Looking for an eco-friendly tray that keeps your meals neat and separated? 5 compartment bagasse plates are the ideal choice for full meals in schools, food delivery, catering, and events. These trays are strong, compostable, and perfectly designed to hold multiple food items without mixing flavours or leaking sauces.
At Ask Packaging, we help UK food businesses reduce plastic waste by offering compostable packaging that works. Whether you’re running a school cafeteria or a takeaway kitchen, our 5 compartment trays give you a clean, green way to serve full meals without mess or waste.
5 compartment bagasse plates are eco meal trays made from sugarcane pulp. They offer five individual sections for full meal separation, are compostable, microwave-safe, and ideal for food delivery, catering, and institutional use in the UK.
What Are 5 Compartment Bagasse Plates?
5 compartment bagasse plates are strong, disposable meal trays made from the leftover fibres of sugarcane. This natural material — known as bagasse — is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Each tray includes one large section and four smaller ones, making it perfect for meals with multiple items like rice, curry, vegetables, salads, and sauces.
This design makes them an excellent choice for:
- Bento-style food trays
- School lunch programs
- Hospital and care home meals
- Meal prep and takeaway packaging
They’re part of our larger Bagasse Plates collection, which includes multiple sizes and styles for different food service needs.
Benefits of Using 5 Compartment Bagasse Plates in the UK
In the UK, more food services are moving toward sustainable packaging. 5 compartment bagasse plates offer a better alternative to plastic trays because they’re not only environmentally friendly — they’re also more practical.
Full Meal Separation
Each of the five compartments holds a different part of the meal, so there’s no mixing. Gravy stays in its place, rice stays dry, and salad stays crisp.
Compostable and Plastic-Free
Bagasse decomposes naturally within 60–90 days. These plates don’t end up in landfills or oceans like plastic trays do.
Microwave & Freezer Safe
You can reheat meals directly in the tray or freeze them for later. The structure holds up under heat and cold without breaking down.
Strong and Leak-Proof
These trays are built to hold full meals, including hot liquids, without leaking or bending. They’re more durable than flimsy paper or foam alternatives.
Need something smaller for compact meals? Try our 3 compartment plates for the same sustainable benefits in a simplified design.
Eco Meal Trays Ideal for Delivery, Catering & Institutions
5 compartment bagasse plates are especially popular in food delivery and institutional meal settings because they solve key problems:
- Keeps different foods from mixing during transport
- Maintains food freshness and presentation
- Disposable and compostable — no washing required
- Reduces cross-contamination risk in healthcare settings
- Suitable for portion-controlled diets and meal plans
This makes them a smart solution for:
- Meal kit services
- School and college canteens
- NHS hospitals and private care homes
- Wedding and event catering
- Street food and food truck packaging
If you’re packaging hot meals for takeaway, check out our food container 500cc — a great companion for soups or side dishes.
How These Trays Compare to Reusable Meal Trays
Some kitchens still use plastic or metal trays, but these have limitations:
| Feature | Bagasse Tray | Reusable Plastic Tray |
|---|---|---|
| Eco-Friendly: | ✅ | ❌ |
| No Cleaning Required: | ✅ | ❌ |
| Time-Saving: | ✅ | ❌ |
| Plastic-Free: | ✅ | ❌ |
Bagasse trays help you save time, reduce labour, and cut down on water usage — all while keeping your meals neat and well-presented.
Want to send your meals with sustainable carry bags? Try our kraft paper bags 10×10″, perfect for takeaway packaging.
Our 5 Compartment Disposable Plate – Product Details
➡️ View Product: 5 Compartment Disposable Plate
Specifications:
- Made from renewable sugarcane fibre
- Divided into 5 compartments for full meal service
- Leak-proof, microwave-safe, and freezer-safe
- 100% compostable and plastic-free
- Strong enough for heavy and saucy meals
It pairs well with our wooden cutlery range and paper napkins to build complete eco meal kits.
Who Should Use 5 Compartment Bagasse Plates?
These 5 compartment disposable plates are especially well-suited for:
- UK schools and universities needing eco meal trays for daily lunches
- Hospitals and care homes offering safe, separate meals for patients
- Meal prep companies delivering bulk or diet-specific portions
- Caterers and wedding planners serving multiple dish combinations
- Takeaway outlets offering full meals in one tray
The bagasse plates category also includes round and oval plates for simpler servings — ideal for side dishes or desserts.
Environmental Benefits of Using Bagasse Meal Trays
Bagasse trays are made from sugarcane pulp — a by-product that would otherwise go to waste. Using these eco-friendly meal trays helps:
- Divert agricultural waste from landfills
- Reduce carbon emissions compared to plastic manufacturing
- Support closed-loop composting systems in the UK
They’re certified compostable and align with the UK’s growing movement toward zero-waste packaging in food service.
How to Store and Handle 5 Compartment Plates
Proper storage extends the usability of your 5 compartment bagasse trays:
- Store in a cool, dry environment
- Keep away from direct moisture or humidity
- Ideal storage temperature: 5°C to 35°C
- Stacks neatly for space-saving inventory management
Once used, simply dispose of the trays in composting bins or green waste streams, following local council guidelines.
Other Smart Packaging Options from Ask Packaging
If you’re planning to offer zero-waste meals, build a complete kit with these supporting products:
- Wooden knives 16cm – no plastic, sturdy, compostable
- 240ml bagasse bowls – perfect for side servings
- Paper napkins 1Ply – soft, hygienic, eco-conscious
- Food containers 375cc – ideal for rice, dips, sauces
All options align with UK composting standards and help your food business stay ahead of green legislation.
FAQs – 5 Compartment Bagasse Plates
What are 5 compartment bagasse plates used for?
5 compartment bagasse plates are used to serve full meals with separated components such as mains, sides, sauces, and salads. They’re ideal for schools, hospitals, and catering services across the UK.
Are these trays microwave-safe?
Yes, bagasse meal trays are microwave-safe and can handle hot foods and reheating without losing shape or leaking.
How long do bagasse plates take to decompose?
Bagasse plates decompose in about 60–90 days under commercial composting conditions, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.
Can I use them for food delivery?
Absolutely. These 5 compartment plates are perfect for food delivery because they prevent mixing and maintain food presentation during transport.
Are 5 compartment disposable plates are better than plastic meal trays?
Yes. Bagasse trays are compostable, plastic-free, and save time because they don’t require washing. They’re safer for the environment and your brand reputation.
