a plastic container has a base and a lid hinged together by a hinge . the hinge has a series of relatively thick sections joined together by a series of relatively thin sections . the thin sections are sufficiently thin to be severed upon an initial folding of the hinge . the thick sections are sufficiently thick to remain at least partially intact during the initial folding . the container may be filled with product and closed with the hinge becoming partially severed and weakened and may be later opened with the hinge becoming completely severed to separate the base and the lid .