As kids head back to school and we head back to work, it’s the perfect time to rethink our lunchbox routine. Packing lunches might feel like just another chore, but what you put in those boxes matters, not just for your taste buds, but for your health and the planet. So before you pack food into that trusty plastic sandwich bag, you might want to consider some safer, reusable alternatives...

Why people are ditching plastic sandwich bags 

If you’re still reaching for plastic sandwich bags, you’re not alone, they’re convenient, cheap, and easy. But here’s the catch: even the ones marketed as “microwave safe” or “freezer friendly” can be quietly leaching microplastics into your food.

In fact, a recent class action lawsuit against the well-known brand Ziploc claims their plastic bags release tiny plastic particles every time they’re microwaved or frozen...not exactly something you want in your lunch. These tiny plastic particles can accumulate in your body and even carry PFAS, those pesky “forever chemicals”. You can learn more about PFAS here.

It’s also not just about what goes in your body, it’s about what goes into the planet too. According to Clean Up Australia, an estimated 180 million single-use plastic bags end up in Australia's environment each year. Ditching disposable plastics is a win for your health and the environment, and it doesn’t have to be hard.

Top 3 Plastic-free sandwich bag options 

Luckily, there are plenty of safe, reusable alternatives to keep snacks fresh, lunches tidy, and your conscience clear. Here are some of our top picks:

1. LGFB-certified silicone food pouches

These flexible little heroes are perfect for sandwiches, snacks, and even leftovers. Our reusable silicone food pouches are made from 100% LFGB-certified food-grade silicone. Durable, leak-proof, and dishwasher-safe, they handle freezing down to -40°C and reheating like a champ up to 200°C.

2. Reusable beeswax wraps and vegan wax wraps 

These colourful, Aussie-made Honeybee Wraps stick without zips, seals, or fuss. Made from natural materials like beeswax, cotton, and tree resin, they’re perfect for wrapping sandwiches, cheese, fruit or even covering bowls. Even better, they're reusable for up to a year, can be rejuvenated with a refresher bar and are compostable at the end of their life, looove! 

3. Plastic-free containers & bento boxes  

Durable, safe, and super versatile, stainless steel containers and bento boxes are tough enough to survive the roughest backpacks (trust me), they won’t leach chemicals, and will keep food fresh. Food-grade silicone containers are flexible, lightweight and will handle freezing or reheating like a pro. For older kids and adults, glass containers are also a great non-toxic and reusable option. They won't absorb smells or colours, making them ideal for hot or cold meals.

How plastic-free alternatives can save you money 

Making the switch from single-use plastic to safe and reusable alternatives doesn’t just keep lunches plastic-free, it’s smart for your wallet too. One disposable sandwich bag a day adds up to around 200 bags a year for a single child. Multiply that across the whole family, and you’ve got a mountain of costly plastic waste.

Reusable silicone food pouches, beeswax wraps, stainless steel and silicone containers pay for themselves after just a few months, and help keep thousands of plastic bags (and all that microplastic) out of landfills and oceans. That’s a win-win for your health, your wallet, and the planet.

Start packing smarter, safer lunches today

Ditching plastic lunch gear might seem small, but for back-to-school and back-to-work routines, it can have a big impact. To help kick off 2026 with a sustainable lunch packing upgrade, we’re giving you 15% off Ever Eco bento boxes, cutlery... plus 15% off back-to-school and essentials, including eco-friendly earth pens and reusable notebooks.

Ready to feel good knowing you’re doing right by your body, your kids, and the planet?Here's to packed lunches that are safe, sustainable, and stress-free! 

With Love, 
Ellie xoxo

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FAQ Summary: Plastic-Free Sandwich Bag Alternatives for Back-to-School and Work Lunches 

Q1: Why should I avoid plastic sandwich bags?

Plastic bags and containers, even those labelled “microwave safe,” can leach microplastics and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) into food. These chemicals may accumulate in the body and have long-term health risks, making reusable alternatives a safer choice.

Q2: What are the best plastic-free lunchbox alternatives?

Top options include reusable silicone food pouches, beeswax wraps, stainless steel containers, food-grade silicone containers, and glass containers. They keep food fresh, are durable, and eliminate single-use plastic waste.

Q3: Are silicone and glass containers safe for heating food?

Yes. Food-grade silicone containers handle freezing and reheating up to 200°C, while glass containers are safe for microwaves (just take the lid off) and dishwashers, making them convenient for back-to-school and back-to-work meals.

Q4: How long do beeswax wraps  and vegan food wraps last?

High-quality beeswax wraps and vegan food wraps last up to one year with proper care. They can be refreshed with a beeswax refresher bar and are fully compostable at the end of their life.

Q5: Can using reusable lunchware save money?

Absolutely. One disposable sandwich bag a day adds up to over 200 per year per child. Switching to silicone pouches, beeswax wraps, or reusable containers pays for itself in months while reducing plastic waste.

Q6: Are stainless steel containers suitable for kids’ lunches?

Yes. Food-grade stainless steel containers are durable, non-toxic, and withstand rough handling in schoolbags, making them ideal for snacks, dips, and leftovers.

Q7: Do these plastic-free alternatives help the environment?

Yes. Each reusable bag, wrap, or container prevents single-use plastics from entering landfills and oceans. For example, Australia discards an estimated 180 million plastic bags yearly, which reusable options can significantly reduce.