About Us | Dart Container

Leading the Food Service Packaging Industry Since 1960

Dart Container Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of foam cups and containers, along with a comprehensive line of plastic food service products. Founded in Mason, Michigan in 1960, we have grown from a small regional manufacturer into a global leader serving food service professionals across North America and beyond.

Our success is built on an unwavering commitment to product quality, manufacturing innovation, and customer service. With over 30 manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the United States and Canada, we deliver consistent, high-quality products where and when our customers need them.

Today, Dart Container employs over 13,000 people and produces more than 5 billion units annually, supplying quick service restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and catering operations with the packaging solutions they depend on every day.

Our Journey of Innovation

Major milestones in Dart Container's 60+ year history

1960

Company Founded

William F. Dart founded Dart Container Corporation in Mason, Michigan, initially producing egg cartons and meat trays from polystyrene foam. The first facility occupied just 5,000 square feet with 12 employees.

1973

Foam Cup Innovation

Introduced the industry's first insulated foam cup, revolutionizing hot beverage service. The innovative design eliminated the need for separate sleeves, setting a new standard for thermal performance that competitors still struggle to match today.

1985

National Expansion

Opened manufacturing facilities in California and Georgia, establishing coast-to-coast distribution capability. This strategic expansion reduced shipping times and costs for customers nationwide, positioning Dart as a true national supplier.

1998

Plastic Container Line Launch

Expanded beyond foam products to include clear plastic containers for deli, bakery, and fresh food applications. This diversification positioned Dart as a comprehensive packaging supplier rather than a single-material manufacturer.

2005

ISO 9001 Certification

Achieved ISO 9001:2000 quality management certification across all manufacturing facilities, validating our commitment to consistent product quality and continuous improvement. This certification gave customers confidence in our manufacturing processes.

2012

Recycling Network Established

Launched North America's largest polystyrene foam recycling program with drop-off locations across the U.S. and Canada. This initiative demonstrated our commitment to environmental responsibility beyond regulatory requirements.

2018

SQF Level 3 Certification

Earned SQF (Safe Quality Food) Level 3 certification - the highest recognition in the food safety industry. This achievement reflects our industry-leading quality control systems and rigorous testing protocols.

2024

Sustainability Milestone

12 of our 30 facilities achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status. Combined with 28% energy reduction since 2015, these achievements demonstrate that high-volume manufacturing can align with environmental stewardship.

Dart Container by the Numbers

Scale and capabilities that serve the food service industry

60+

Years in Business

13,000+

Employees Nationwide

30+

Manufacturing Facilities

5B+

Units Produced Annually

10,000+

Customers Served

50

States & Canada

Industry-Leading Certifications

Quality and safety validated by independent certification bodies

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management System certification across all facilities since 2005

ISO 14001:2015

Environmental Management System demonstrating commitment to sustainability

SQF Level 3

Highest level food safety certification in the industry achieved in 2018

FDA Compliant

All products meet FDA requirements for food contact materials (21 CFR 177.1520)

Manufacturing Excellence

State-of-the-art facilities delivering consistent quality

Advanced Production Technology

Our manufacturing facilities utilize industry-leading automation and quality control systems. Each production line is equipped with real-time monitoring technology that detects and prevents defects before products reach customers.

Automated Inspection Systems: Vision systems inspect 100% of products for defects at speeds exceeding 500 units per minute
Climate Control: Precision temperature and humidity control ensures consistent material properties year-round
Process Monitoring: Real-time data tracking across 200+ parameters per production line
Preventive Maintenance: Predictive analytics minimize downtime and ensure consistent production schedules

Quality Assurance

Quality control begins with raw material testing and continues through every production stage. Our laboratories test products against both internal specifications and customer requirements.

Material Testing: Every incoming resin lot is tested for compliance with specifications before production
In-Process Checks: Hourly sampling and testing throughout production runs
Performance Validation: Products are tested for strength, leak resistance, and thermal performance
Third-Party Verification: Independent labs validate our testing results quarterly

About Dart Container

Leading the Food Service Packaging Industry Since 1960

Our Journey of Innovation