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Why Hospitals Are Switching to 180C Reusable Food Containers

5th February 2026 | Healthcare

Hospitals and healthcare providers are under increasing pressure to reduce single-use plastics, control costs, and improve sustainability without adding complexity to already demanding catering operations.

Harfield’s 180C reusable range has been developed specifically to meet these challenges, offering a reliable, reusable alternative to disposable food containers across hospital and care environments.

Designed for Repeated Use in Healthcare Catering

The 180C range is manufactured from high-performance PET and designed for repeated use up to 180°C, making it suitable for a wide range of hospital catering applications.

These containers can be safely used in:

  • Ovens (up to 180°C)
  • Microwaves
  • Steam ovens
  • Hot trolleys
  • Fridges and freezers

They are not suitable for direct heat, ensuring safe and consistent use within professional kitchen environments.

This versatility allows the same container to be used through preparation, cooking, holding, transport, and service – reducing handling, waste, and risk.

Practical Sizes for Portion Control and Efficiency

The range is available in two healthcare-friendly formats:

  • Single portion – 1/8 Gastronorm
  • Two portion – 1/4 Gastronorm

Both sizes have optional lids, supporting hygiene, safe transport, storage, and service – particularly important in hospital and care settings.

Replacing Single-Use Plastics Without Compromise

Disposable food containers may appear convenient, but they come with ongoing costs and waste challenges.

Hospitals using the 180C range benefit from:

  • Reduced reliance on single-use plastics
  • Lower ongoing purchasing costs
  • Reduced waste and disposal volumes
  • Greater consistency across catering operations

Because the containers are designed for repeated use, they offer a clear long-term cost advantage over disposable alternatives.

Reducing Food Waste Through Smarter Portioning

The 180C range also supports more efficient food management.

Instead of relying on pre-prepared single portions, hospitals can:

  • Buy vegetables and sides in larger packs
  • Decant into individual reusable containers
  • Reduce unused portions and unnecessary waste

This approach improves portion control, reduces food waste, and delivers meaningful cost savings over time.

A More Sustainable Choice for Healthcare

Sustainability is no longer optional in healthcare procurement.

The 180C range is:

  • Made from 100% recyclable PET
  • Designed for long service life
  • Fully recyclable at end of life

By switching from single-use plastics to durable, reusable containers, hospitals and care providers can take a practical step towards meeting sustainability and waste-reduction targets.

Part of a Wider Healthcare Tableware Solution

The 180C range sits within Harfield’s broader healthcare offering, which supports:

  • Hospitals and acute care environments
  • Care homes and assisted living settings
  • Patients of all ages
  • Staff and visitor catering

To understand how the 180C range fits into a complete healthcare tableware strategy, explore our wider healthcare guidance.

👉 Read our guide to reliable tableware for hospitals and care homes

Explore the 180C Range

If you are reviewing single-use plastics, food waste, or catering costs in your healthcare environment, the 180C range is a practical place to start.

👉 View the 180C reusable range on our website