It exists in all sorts of colors and sizes, is made of a variety of materials and always fulfills its purpose with flying colors. We’re talking about one of the most common items in everyday life – the Lunch box , While originally used only for the transport of sandwiches, hence the naming, their field of application is spreading more and more today. On the one hand, this trend is leading to the emergence of new and innovative products, but on the other hand, it is not an easy decision for customers.

Plastic, stainless steel or wood – the selection is great

In the past, sheet metal and wood came first, but nowadays plastics take the lead. In addition to the size or shape of the product, the material is usually the most important decision criterion. Made of plastic cans are easy to clean, are extremely resistant to harsh handling and often captivate by a low price. On advantages, however, also meet serious disadvantages; For example, plastic may contain harmful substances that may enter the body through ingestion of food. Furthermore, the sustainability and environmental friendliness of plastics are hard to criticize.

Traditionally, but generally not widely used are lunch boxes made of stainless steel. They are just as pleasant and quick to clean, are sustainable and behave – unlike some plastic alternatives – tasteless. Despite all the positive arguments against stainless steel, disadvantages of the material must not be forgotten. For example, stainless steel lunch boxes are heavier and sometimes more expensive to buy than the competition.

Wooden lunch boxes are rare, but decades ago they were well received. Major drawbacks are, above all, the lack of handiness and the difficult cleaning. Despite many negative aspects, there are various reasons for the use of said material. Among other things, wood can be decorated and brings a conventional, stylish appearance with it.

Japanese bento conquers the west

An innovative trend, in which more and more people from Western countries like, comes from Asia. Bento is a dosage form of food from far-off Japan. This is similar to the typical Brotdosen, as they are known in Germany, except for one essential feature. The interior of the container is thus divided by means of partitions and thus prevents mixing of different food during transport.

The Bento, then made of bamboo tubes, dates back to the 5th century. Because traditionally food has been traditionally served in several bowls in Japan, it is very important that the food does not mix. The Japanese found the solution to the problem through the Bento.

„BPA-free“ – the meaning behind the abbreviation

If Lunch box , Blender or baby bottle – The indication that the product is free of BPA seems to be unavoidable. Many people do not even know what these letters stand for. Bisphenol A, as the name suggests, has been used over a long period of time in so-called hormone replacement therapies until it has been replaced by other means. Long, the chemical should not rest, however, because it is excellently suitable in the production of polycarbonate as an excipient.

Polycarbonate is used in the manufacture of plastic products and has an estrogenic effect due to the bisphenol it contains. This is classified by experts as harmful or very harmful and can affect the hormonal balance of humans. To what extent this happens is not fully understood, but a dangerous effect of the substance is undisputed.