Egg Carton Types - The Pros & Cons

[OldGuy43]

As far as I know there are three types.

• Foamed plastic
• Cardboard like
• Clear plastic

Personally, I prefer the foam ones. I know they aren't as 'environmentally friendly', but there was a time when I was sprouting seeds, and discovered that the ones I started in foam did well, but all of the ones in the pressed paper died. It is my belief that the paper ones are acidic.

I've never had anything to do with the clear ones. I've just seen them in stores, but it seems to me that they provide very little cushioning for the eggs.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I've tried them all and have come to strongly prefer the Styrofoam cartons. The clear plastic tri-folds do not seem to cushion the eggs as well nor insulate as much as the foam. Pulp cartons are possibly more environmentally friendly being made of paper and all, but they cannot be cleaned. Once they get dirty there is nothing to be done but toss them. Styrofoam can be reused until the carton wears out then recycled. If it's dirty I can clean and sanitize them.

 

[duckinnut]

Well let me start with the plastic, just don't like them for eggs. They feel flimsy and like they are going to open every time you handle them. I will use them if someone gives me some but will put an elastic around it for security from opening. Foam I like for eggs but my egg box stamp ink won't stick to it. I know what you mean they are not environmentally friendly but my town takes them in the recycling stream. I really prefer the paper ones for eggs,cheaper to buy,more versatile for all things eggs. Once they get beat up and dirty they make great fire starters for the wood stove.

On to other uses: I know what you mean by paper used for seedlings, my eggplant had a hard time getting going in them and they soak up a lot of water. Never have used foam as a starter but sure they are OK. But plastic ones are useful for seed starters. Someone gave me a 24 egg plastic box which I used to start zucchinis. They were up in about 4/5 days. With the cover closed they act like a little greenhouse. So I use them for everything now. I only sell eggs by the dozen so when I get bigger than dozen boxes they become seeders. A couple years ago I bought this plastic contraption at Lowes for a starting seeds, it worked well but wasn't much different than a plastic egg box.

That's my opinion in an eggshell.

 

[Reurra]

My opinion, the styrofoam ones last longer and dont get all mushy when in the fridge. If an egg breaks it doesnt destroy the carton either. They dont mold and can be used even when wet!

I forgot to ask....how long is an egg good for in the fridge?

 

[OldGuy43]

But plastic ones are useful for seed starters. Someone gave me a 24 egg plastic box which I used to start zucchinis. They were up in about 4/5 days. With the cover closed they act like a little greenhouse. So I use them for everything now.

Didn't think of that. Great idea! Thanks!

 

[duckinnut]

Didn't think of that. Great idea! Thanks!

No problem. Information and knowledge are only useful if you share it with others.

My basil plants, struggling now because the weather turned damp and cool. But sprouted in 4 days these did. Of course it helped it was in the 80 degree range.

 

[cmom]

No problem. Information and knowledge are only useful if you share it with others.

My basil plants, struggling now because the weather turned damp and cool. But sprouted in 4 days these did. Of course it helped it was in the 80 degree range.

I agree, this is a great idea...

For my eggs I have also used the pulp, plastic and foam cartons. Now I just use the foam cartons for the same reasons the other posters have posted.

 

[clucknpeck]

Hi everyone, I just found this when doing some research. I am going to order my first batch of cartons for the eggs I sell. I bought some awesome labels for adozengirlz (think that's her byc name...) and I was wondering if labels stick to foam cartons? Hope that's not a dumb question, but I have never seen labels on them.
I wish I could get the plastic ones but boy are they expensive! The foam ones are by far the cheapest and you all seem to like them.

 

[cmom]

I have also used all three types, pulp, plastic and foam. I now use the foam cartons. I make my own labels and use these glue sticks. Once the glue on the labels have dried you will have a very difficult time getting the labels off of the cartons. http://www.amazon.com/Avery-Application-Permanent-Sticks-98073/dp/B0000AQODQ

.

 

[karlamaria]

I absolutely love my plastic cartons I got from murdocks. there thick plastic and heavy as heck. I got two and there nothing like those flimsy plastic ones you get from folks who put there eggs in fancy plastic cartons. I hope murdocks has the deal where you buy feed and get a carton free next year !