Zhongxin supplies international packaging groups and serves end-use applications for leading foodservice, retail, and supermarket brands.
This guide helps foodservice buyers compare compostable clamshell sizes, compartments, MOQ, certifications, and bulk sourcing options.
| Size | Compartments | Best For | MOQ | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inch | 1 | Burgers, snacks, desserts | 100,000 pcs | Bagasse molded fiber |
| 8 inch | 1 / 2 | Fast food, lunch sets | 100,000 pcs | Bagasse molded fiber |
| 9 inch | 1 / 3 | Meal boxes, combo meals | 100,000 pcs | Bagasse molded fiber |
Request product catalog, size list, and samples from Zhongxin.
If you only need a fast starting point, choose the clamshell size by menu weight, food height, sauce level and whether the meal needs separation. This quick table helps buyers compare 6 inch, 8 inch and 9 inch bagasse clamshell samples before a bulk order.
| Nominal Size | Best Menu Fit | Common Layout | Buyer Check Before Ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 inch | Burgers, snacks, pastries, small rice or noodle portions | Single compartment | Confirm lid height, burger height, sauce level and stacking stability. |
| 8 inch | Standard takeaway meals, rice dishes, noodles, deli portions | Single or two compartment | Test real menu fill, lid closure and delivery stacking before confirming carton quantity. |
| 9 inch | Large meals, combo meals, school meals, hospital meals and portion-separated programs | Three compartment or multi-compartment | Check compartment ratio, usable cavity depth, food movement and container loading cost. |
Sample request tip: ask for one 6 inch, one 8 inch and one 9 inch sample set with carton packing data, then test the exact menu rather than judging by nominal size alone.
For MOQ, sample review and product-level sourcing details, use the compostable clamshell containers for bulk sourcing page after confirming the size range.
Bagasse clamshell container sizes matter more than many buyers expect. A 6-inch box may work for snacks, an 8-inch box may fit most takeaway meals, and a 9-inch multi-compartment format may be the only practical option for group meals or hospital trays. Choosing the wrong size can increase leakage, food waste, delivery complaints, and packaging cost.
This guide compares 6-inch, 8-inch, and 9-inch bagasse clamshell container sizes for foodservice buyers, distributors, and sugarcane clamshell wholesale projects. It covers molded pulp clamshell specifications, bagasse food container dimensions, load capacity, compartment layouts, forming processes, and customization options.
Clamshell containers are one of the most widely used formats in takeaway and prepared food packaging. The global disposable food packaging market is estimated at USD 42 billion to USD 75 billion depending on calculation scope, while clamshell packaging accounts for roughly USD 8.9 billion to USD 11 billion.
Compared with plastic clamshells, bagasse food containers are made from renewable sugarcane fiber and can support plastic-reduction policies. For buyers replacing EPS or PP containers, the molded fiber clamshell format is familiar to restaurants, delivery riders, retail shelves, and end users.
The sourcing challenge is not whether to use clamshells. The real issue is how to choose the right bagasse clamshell container sizes for each menu format. An 8-inch container may barely fit fried rice, but it may overflow when used for three-compartment meals.
For foodservice brands, the wrong compartment design can also create slow-moving inventory. A three-compartment model may look flexible, but one compartment layout may sit unused for months if it does not match the actual menu.
The three most common bagasse clamshell container sizes are 6 inch, 8 inch, and 9 inch. Buyers should compare them by food volume, portion structure, sauce level, delivery stacking, and channel use.
The table below is based on Zhongxin’s current 6-9 inch clamshell specification sheet. It adds model-level dimensions, compartment options, unit weight, carton quantity and carton size so buyers can compare real SKU data before requesting samples or container-load quotes.
