Stainless Steel School Lunch Boxes vs Plastic: Which Is Safer for Kids?

As a parent, the back-to-school season always feels like a marathon. You are juggling budgets, styles, and — the most important thing – safety. Most of the work always revolves around what goes into the lunchbox, but more parents have become aware of the fact that the box itself is equally important.

The options are always between two favourites: the ever-present, colourful plastic and the sleek, long-lasting stainless steel. Plastic may be the current standard of school lunch boxes, but the latest discoveries in the scientific community are encouraging us towards a ‘metallic’ way of life. Now is the time to explore how a changeover can be the best ever made for your child this upcoming academic year.

The Risks of Using Plastic

Using plastics is known to be harmful. Many chemicals, especially BPA (Bisphenol A), are used to make plastic. Such chemicals affect the endocrine, reproductive, immune, and cardiovascular systems greatly. 

Microplastics and Heat: 

Each time your plastic lunchbox goes into the microwave to be warmed up, or when it gets hot in your dishwasher, microplastics form in your lunchbox. This process in the lunchbox’s plastic is known as ‘polymer degradation.’

The Hygiene Factor: 

Plastic is fairly soft and porous. With time, it gets tiny scratches from fork and spoon usage. The minute scratches are a conducive environment for bacteria, molds, and unpleasant odors, which are not readily accessible even for intense cleaning.

Why Stainless Steel is a Clear Winner

If you observe kitchens and/or hospital kitchens, the one material that is most prevalent is stainless steel. High-quality 18/8 (or 304-grade) stainless steel, like the kind found in Basil's boxes, is the best available type when it comes to food safety.

Chemically Inert: 

Stainless steel is not reactive with food. Whether you’re packing a citrus salad or a hot pasta meal, you can rest assured that there won’t be any metallic ion leaching/migration. What goes into the lunch box will be exactly what your kid will ingest.

Built to Last a Childhood: 

We have all witnessed the cracked top or the twisted bottom of the plastic box, which will not keep its seal. The durability of stainless steel will allow the products to survive the playground drops, the packed backpack, and the daily exposures to water without failing.

Superior Cleanliness: 

Because it is non-porous, stainless steel simply cannot hold on to the past. Today's apple slices won't be contaminated by yesterday's pav bhaji. It provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that ensures every meal starts with a clean slate.

A Lesson in Sustainability

School lunchboxes are also an excellent area to discuss the environment with your kids. Plastic boxes have a life cycle that eventually ends up in landfills, and the materials deteriorate into microplastics that persist in the environment for centuries. However, stainless steel is 100% recyclable and is meant to last. When you select a quality metal container, you are not buying a product; you are also cutting down on waste and instilling in your children the wisdom that quality and sustainability go hand-in-hand.

Conclusion

Furthermore, while plastic might have a lower upfront cost, the true cost quickly adds up because of the hidden factors associated with its use, which are harmful health effects, the need for regular replacement, and the effect it has on the planet’s future.

A good-quality lunch box made of stainless steel is an investment for the future because it benefits the entire planet and the future of your child. If you are all set to bid adieu to plastic and give your child a safer, cleaner, and more durable lunch experience, then take a look at the well-planned range available at Basil. The company’s aim to marry safety and style helps you and your kids easily bid farewell to plastic.