Plastic Lunch Box Safety: What Aussie Parents Need to Know

When it comes to packing school lunches, most parents want one thing above all: safety. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which lunch boxes are truly safe for your kids—especially when many are still made with plastic materials that degrade over time.

The Risks of Plastic Lunch Boxes

Plastic lunch boxes have long been the standard in Aussie households, but growing concerns about chemical exposure have led many parents to take a closer look. Here’s what to consider:

• Chemical leaching: Under heat or regular wear, some plastics can release chemicals into food—particularly if the container is older, scratched, or regularly microwaved.
• BPA and alternatives: While most modern plastic lunch boxes are labelled "BPA-free," that doesn’t always mean they’re completely risk-free. Some BPA alternatives (like BPS) are still being studied for their safety.
• Durability and hygiene: Plastic can warp, stain, or crack over time—especially after repeated cycles in the microwave or dishwasher—making it harder to keep clean and safe for daily use.

What to Look for in a Safer Lunch Box

Parents seeking peace of mind are increasingly exploring non-toxic lunch boxes for kids that are durable, easy to clean, and designed with safer materials. Here’s what to look for:

• Minimal plastic contact with food
• BPA-free certification
• Microwave-safe design
• Dishwasher-safe components for easy cleaning
• Long-lasting build that won’t need frequent replacement

A Trusted Alternative

If you're ready to reduce the amount of plastic in your child's daily routine, Smash offers a stainless steel range designed with safety and longevity in mind. Our lunch containers feature:

• Stainless steel bases lined with ceramic
• Food-grade silicone inserts
• BPA-free plastic lids that never go in the microwave
• A free spare parts program to extend product life

With 25 years of experience serving Aussie families, Smash continues to prioritise safety, sustainability, and everyday practicality—so you and your kids can keep smashing-it with confidence.

Explore their range of microwave-safe and non-toxic lunch boxes made for real life, from the schoolyard to the kitchen table.