Source note: the source sheet lists external closed dimensions, product weight, packing quantity and carton size. It does not list internal cavity dimensions, exact usable liquid capacity, gross carton weight or loaded carton net weight. Those items should be confirmed from technical drawings, sample fill tests and final quotation documents before purchase orders are issued.
| Model | Product | External Size (mm) | Internal Size | Capacity | Compartments | Unit Weight | Carton Quantity | Carton Size | Net / Gross Weight | Best-Fit Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT061 | 6" Burger Box | 152 x 152 x 44/75 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 300-400 ml / 10-14 oz size class; confirm exact usable capacity by fill test. | Single compartment | 21 g | 125 x 4 = 500 pcs/ctn | 48 x 32 x 31.5 cm | Approx. 10.5 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Burgers, snacks, small pasta or noodle portions, pastries, small rice meals. |
| KY61 | EU 6" Burger Box | 155 x 152 x 49/78 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 300-400 ml / 10-14 oz size class; confirm exact usable capacity by fill test. | Single compartment | 21 g | 50 x 10 = 500 pcs/ctn | 52.5 x 32 x 31.5 cm | Approx. 10.5 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Burgers, snacks, small pasta or noodle portions, pastries, small rice meals. |
| PCT081 | 8" Clamshell | 220 x 200 x 45/77 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 800-1000 ml / 27-34 oz size class for standard depth. | Single compartment | 38 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 45 x 39 x 21 cm | Approx. 7.6 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Burgers, pasta, rice meals, salads, standard takeaway entrees. |
| PCT082 | 8" 2-Compartment Clamshell | 220 x 200 x 45/77 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 800-1000 ml / 27-34 oz total size class; confirm compartment volumes by sample. | Two compartments | 38 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 45 x 41 x 21 cm | Approx. 7.6 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Rice plus side dish, combo meals, pasta plus salad, separated hot/cold portions. |
| PCT083 | 8" 3-Compartment Clamshell | 220 x 200 x 45/77 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 800-1000 ml / 27-34 oz total size class; confirm compartment volumes by sample. | Three compartments | 38 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 45 x 36 x 21 cm | Approx. 7.6 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Rice plus protein plus vegetables, meal sets, school meals, catering, hospital meals. |
| PCT091 | 9" Clamshell | 235 x 230 x 50/80 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 1200-1500 ml / 41-51 oz size class for full 9-inch format. | Single compartment | 42 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 48 x 36 x 24 cm | Approx. 8.4 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Large burgers, salads, rice meals, pasta, full takeaway entrees. |
| PCT093 | 9" 3-Compartment Clamshell | 235 x 230 x 50/80 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Approx. 1200-1500 ml / 41-51 oz total size class; confirm compartment volumes by sample. | Three compartments | 42 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 48 x 36 x 24 cm | Approx. 8.4 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Rice plus protein plus vegetables, meal sets, school meals, catering, hospital meals. |
| PCT096 | 9" x 6" Clamshell | 230 x 158 x 46/80 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by sample fill test. | Single compartment | 30 g | 125 x 2 = 250 pcs/ctn | 47 x 32 x 24 cm | Approx. 7.5 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Long-format sandwiches, rice meals, pasta, snack sets, deli meals. |
| PCT097 | 9" x 6" 2-Compartment Clamshell | 251 x 166 x 47/63 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by sample fill test. | Two compartments | 32 g | 125 x 2 = 250 pcs/ctn | 52.5 x 33.5 x 26 cm | Approx. 8.0 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Rice plus side dish, pasta plus salad, sandwich sets, deli meals, combo meals. |
| PC081 | 8" Shallow Clamshell | 205 x 205 x 40/65 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Lower than standard-depth 8-inch models; confirm by sample fill test. | Single compartment | 33 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 42 x 33.5 x 21 cm | Approx. 6.6 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Burgers, sandwiches, dry meals, salad portions, lower-profile takeaway meals. |
| PC083 | 8" 3-Compartment Shallow Clamshell | 205 x 205 x 40/65 | Not listed in source sheet; confirm by drawing or sample. | Lower than standard-depth 8-inch models; confirm by sample fill test. | Three compartments | 33 g | 100 x 2 = 200 pcs/ctn | 42 x 33.5 x 21 cm | Approx. 6.6 kg product net weight before bag/carton weight; gross weight not listed. | Separated light meals, school lunches, catering sides, rice plus two side dishes. |
