CNT's model Stenlock Plus Square #5 (C7-PRS05) 550mL food container is made of 18/8 stainless steel. It is 114x114x72mm and 250g.

Releases come in stainless steel, glass or plastic. Most are designed for freezing or heating.

Improved product safety, versatility and durability remain the key objectives of South Korea makers of food containers as they pursue differentiation in a highly saturated market. Suppliers ride the environmental protection trend by stressing the adoption of sturdy, and nontoxic and -reactive materials, which can withstand daily use that entails repeated heating or freezing. They continue to explore sealing options for consistent levels of airtightness, with some bundling vacuum devices.

CNT Korea Co. Ltd has the Stenlock stainless steel series, which does not discolor and retain odor. “Plastic food containers are very popular, but I believe consumers are bound to accept stainless steel types in the end as these are hygienic, relatively unbreakable and light,” said sales director Doo-Sam Jung. “Our products have no sharp corners, making them relatively safe to use in microwave ovens.” The maker sources nickel for 18/8 NiCr alloy from Posco.

Lock&Lock Co. Ltd presents an alternative to plastic kinds. It employs heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which surpasses commonly adopted soda lime and tempered counterparts. The LLG445 model has the manufacturer’s four-side locking lid and is oven-safe.

In the plastic category, makers such as Lock&Lock are switching from PP to polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate or PCT for its strength and chemical resistance. The maker’s current high-end models can withstand up to 400 C, making them microwave oven-compatible.

To ensure airtightness, CNT has added a patented PP rim to its plastic-lidded stainless steel food containers. It uses suction in covers to eliminate fasteners. Lock&Lock is promoting models with screw-type sealing, which it claims to exceed the four-side locking design. PST Korea includes a vacuum device, which runs on four AA batteries and works with any of the maker’s models.

To boost penetration of specific markets, suppliers offer tailor-made items. CNT has versions for infants, which come with a grater and feature popular cartoon characters. “The ratio of such food containers versus ordinary ones is as much as 8:2,” said Doo-Sam. For segments that prefer no-plastic designs, the company has models with a stainless steel body and cover.

Manufacturers adjust product storage capacity depending on preferences in shipment destinations. Models bound for the Middle East usually have 3.6 to 11.2L, those for Europe below 3.6L and for Southeast Asia 570mL.

Besides stainless steel, glass, PP and PCT, the local lineup includes PC, PET, styrene acrylonitrile and PE variants with or without fixed or removable partitions.

South Korea companies export 30 to 50 percent of output.

Product gallery

CNT Korea Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Stenlock Rectangle #5 (C7-S05)
MOQ: 12 pieces
Delivery: 7 days
Price: $6.00
Description: 18/8 stainless steel; PE sealing ring; airtight, nontoxic, dishwasher-safe, no discoloration; 560mL; 182x128x48mm, 250g

CNT Korea Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: Stenlock Plus Square #5 (C7-PRS05)
MOQ: 12 pieces
Delivery: 7 days
Price: $6.20
Description: 18/8 stainless steel; airtight; 550mL; 114x114x72mm, 250g

Lock&Lock Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: HPL81
MOQ: 2,000 pieces
Delivery: 50 days
Description: PP; silicone sealing ring; 4-side locking system; airtight; 3 million locking times; FDA, LFGB

Lock&Lock Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: LLG445
MOQ: 2,000 pieces
Delivery: 50 days
Description: Heat-resistant borosilicate glass, PP; 4-side locking system; oven-safe; FDA, LFGB

PST Korea
(South Korea)

Model: Airfree Container (Rectangle)/75-4357
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $12.74
Description: PP, silicone; microwave oven-safe; 450mL 113x113x86mm, 1,100mL 142x142x113mm, 2,200mL 170x170x139mm, 4,000mL 198x198x166mm, 6,400mL 228x228x190mm; vacuum device bundled

PST Korea
(South Korea)

Model: Airfree Container Round Set/75-4355
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $11.04
Description: ABS, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, silicone; microwave oven-safe; 400mL 105x105mm, 1,000mL 135x131mm, 2,000mL 165x157mm, 3,600mL 195x188mm, 6,000mL 225x210mm; vacuum device bundled