If your supplier list says "MFPP clamshell containers" and you have no idea what the MFPP part means, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions we get from restaurants and caterers across Atlantic Canada, usually right after they open a case that looks nothing like the foam boxes they used to buy. This guide walks through what MFPP clamshell containers actually are, the sizes and compartment counts you will run into, and how to pick the right one for your menu.
What does MFPP stand for?
MFPP stands for Mineral Filled Polypropylene. It is a plastic (polypropylene) blended with a mineral filler, which cuts the amount of petroleum-based plastic in each container while keeping it rigid and heat tolerant. In plain terms, an MFPP clamshell is a hinged plastic takeout box built to hold up to hot food, survive a trip through a microwave, and not crack when someone stacks three of them in a delivery bag.
That last part matters. Foam (the old white stuff) is banned or being phased out in a lot of places, and thin plastic clamshells crack in the cold. MFPP sits in the middle: sturdier than foam, more heat tolerant than standard PET plastic, and widely accepted as a foam replacement.
Are MFPP clamshell containers microwave safe?
Yes. Being microwave safe is the main reason MFPP exists. Polypropylene handles heat far better than PET or foam, so a customer can carry your food home and reheat it right in the container without it warping or leaking. Most MFPP clamshells are also freezer safe, which makes them a solid choice for prepped meals, meal-kit portions and anything a customer might hold for a day or two.
A quick caution to pass to customers: microwave safe is not oven safe. These containers are not built for a conventional oven or a broiler, and they should be kept away from direct stovetop heat.
MFPP vs foam, PET and bagasse clamshells
Choosing a clamshell usually comes down to four materials:
- MFPP (mineral filled polypropylene): rigid, microwave and freezer safe, good for hot mains and reheatable meals. The workhorse foam replacement.
- Foam: cheap and insulating, but restricted under Canada's single-use plastics direction and banned in a growing list of municipalities. Most operators are moving away from it.
- PET / clear plastic: great for cold items like salads and cut fruit because you can see the food, but it is not microwave safe and gets brittle in the cold.
- Bagasse (sugarcane fibre): compostable and grease resistant, good for a green-forward brand, though it costs more and is less rigid for heavy saucy dishes.
If you serve hot food that customers reheat, MFPP is usually the answer. If you plate cold grab-and-go, a clear PET or a compostable option may fit better. Many kitchens carry two: MFPP for hot mains and PET or bagasse for cold.
Common MFPP clamshell sizes and compartment counts
Clamshells are described by their footprint and depth, in inches. The sizes you will see most often are:
- 6" x 6" x 3": single portions, sides, kids' meals, small entrées.
- 8" x 8" x 3": the everyday standard for a full main course. This is the size most kitchens order first.
- 9" x 9" x 3": larger platters, combo plates and heaped portions.
On top of the footprint, you choose a compartment count:
- 1 compartment: one open cavity for a single dish like pasta, curry or a burger and fries mixed together.
- 2 compartment: splits a main from a side so nothing runs together.
- 3 compartment: keeps a protein, a starch and a vegetable separate, popular for plate lunches, thali-style meals and combo boxes.
The 8" x 8" x 3" three-compartment container is one of the single most requested items in foodservice, which is exactly why it shows up in so many searches. MFPP clamshells are usually sold by the case, often in the range of 150 to 200 containers, so it pays to confirm the case count before you order.
| Clamshell size | Best for | Common compartments |
|---|---|---|
| 6" x 6" x 3" | Sides, kids' meals, small entrées | 1 |
| 8" x 8" x 3" | Standard single main course | 1, 2 or 3 |
| 9" x 9" x 3" | Platters, combos, large portions | 1, 2 or 3 |
Hinged clamshells vs two-piece containers
A clamshell is hinged: the lid and base are one piece that folds shut, so there is nothing to match up and no loose lid to lose. That makes them fast on a busy line and hard to mismatch. Two-piece containers (a separate base and lid) give you more depth options and stack more compactly for storage, but staff have to grab two parts and find the right lid. For high-volume takeout and delivery, the speed of a one-piece hinged clamshell usually wins.
How to choose the right clamshell for your menu
Start with your hottest, sauciest dish and size up from there. Ask three questions: Does the food need to be reheated (if yes, MFPP)? Do items need to stay separate (pick your compartment count)? And is the container going into a delivery bag where it will get stacked and jostled (favour rigid MFPP over foam or thin PET)? Match the footprint to your biggest regular portion so you are not forcing food into a box that is too small, and keep one size larger on hand for combos and family orders. You can compare options across our range of clamshell and hinged takeout containers and microwavable containers to see what fits your menu. If you are still weighing materials, our guide to foam, paper and plastic food trays breaks the trade-offs down further.
Buying MFPP clamshell containers wholesale in Atlantic Canada
Clamshells are a recurring cost, so buying them by the case at wholesale pricing adds up fast over a year. Fulji Trading stocks MFPP clamshells and a full range of takeout packaging for restaurants, cafés and caterers across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland, with cash-and-carry pickup at our Moncton warehouse on Halifax Street. If you would rather see and feel the containers before committing to a case, drop by in person or browse the shop online, and we can help you match the right size and compartment count to what you actually serve.