| Layout | Available Models in This Sheet | Typical Food Use |
|---|---|---|
| Single compartment | PCT061, KY61, PCT081, PCT091, PCT096, PC081 | Burgers, pasta, rice meals, salads, sandwiches, dry takeaway meals. |
| Two compartments | PCT082, PCT097 | Rice plus side dish, pasta plus salad, hot/cold separation, combo meals. |
| Three compartments | PCT083, PCT093, PC083 | Rice, protein and vegetables; school meals; catering; hospital or nutrition meals. |
| Four compartments | Not listed in this 6-9 inch source sheet. | Can be discussed as an OEM/ODM layout when buyers need more portion separation. |
| Item | Guidance for Buyers |
|---|---|
| Microwave use | Suitable for short microwave reheating when the product has no metallic printing. Confirm the exact test condition by SKU and destination market. |
| Freezer use | Suitable for frozen storage applications. For heavy or high-moisture food, use tray support and test stacking before bulk orders. |
| Oil and water resistance | Standard bagasse barrier performance is suitable for common takeaway meals; greasy, saucy or long-hold foods should be tested with the real menu. Coated or upgraded barrier options can be discussed for demanding use cases. |
| Heat resistance | Works for hot foodservice packaging and short reheating. Buyers should confirm the target temperature, heating duration and food-contact documents for the selected SKU. |
| Standard product MOQ | Bulk order MOQ is typically from 100,000 pieces per SKU. Samples can be requested before bulk confirmation. |
| Custom product MOQ | Custom molds, private-label printing, special colors or compartment changes should be confirmed by project. MOQ commonly starts from qualified bulk volumes and depends on mold, artwork, packing and annual demand. |
A 6-inch clamshell is mainly used for small takeaway portions, snacks, pastries, sushi sets, and product sampling. It is usually the lowest-cost option and works well when portion control matters.
Zhongxin’s 6-inch clamshell reference size is 152 × 152 × 44/75 mm. It is suitable for small fried rice portions, noodles, baked goods, and sushi platters.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | 152 × 152 mm |
| Height | 44 mm body / 75 mm closed lid |
| Capacity | Approx. 350 ml |
| Single-Compartment Load | Within 500 g |
| Best Use Cases | Small fried rice or noodles, bakery items, sushi platters |
The advantage is clear: low unit cost and easy distribution. The limitation is also clear: it cannot handle large meal portions or multi-dish formats.
The 8-inch clamshell is the most universal format for foodservice buyers. It fits Chinese fast food, mixed rice meals, light salads, and standard takeaway combinations.
For most distributors, the 8-inch format is the best starting point for sugarcane clamshell wholesale. It balances capacity, cost, handling convenience, and storage efficiency better than most other sizes.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | Approx. 205 × 205 mm |
| Height | 50-60 mm |
| Total Capacity | 800-1000 ml |
| Compartment Style | Half divider or diagonal divider |
| Single-Compartment Load | Within 800 g |
| Best Use Cases | Fried rice with side dish, braised chicken with rice, light salad meal sets |
The main advantage is versatility. The limitation is that it cannot handle true three-compartment or four-compartment meal separation.
The 9-inch clamshell is designed for larger meals, multi-compartment distribution, hospital meals, school meals, enterprise meal programs, and delivery platform bestsellers. It gives buyers more room for portion control and dish separation.
For buyers comparing bagasse clamshell container sizes, the 9-inch model is usually the best option when one meal includes rice, protein, vegetables, and side dishes.
Three-compartment clamshells are suitable for standard meal sets such as three dishes and rice, nutrition meals, and light meal combinations. The layout can use equal compartments or a 1:2:1 ratio.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | Approx. 230 × 230 mm |
| Height | 50-65 mm |
| Total Capacity | 1200-1500 ml |
| Compartment Ratio | 1:1:1 or 1:2:1 |
| Single-Compartment Load | 600-800 g |
| Best Use Cases | Three dishes with rice, light meal trios, hospital nutrition meals |
Four-compartment clamshells are better for smaller portions across more dishes. They are useful for hospital special meals, school lunches, and refined enterprise catering.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | Approx. 230 × 230 mm |
| Height | 45-55 mm |
| Total Capacity | 1000-1200 ml |
| Compartment Ratio | 2 × 2 square layout |
| Single-Compartment Load | 400-500 g |
| Best Use Cases | Hospital special meals, school small-portion meals, refined corporate catering |
Molded Pulp clamshells are not only defined by size. Buyers should also compare material density, forming process, heat resistance, oil resistance, microwave use, and freezer performance.
