Packing a lunch box without plastic isn’t just good for the planet- it’s better for your family too. Many conventional lunch containers and bags contain chemicals like BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC that can leach into food. Switching to plastic-free options reduces your exposure to these toxins and helps cut down on single-use packaging.
For many, it can be challenging to find truly plastic-free containers and lunch accessories- especially ones without plastic parts or petroleum-based fabrics like neoprene, polypropylene, nylon, or PVC-coated polyester.
At Biome, we’ve sought out the safest and most practical plastic-free lunch boxes , containers, wraps, and accessories to make packing a lunch without plastic simple and everyday-friendly. Read on as we share how to put together a plastic free lunch box.
🥗 Choosing Your Plastic-Free Container
To assemble a lunch box without any plastic, you will need to consider:
1️⃣ Which Type of Container Suits You Best?
Your choice depends on whether you prefer one bento style lunch box with multiple compartments, or a combination of small and large containers.
In some cases, you may only need a wrap for your sandwich or food.
2️⃣ Does It Need to Be Leak-Proof? ✅
To be leak-proof, the container or bottle needs to have a silicone seal and clips to hold in place, or a screw-top closure. Some people use a large stainless steel lunch box and place small leak-proof containers inside for dressing and dips.
Note on Silicone: Most leak-proof lids use minimal silicone seals. Silicone is a synthetic polymer, but the thin silicone seal is a minimal component and does not touch your food.
With containers that are not completely leak-proof, you can still use them for dips that are thick and not watery.
3️⃣ What Material? 🌿
- Instead of plastic, your options are metal or glass. As for metal, we recommend stainless steel of 304 or 316 grade as the safest for storing food. 201 stainless steel will rust more quickly. Other metal options include tin or aluminium.
Most glass containers on the market have plastic lids, but Biome offers Ball Mason and Kilner jars.
| Material | Pros | Cons / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (304/316) | Durable, safe, non-rusting, lightweight | 201 grade rusts faster |
| Tin or Aluminium | Lightweight | Check coatings |
| Glass (Ball Mason, Kilner) | Safe, non-reactive | Most lids are plastic—choose minimal plastic options |
Pro tip: Stainless steel is usually easiest for everyday use, cleaning, and longevity.
Recommended Plastic-Free Lunch Boxes
Here’s a roundup of Biome’s favourite plastic-free containers.
Planetbox Lunch Boxes
PlanetBox lunch boxes are popular with both kids and adults. They hold plenty of food while keeping different dishes separate. While not ideal for wet foods, the complete kits include leak-proof dippers for runny sauces (with silicone lids). The sturdy latches are designed for children aged 3 and up.
Browse our PlanetBox varieties here
Sustain-A-Bento Trio (2.0)
This deep bento box separates meals into three compartments and is easy to clean. It’s fully leak-proof with a minimal silicone seal, making it perfect for foods with dressings, sauces, or juices. The generous size can hold enough food for a full day.
Green Essentials Leak Resistant Lunch Box
Similar to the Sustain-A-Bento above, but without the compartments. A simple stainless steel lunch box with a food-grade silicone ring in the lid. It keeps food fresh and prevents leaks, even without compartments. Ideal for take-away meals or as a versatile lunch box alternative.
Buy our Leak Resistent Lunch Box here
Tiny Tin 100% Stainless Steel Container 150ml
The Tiny Tin is perfect for small snacks like nuts, dried fruit, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, or thick dips like hummus. Made entirely from stainless steel with no silicone seal, it’s compact and reusable. Not leak-proof, but excellent for dry or thick foods.
Buy our Tiny Tin here
The Sandwich Box
A medium, square stainless steel container for snacks or up to two sandwiches. Latch-free and compact, it’s a simple, no-fuss solution. 100% stainless steel, no silicone, not leak-proof.
BeesWax Food Wraps
A great alternative to plastic cling wrap, these 100% GOTs certified organic cotton wraps are coated in beeswax and coconut oil, tree resin and jojoba oil. This makes them flexible, reusable, and completely natural. They're perfect to wrap snacks by themselves, or for food in your lunch box that needs a bit more protection.
Shop beeswax wraps here.
Some Accessories for your Plastic Free Lunch Box...
Bamboo Cutlery
100% bamboo, reusable, renewable, and compostable. Lightweight and durable, it’s a perfect zero-waste alternative to disposable cutlery.
Buy our Stainless Spork here
Klean Kanteen Bottle with Bamboo Lid
A truly plastic-free lunch box needs a plastic-free water bottle too. Glass bottles are ideal- they’re easy to clean, let you see inside, and leach nothing into your drink. For younger children, though, glass may not be practical due to breakage risk. In these cases, stainless steel or insulated bottles are a safe, durable alternative, and many also keep drinks hot or cold for longer.
Check out a few of our water bottle collections here: glass, stainless, insulated, ALL.
No matter how you assemble your lunch, Biome has the tools and accessories to help you pack a safe, plastic-free lunch every day.
Check out our tips for packing a waste-free lunch box here.
