heated and can’t be softened again. It’s often used to make car parts, electrical insulation, and cookware. Thermoset plastic is also a popular material for holding airplanes and training food.
It’s durable and can resist high temperatures, making it ideal for hot food items. In addition, it’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors. As a result, it’s a good choice for holding airplanes and train food.
3. Phenolic Resin
There are a variety of materials that are used to hold food on trains and airplanes. One common option is phenolic resin. This material is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for transportation applications. Phenolic resin is also resistant to heat, making it a good choice for hot foods such as pizzas and sandwiches. In addition, this material is easy to clean and sanitize, which is important in a food-service environment.
4. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is another common material that is used to hold food. It is often used to wrap food, as well as to line pans and baking sheets. Aluminum foil has several advantages over other materials. It is FDA-approved and safe for use in the oven. Additionally, aluminum foil provides an excellent barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light. As a result, it helps to keep food fresh for longer periods. Aluminum foil is also recyclable, making it a more environmentally-friendly option than some other materials.
5. Polystyrene Foam
Polystyrene is a plastic type often used to hold take-out food. It is lightweight and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for restaurants. However, polystyrene is not biodegradable, meaning it can stay in landfills for centuries. Additionally, it is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. As a result, there is increasing pressure to find alternatives to polystyrene.
6. Parchment Paper
Parchment paper is a type of paper that is commonly used in the food industry. It is often used to line baking sheets and pans, as well as to wrap food. Parchment paper is made from a cloth coated with a silicone film. This gives the paper a non-stick surface, which makes it ideal for use in the food industry. Parchment paper is also FDA-approved and safe for use in the oven.
7. Cellophane
Cellophane is a type of clear plastic commonly used to package food. It is often used to wrap baked goods, as well as to package other food items. Cellophane is made from cellulose, which is a natural polymer. This makes cellophane biodegradable, which will eventually break down in the environment. However, cellophane takes centuries to decompose, so it is not a very environmentally-friendly option.
Conclusion
It is interesting to see the variety of materials used over the years to hold food for passengers on trains and airplanes. Although some materials have been more popular than others, no one material has proven to be ideal for all situations. Perhaps a combination of different materials will eventually be developed to meet the needs of train and airplane passengers. The seven materials highlighted are some of the more commonly used materials for holding food on trains and airplanes.