These molded pulp clamshell specifications are especially important when one supplier’s quote looks much lower than another. The size may be the same, but density, tolerance, coating, load capacity, and raw material grade may be different.
| Indicator | Dry Press Process | Wet Press Process |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.85-0.95 g/cm³ | 0.75-0.85 g/cm³ |
| Heat Resistance | -20°C to +200°C | -20°C to +120°C |
| Water and Oil Resistance | Basic version 4 hours / coated version 24+ hours | Same as dry press |
| Microwave Use | Yes, except products with metallic printing | Yes |
| Freezer Use | Yes, tray support recommended before freezing | Yes |
Dry press is often selected for higher rigidity and stronger dimensional control. Wet press is often selected for smoother surface, deeper structures, and better visual presentation.
Bagasse food container dimensions should be checked with more than a tape measure. Buyers should verify outer size, inner cavity, lid height, compartment depth, lock position, stacking clearance, and usable food volume.
Zhongxin’s mold precision can reach ±0.5 mm, compared with the industry average of around ±1.5 mm. This improves lid sealing, delivery stability, and compatibility with automated packing lines.
Better dimensional tolerance gives buyers three practical advantages. First, the lid seals better and reduces soup leakage during delivery. Second, stacking is more stable and can improve warehouse space utilization by around 15%. Third, automated packing equipment can handle the product more reliably.
For large-volume sugarcane clamshell wholesale orders, tolerance control becomes a cost issue. Poorly controlled dimensions can increase rejected goods, warehouse instability, and delivery complaints.
The best way to choose bagasse clamshell container sizes is to start with the food type and distribution channel. Buyers should test real food portions before confirming bulk orders.
| Food Type | Recommended Size | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Fried rice / noodles, small portion | 6-inch single compartment | Controls cost and avoids oversizing |
| Fried rice + stir-fried dish | 8-inch two compartment | Most universal meal combination |
| Three dishes with rice | 9-inch three compartment | Separates dishes and reduces flavor mixing |
| Hospital nutrition meals | 9-inch four compartment | Small portions with more dish variety |
| Bakery and pastries | 6-inch or custom rounded format | Better display effect for light products |
| BBQ delivery | 8-inch coated model | High oil content requires stronger barrier performance |
A pulp packaging container should match the actual meal structure. Over-sizing increases cost, while under-sizing increases leakage and customer complaints.
| Channel | Recommended Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meituan / Ele.me delivery | Mainly 8-inch | Universal format and easy for riders to handle |
| Private group buying | 6-inch + 8-inch combination | Covers different household portion needs |
| Chain restaurant brands | 9-inch three or four compartment | Supports consistent brand presentation |
| Supermarket prepared meals | 8-inch steam-resistant model | Should withstand temperatures above 100°C where required |
| Exhibitions and event meals | 6-inch eco model | Cost-controlled and easy to distribute |
Channel selection affects more than volume. It affects user handling, loading, rider delivery, shelf display, and repurchase expectations.
Standard bagasse clamshell container sizes do not fit every foodservice project. When menu structure, brand positioning, or distribution method is different, customization becomes necessary.
Zhongxin’s ODM support allows buyers to adjust compartments, ratios, lid height, surface treatment, and printing options. For chain brands and distributors, this can reduce product mismatch and slow-moving inventory.
Custom compartment layouts can solve problems that standard three-compartment and four-compartment containers cannot handle.
