Food packaging has to keep products safe, fresh and appetising. Learn the key materials, food-safety requirements and presentation tips for takeaway and retail food.
Food packaging has a tougher job than most. It must protect food from contamination and damage, keep it fresh, meet food-contact regulations and still look appetising. Whether you run a café, a bakery or a packaged-food brand, these basics will help you choose well.
Choose food-safe materials
Any surface that touches food must be food-grade. Common options include:
- Kraft paperboard with food-safe coating – burger boxes, noodle boxes and pastry boxes.
- Grease-resistant paper – wraps, bags and liners for oily foods.
- Molded fibre (bagasse) – compostable clamshells and trays.
- Paper cups with aqueous lining – a more recyclable alternative to PE-lined cups.
Match the pack to the food
Hot, wet and oily foods need grease resistance and venting to avoid sogginess. Bakery items benefit from windows so customers can see the product. Cold foods and salads may need moisture-resistant liners. Always test with the actual menu item before ordering in volume.
Food safety and labelling
Use inks and adhesives rated for indirect food contact, and keep printed areas away from direct food contact unless the ink is certified for it. For retail food, plan space for ingredients, allergens, nutrition information, batch codes and best-before dates.
Presentation sells
Takeaway packaging is often photographed and shared online. A neat printed logo, a sticker seal and a branded napkin turn a simple meal into a brand moment – see how custom packaging boosts your brand.
Tip: Choose a small, consistent set of sizes. Fewer SKUs means lower costs, simpler storage and faster service.
Sustainability in food packaging
Many cities now restrict single-use plastics in food service. Paper-based and compostable options are widely available and customers prefer them. Read more in why eco-friendly packaging is the future.
Explore our food packaging range or ask us about custom printed food boxes and cups.
