A Guide to Different Types of Takeaway Packaging for UK Caterers
Posted:
By:
Joe Sizeland
Posted:
Running a catering business or a busy takeaway shop means handling a constant flow of orders while keeping food fresh, safe and ready to serve. In such a competitive market, the packaging materials you choose will help your products stand out, keep food in top condition and create an experience that encourages customers to come back.
This guide explores the main types of food packaging, including primary packaging and secondary packaging, and looks at the benefits and limitations of each to help you choose the right food packaging material for your business.
The food packaging industry has developed a range of packaging materials to suit different dishes and operating environments. Each material has specific properties that impact food safety, shelf life, cost and convenience.
Primary packaging materials are in direct contact with your food items, so they must be certified as food-safe and suitable for their intended use.
Plastic packaging - including plastic containers, plastic trays and clamshell packaging - is commonly used in takeaway businesses because it is lightweight, affordable and easy to seal. Materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offer strong barrier protection to help keep food fresh and prevent contamination during handling.
Renewable and compostable options are also available, such as containers made from plant-based fibres or coated paperboard. While these can help reduce packaging waste and appeal to environmentally conscious customers, it’s important to check they can hold up during transport.
Consider the properties your cuisine may need:
Examples of effective primary packaging include:
Good primary packaging is essential to avoid cross-contamination, maintain shelf life and offer attractive and professional presentation for your food.
Secondary packaging keeps multiple portions together for delivery or collection. It also helps you to organise orders, prevent spillage and reduce food wastage - particularly during transit.
Corrugated cardboard boxes are widely used to group containers and maintain temperature. These boxes can be paired with dividers or plastic wrap to keep items separate and stable during transport, and can be flattened for easy storage next to your counter or kitchen area.
If you frequently deliver large orders, you might also need tertiary packaging - pallets or bulk boxes - to move many meals at once. While not common in smaller takeaway shops, these systems are often used by food manufacturers and larger food producers.
Many businesses are now exploring sustainable food packaging to reduce environmental impact. Options in this area include:
If you choose sustainable options, check whether they provide the same barrier properties and shelf life as conventional materials. It’s also important to understand the conditions these materials require to be fully compostable, and how you can help this process .
Like every other decision you have to make when running a takeaway business, the packaging choices you make will affect your bottom line. The cost of materials, how easily you can store them and having a reliable supplier will all play a part in your decision-making process.
You should always consider:
For many businesses, having access to a UK-based supplier that offers trade discounts and the ability to buy in bulk helps them manage costs and keep prices competitive for their customers.
Explore iKrafts' range of takeaway packaging today, or contact our team for advice about the best packaging options for your business and menu.