Available options include:
Custom compartment count, from single-compartment to six-compartment structures
Custom ratios, such as 1:2:1 asymmetric layouts
Special cavity shapes, including rounded corners, angled corners, and drainage groove designs
Raised lids to support saucy food, taller stacking, and larger food volume
For custom molded fiber clamshell projects, buyers should test actual food placement before confirming the mold. A good-looking layout on screen may not fit the real meal portion.
| Process | Best Use Case | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|
| Natural color or white | General foodservice use | Low |
| Offset logo printing | Chain brands | Medium |
| Full-color printing | Premium custom packaging | High |
| Partial UV | Gift box and high-end packaging | Medium-high |
| Embossing / debossing | Texture upgrade and brand mark | Medium |
Printing and surface treatment must be checked against food-contact and compostability requirements. If a product is used for export, confirm ink safety and certification coverage before production.
Before placing a bulk order, buyers should request a technical specification sheet and physical samples. The specification sheet should include outer dimensions, inner cavity, lid height, compartment ratio, material density, coating type, load capacity, and microwave or freezer suitability.
Bagasse food container dimensions should be tested with the actual food menu. Buyers should fill the sample with real food, close the lid, stack several units, and simulate delivery vibration.
For wholesale buyers, carton size and container loading are also important. Even a small difference in product height can change how many units fit in a carton or shipping container.
The most practical approach is to test at least two bagasse clamshell container sizes before confirming mass production. One size may look cheaper per unit, but the better size may reduce food waste, complaints, and repacking labor.
The nominal size usually refers to the approximate lid diameter. A 6-inch clamshell is about 152-155 mm wide with 300-400 ml capacity. An 8-inch model is around 205 mm with 800-1000 ml capacity. A 9-inch model is around 230 mm with 1200-1500 ml capacity.
Yes, bagasse clamshells can hold liquids for short periods when the barrier treatment is suitable. Standard coating usually provides 4+ hours of oil resistance, while premium coating can reach 24+ hours. For soups above 100 ml, a separate soup container or lid overlap upgrade is recommended.
A 6-inch single-compartment container supports up to about 500 g. An 8-inch two-compartment container supports up to about 800 g per compartment. A 9-inch three-compartment container supports 600-800 g per compartment, while a four-compartment model usually supports 400-500 g per compartment.
Choose three-compartment containers for meals with one main protein and two sides, such as standard lunch portions. Choose four-compartment containers for hospital meals, school lunches, or smaller portions across more dishes. Three-compartment layouts allow flexible ratios, while four-compartment layouts support portion discipline.
Custom compartment layouts usually need new mold development, taking about 26-42 days from 3D confirmation to production-ready tooling. Mold costs commonly range from RMB 30,000-80,000 depending on cavity complexity. Minor modifications using existing molds may take 5-7 days and cost less.
For general takeaway meals, the 8-inch clamshell is usually the best starting point. It fits common fried rice, noodle, and rice-with-dish formats while keeping cost under control. If the meal includes three dishes or larger portions, a 9-inch three-compartment model is safer.
Most bagasse clamshell containers can be used for short microwave reheating when there is no metallic printing. Buyers should verify the exact model and test conditions. For foodservice use, request heat resistance data, microwave test results, and confirmation that the surface treatment is food-contact safe.
Buyers should check outer size, inner cavity, lid height, compartment ratio, density, tolerance, load capacity, coating type, microwave use, freezer use, and carton packing. Molded pulp clamshell specifications should match the actual food menu, delivery conditions, and destination market compliance requirements.
When selecting a bagasse clamshell size, verify the meal type, portion weight, compartment requirement, lid closure, stacking test, carton quantity, and destination market compliance documents.
This hub helps US restaurants, distributors, importers, and private-label foodservice buyers compare FDA food-contact documents, PFAS-free evidence, BPI compostability checks, and compostable clamshell sourcing options before requesting samples or quotations.
Start here when you need food-contact documents and supplier evidence for molded fiber or bagasse food packaging used in the United States.
Use these guides to check PFAS-free claims with test reports, supplier declarations, and practical evidence before bulk sourcing.
These resources help buyers compare BPI, EN 13432, and home compost evidence when evaluating compostable packaging suppliers.
Use these pages to compare clamshell sizes, compartments, materials, testing checks, MOQ, carton packing, and bulk sourcing steps.
After checking the buyer guides, continue to the product pages or contact Zhongxin for samples, certificates, size lists, and quotations.
