Repackaging the Budget: Why Rigid Containers Might Be Holding You Back
Across hundreds of school districts and institutional meal programs, we see the same pattern: tight budgets, rising food costs, and a growing need to prep meals safely, quickly, and sustainably.
But one silent budget-killer keeps showing up: the clamshell container.
They’re familiar. Easy to grab. But they’re also eating into your storage, your per-meal costs, and your landfill contributions — quietly, consistently, and expensively.
A Quick Look at the Numbers
Consider the popular Dart 3-compartment C90PST3 clamshell. It averages $0.18 per unit and comes packed in bulky, nested cases. Our cold gusseted bags — designed for the exact same meal profile — cost closer to $0.04 per unit and ship flat by the thousands.
That’s 4.5x less per unit — before you even factor in freight or storage.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
- Storage inefficiency: Clamshells take up 4–6x more shelf space than gusseted bags.
- Freight waste: You’re shipping air — and paying for it.
- Landfill volume: One case of 500 clamshells = 500 rigid units of trash.
- Limited flexibility: One shape, one use case, limited shelf life.
Now multiply those hidden costs across every meal, every site, every week of the year.
A Better Way: Gusseted Cold Bags
Our 9" x 11" x 2.75" gusseted cold bag is engineered to replace clamshells in high-volume settings:
- Holds hot or cold meals
- Stacks flat (3,000 bags per case)
- Seals quickly with any Ekon-O-Pac tape sealer
- Reduces waste, cost, and visual clutter
It’s more than packaging. It’s a shift in how you think about portioning, labor, storage, and sustainability.
Clamshell vs. Cold Bag at a Glance
| Clamshell Container | Gusseted Cold Bag | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit | ~$0.18 | ~$0.04 |
| Case size | 500 nested | 3,000 flat |
| Storage impact | High (bulky) | Low (compact) |
| Meal visibility | Limited | High (crystal-clear) |
| Environmental load | High landfill volume | Lower material usage |
| Sealing method | Hinged snap | Tamper-evident tape |
Final Thought
You don’t need a capital equipment grant to modernize your meal program. You just need smarter packaging.
Switching from rigid clamshells to cold bags can give you:
- Lower cost per meal
- Less waste (and lower waste hauling bills)
- More prep flexibility
- Better visibility and meal presentation
Start with one swap. Run the numbers. We’ll help you every step of the way.