Plastic doesn't have a too good name: it's made from petroleum and you can find it as litter. Yet it is not necessarily the enemy - it is a convenient packaging material and alternatives are not always better either. What makes us less happy are the harmful substances in plastic such as plasticisers. And that gave us the idea to look for alternatives to plastic drinking cups bread bins. We ended up with stainless steel, or SS. And so we made a list of fine stainless steel lunchboxes and breadboxes from Dutch and Belgian companies with a sustainable mission.
What exactly is stainless steel a material?
Before we praise stainless steel to the skies, it is good to know a little more about this material. Stainless steel is a mixture of different metals, also called an alloy. It consists of iron, chromium, nickel and carbon and is known for its strength and rust resistance. Although stainless steel is reusable and fully recyclable, its production requires a lot of energy and raw materials. Mining metals, such as nickel and chromium, damages natural areas and emits a lot of CO2. In addition, mining and production can release harmful, toxic substances.
Remember: a stainless steel bread bin is something you choose for life
The Consumers' Association conducted research on stainless steel drinking bottles. And this research shows that a stainless steel bottle has to be used for more than 36 years to be equivalent to a reusable plastic bottle in terms of environmental impact. This makes one thing clear: if you choose stainless steel bread bin, you need to use it a lot and for a long time in order for it to really be a more sustainable choice. A big advantage of stainless steel is that it does not contain harmful substances such as plasticisers, which are present in some plastic products. We previously wrote an article on plasticisers. Moreover, stainless steel does not retain odours and flavours, so you can enjoy your sandwiches or another healthy lunch, such as a salad or the leftovers from the night before, worry-free.
The nicest stainless steel lunch boxes
We dove into our kitchen cupboard AND scoured the internet in search of the most beautiful and durable stainless steel air boxes and lunch boxes. These are our favourites! We also tell you what we could find about these companies in terms of sustainability. All examples mentioned are Dutch or Belgian entrepreneurial stories.
Strict rules for breadboxes in Europe
In Europe, strict rules apply to materials that come into contact with food and beverages. The REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) determines which chemicals are allowed, and European Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 sets additional requirements for plastics used for food and drink products. This strictly regulates harmful substances, such as certain plasticisers. Even if European companies have their products produced outside the EU, they must ensure that they comply with European legislation. Yet there are manufacturers outside Europe that do not have to adhere to such strict standards. Some cheap lunchboxes, lunch boxes and bento boxes offered through international online shops may therefore not meet European safety standards. Want to be sure you are making a safe choice? Then look out for labels and certifications such as BPA-free or REACH-certified and buy it from a European brand. Let's find out just that for you.
Klean Kanteen stainless steel bread bin
This stainless steel bread bin fits perfectly with the classic stainless steel drinking cup from Klean Kanteen. These lunch boxes are also made of 90% recycled stainless steel and designed to last for years. The lid seals tightly thanks to the silicone rim, keeping your lunch nice and fresh and preventing leaks and odours. The tumbler is available in different sizes (and colours), for both small and large appetites. Klean Kanteen is a Belgian family-run company with a sustainable mission. They are a B Corp, which means they meet strict environmental and social responsibility requirements. In addition, they are affiliated to 1% for the Planet, which means they donate 1% of their sales to charities. As icing on the cake, they are also Climate Neutral Certified, which means they offset their CO2 emissions. In short, a lunchbox you'll enjoy eating out of.
Mepal Ellipse insulated stainless steel lunch pot
Of course, we know Mepal for its handy kitchen utensils and storage boxes. This very Dutch brand has been around for over seventy years and still largely produces in the Netherlands. And that includes their handy lunch pot! Why we find this one very handy? It keeps your soup, yoghurt or pasta warm for up to six hours, or your fruit and salad nice and cool for at least 12 hours. The lunch pot has two separate compartments, so you can keep ingredients fresh until dinner time. Available in 500 ml, an ideal size for a well-filled lunch. The cap is plastic, obviously BPA-free. Mepal is B Corp-certified and scores high on social commitment, thanks in part to their partnership with a sheltered workshop and their local production. A sustainable choice for anyone who likes tasty and practical lunches!
Brabantia Make & Take stainless steel lunch box
You probably know Brabantia for its bins, laundry racks and other handy household products, but they also have sustainable lunch solutions. The Make & Take lunch box is made of stainless steel with a matching stainless steel lid. The sturdy closure ensures everything stays firmly in place. We suspect there is a silicone sealing ring in the lid for a leak-proof seal, but it is not explicitly mentioned. Why Brabantia fits on the greener list? This Dutch family-run company has been around for more than a hundred years. They are B Corp-certified, which means they have high social and environmental standards. Moreover, some products are Cradle to Cradle certified produced and their range consists of 55% recycled materials on average.
Bambaw stainless steel bread bin
Minimalist, plastic-free and made to last: the Bambaw stainless steel lunch box is a sustainable choice for your lunch on the go. This is the only bread bin made entirely of stainless steel - including the lid! Available in three sizes (800 ml, 1200 ml and 1400 ml), so whether you are a small or large eater, there is always a suitable size. Thanks to the sturdy clamps and silicone sealing ring, your lunch stays safely stored, with no mess or odours in your bag. What makes Bambaw extra special? This Belgian brand was founded by two brothers with a clear zero waste mission: to rid the world of disposable plastic. They work exclusively with ethically sourced materials and suppliers. And this bread bin is the perfect example of that: completely plastic-free, with a sturdy stainless steel lid and a silicone seal for a leak-proof experience.
Check out this lunchbox from Bambaw.
Your cutest stainless steel bread bin?
Hopefully we've helped you get started with these tips! Do you have a favourite stainless steel lunch box or lunch pot made from another sustainable material that you're totally happy with? Let us know about it! You can find the contact buttons below. Ooh, andne... here you will find the list of the cutest stainless steel drinking mugs, we also briefly picked that for you.
More sustainable tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Also see: ten tips for a plastic diet.
- Also see: the truth about plastic packaging.
Sources: consumerbond.nl, radar.avrotros.nl, antidote.nl, WHERE IS IT.nl, central government.nl, eumonitor.nl.
