Lunch Al Desko: 5 Brands That Are Making Lunchboxes Cool Again
Think of lunchboxes and you may think of the brightly coloured plastic lunch boxes that were ubiquitous through the 80s and 90s (I had an E.T. one!). But I’m here to tell you that they’re cool again. Take a look at my roundup of the best food-safe reusable lunchboxes here.
This comes as a Government survey has found that 81% of people would support the banning of single use plastics such as cutlery, plates and trays. Of that number, 48% would strongly support the ban. Since the charge for plastic bags came into force in 2015, consumers are buying 97% less plastic carrier bags (from 7.4 billion down to 197 million per annum), so it’s clear that government bans are very effective!
Whether the ban does go ahead or not, it makes sense for the planet and for our wallets to be more mindful of the materials we use. For one, I’ve never been ashamed of being a lunchbox user!
5 Brands Making Lunchboxes Cool Again
1. Inka
Making Lunchboxes Chic (image courtesy: Inka World)
Inka is a sustainable brand that is committed to the notion that adult lunchboxes can be chic as well as practical. Their signature product - The Lunch Kit - comprises of a smart faux-leather bag containing two glass food containers, a sauce pot, fabric napkin and metal cutlery set. At $245 ($295 delivered to the UK, approximately £242) it’s certainly an investment, but their promise that it should last several years and its neatness do make it an attractive option for those frequently eating away from home.
2. Black + Blum
London based duo Dan Black & Martin Blum are true inventors, and their brand is one of the leading brands for reusable out of home food and drink containers. In 2010 they launched the first adult lunch box* that organised the contents beautifully and catered for Western foods. These days, they’re most known for their simple stainless steel lunchboxes and clever insulated lunch pots.
*Taking inspiration from Japanese Bento boxes, which have long been used for food on the go in Asia.
Sturdy glass lunchboxes from Franklin Lade (image courtesy of the brand)
3. Franklin Lade
Sometimes simple is best - Franklin Lade’s glass food containers are just that - straight forward food storage, done very well. Their BPA free airtight containers can be microwaved, used in the freezer and the oven and they won’t leak any curry sauce into your handbag.
4. Monbento
French brand Monbento create aesthetically pleasing bento-style lunchboxes from food-safe recycled plastics. We love their new Terracotta option, which utilises residual plastics from their other products, making it a durable and environmentally friendly.
Forget sandwiches for lunch (Image: Chilly’s)
5. Chilly’s
Finally, who says it has to be a lunch box? Chilly’s - who are well known for their insulated metal water bottles - have a range of stainless steel food pots that promise to keep foods hot (or cold) for up to 6 hours. Perfect for bringing a warming soup or hot pot into the office during the colder months.