Food storage container microplastic test

Test result: No microplastics detected from food storage containers

Based on testing, the risk of microplastics being released from the food storage container is virtually non-existent.

Microplastics are one of the most important environmental topics for our stakeholders. Microplastics testing of food storage containers is part of Orthex’s comprehensive quality control and environmental work. We test our products regularly in independent test laboratories and through practical use tests.

We recently investigated whether microplastics are released from 1.2-litre SmartStore™ Easy containers designed for food storage. We provided six containers for testing.

The independent laboratory test simulated the normal use of the products. In the test, the food storage containers were filled with water and left for 10 days at a temperature of 40°C degrees, after which the containers and the water inside them were heated in a microwave at 600 W for two minutes.

The analysis examined particles ranging in size from 5 µm to 5 mm. The smallest particles analyzed were therefore one-thousandth of the diameter of the largest particles and cannot be detected with the naked eye.

The test result was reassuring: not a single microplastic particle was found in the containers.

In the foreground, an open SmartStore Easy 1.2-litre food storage container with a portion of salad inside. In the background, more of the same containers stacked together.
An open SmartStore Easy 1.2-litre food storage container with a portion of salad inside.

Tips

It is important to use a suitable product for each specific need.

  • The symbols on the products indicate their usage and product features, such as being dishwasher safe and suitable for microwave heating.
  • We always recommend placing plastic products loosely in the top rack of the dishwasher.
  • When heating food in the microwave, foods high in fat can overheat because fat heats up very quickly. We recommend using a lower temperature setting and stirring the food occasionally.
  • When a product is clearly worn, it is advisable to replace it with a new one.