Nearly 70% of people are ordering as much takeout or delivery than they did before the pandemic, according to Deloitte’s 2023 report “The Future of Restaurants: The New Normal and Beyond,” and as the demand for takeout and delivery continues to surge, so does the need for packaging that offers both security and convenience, says Marlene Bautista, product portfolio manager of Inline Plastics. A move towards sustainable packaging has also become increasingly important as consumers have grown to expect it and policy in some cities and states has evolved to require it.
“Consumers want to be sure that their food stays secure and fresh, no matter where it’s going or who’s handling it,” Bautista says. “Safe-T-Chef® was created to deliver exactly that—protection at every step, from kitchen to consumer.”
Launched in 2022, the Safe-T-Chef® product line was the first polypropylene packaging product line for hot food applications to feature tamper-protection technology. A game-changer for restaurants, convenience stores, foodservice providers, grocers and processors because it could safeguard the freshness and security of the contents, the innovative line and its patented technology were designed to protect hot foods from preparation to delivery and distribution.
A clear vision
Responding to an increasingly savvy consumer base that values transparency and product visibility, the company took its packaging to the next level, creating an all-clear polypropylene product line, as well as the introduction of anti-fog technology. In 2023, Safe-T-Chef® containers—already known for their high-clarity, 360-degree smooth walls—enhanced its vented options with an innovative anti-fog feature that addresses one of the most common challenges in hot food packaging: condensation. By preventing fog buildup inside the containers, the anti-fog technology ensures that food stays visible and appetizing, even when packed hot and displayed under heat lamps.
“Today’s consumers are more concerned than ever with what they’re eating and how it’s presented,” Bautista noted. “By adding the anti-fog technology, we’re not just improving the visibility of the food, we’re making it more appealing. When consumers can clearly see the food, they’re more likely to choose it, helping our customers boost their sales while reducing waste.”
A customer-driven approach
In line with its customer-centric approach, Inline Plastics also expanded its Safe-T-Chef® offerings to include flat-lid options for its 5×5 and 9×6 containers. This new lid style caters to foodservice operators looking for a more compact packaging solution, while still offering the signature features that make Safe-T-Chef® a standout: Tamper protection, leak resistance, high clarity and ease of transport. The flat-lid design provides a sleek option for applications where extra height isn’t necessary and there is a need for efficient storage on the shelf.
“We’re constantly listening to our customers, and the introduction of the flat-lid design is a direct response to their feedback,” Bautista said. “Whether operators need less head space, better shelf utilization, or simply a cleaner aesthetic, this new option provides the flexibility to meet diverse packaging needs.”

The Safe-T-Chef® line represents Inline Plastics’ commitment to evolving alongside the foodservice and retail industries. With a range of sizes and features, the product line offers unparalleled versatility, including:
- A single-piece clamshell design that streamlines inventory management
- 22 sizes and capacity options to fit a variety of hot food applications
- Deep stacking rails for visually appealing, multi-level merchandising
- SureGrip® technology for easier handling and resealing
- Compatibility with Inline Plastics’ own automated equipment
- Vented and non-vented options
- Leak-resistant seal
- Microwave- and dishwasher-safe convenience
- Modern design with scoopable corners for easy food access
Inline Plastics’ forward-thinking approach to packaging design is not just about keeping up with trends — it’s about setting new standards. Manufactured exclusively at the company’s facility in Conyers, Ga., Safe-T-Chef® is the third product line in Inline Plastics’ portfolio, joining the widely respected Safe-T-Fresh® and Essentials lines. By continually developing packaging solutions that balance innovation, security and sustainability, Inline Plastics is helping foodservice operators and retailers meet the challenges of today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.
As the packaging landscape continues to change, Inline Plastics aims to remain at the forefront, providing modern, flexible and consumer-friendly solutions that help the food industry thrive.
Recent related stories:
- Pack Expo 2024: The future of sustainable packaging, automation
- Diverse voices and viewpoints add flavor to food trends forecasts
- FMI searches for the next disruptors of grocery technology
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