Plastic packaging

Plastic remains one of the most common materials in modern food packaging. It’s used in countless applications across takeaway outlets, production lines and the wider food manufacturing industry. Its strength, ability to let people see the produce before they buy, and moisture resistance make it suitable for a wide range of food items.

Common plastics include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) - both widely used for their barrier properties and food safety. These plastic food packaging types are often recyclable and can offer long shelf life for cold or ambient food items.

Cardboard and paper packaging

Cardboard packaging plays a central role in food packaging for fast food, festival and event catering. It's practical, cost-effective and available in a wide range of formats for different food types.

Cardboard is one of the most easily recycled materials used in the food industry, and many types now come from recycled materials themselves. Some cardboard packaging can also be compostable, making it an attractive option for brands looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Compostable and biodegradable packaging

Biodegradable and compostable packaging is a practical option for fast-moving food environments where single-use service is standard. It’s commonly used at festivals, street food stalls, outdoor events and markets, where speed, convenience and straightforward disposal are all important factors.

Materials like bagasse and PLA offer practical alternatives to conventional plastics for food packaging. Bagasse is suitable for both hot and cold foods, providing durability and resistance to moisture and grease. PLA is often used for cold food applications, providing a clear, rigid container that keeps the contents visible and well presented. Both materials are industrially compostable, requiring specific conditions to decompose effectively, and should be labeled to inform customers of proper disposal practices.

iKrafts stocks a wide range of compostable packaging like trays, wraps, containers and cutlery - designed to hold up during service and fit into setups where quick and environmentally friendly disposal is a priority.

Multilayer and hybrid packaging

Multilayer packaging materials are made from different combinations of plastic, paper, foil or bioplastics. These combinations provide better insulation, leak prevention and barrier properties than single materials alone.

Examples include:

• Paper containers lined with PLA or foil for moisture resistance.
• Hybrid wraps for oily or saucy foods.
• Laminated trays used on the production line for prepared meals.

Multilayer food packaging suits acidic foods, greasy dishes and meals where freshness is critical. While recycling multilayer materials can be more complex, they support food preservation and help reduce spoilage - a trade-off many food businesses accept in exchange for better performance.

Customers judge quickly - and packaging contributes to that first impression. Whether it’s a cake box with your logo, a neat clamshell filled with fries at a street food stall or a compostable cup handed out at a summer fair, the packaging you use reinforces your brand image and values.

For bakeries , it’s about consistency and presentation. For festival traders , it’s about speed and waste management. For seasonal food service , it’s about flexibility and customer satisfaction. Whether you're serving food items at scale or targeting niche customers with gourmet takeaway, packaging materials can either elevate or undermine how your brand is perceived.