What Materials Are Used for Food Packaging? Common Options Explained
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By:
Joe Sizeland
Posted:
To meet the wider business needs, packaging materials need to perform consistently in busy service environments, meet food safety legislation, protect fragile products during storage and transport, and support wider operational priorities such as waste reduction.
This blog from the packaging team at iKrafts is designed for catering business owners and operations managers who want to make better-informed decisions about their packaging provision. We'll cover the practical qualities of each material, showcase some attractive options and explain the ways they can support your operational goals.
Despite growing interest in alternative materials, plastic packaging remains widely used across the food industry because it performs consistently in environments where failure is not an option. Its resistance to moisture, flexibility under pressure and ability to form tight seals make it suitable for applications where hygiene, leak prevention and product stability matter.
Plastic packaging is often used for sandwiches , sauces, chilled food and sealed containers that need to withstand transport without breaking or deforming. In high-volume environments, plastic’s reliability means waste caused by spills, damage or compromised food is reduced.
Plastic also plays a role in well-managed recycling systems when recyclable plastic formats are selected and disposed of correctly. For certain food applications, recyclable plastic packaging remains a practical and reliable option, particularly where moisture control, seal integrity and hygiene are required.
Many food businesses take a considered approach, using plastic where it delivers clear performance benefits, and combining it with recyclable or compostable materials elsewhere in the packaging mix. This allows businesses to maintain durability and consistency in service while managing waste responsibly and improving overall packaging performance.
Paperboard and cardboard are among the most widely used recyclable packaging materials for food. These materials are valued for their strength and versatility. Many of these products have the ability to be formed into trays, boxes and bespoke designs that stack efficiently, store flat and can be custom designed to transport large volumes of delicate goods like patisserie supplies to B2B clients safely and securely.
Fibre-based packaging made from paper and wood-pulp fibres, such as kraft board and corrugated cardboard, is widely used across bakeries , takeaway food service and catering operations. These materials support fast assembly, efficient flat-pack storage and stable transport, which makes them well-suited to high-volume service environments.
For businesses like food trucks and take-aways where floorspace and storage capacity are limited, working with a packaging provider that holds substantial UK stock and offers reliable two-day delivery across the UK mainland will reduce pressure on on-site storage while maintaining continuity of supply during busy periods.
Compostable and biodegradable materials for food packaging are increasingly used where food waste and packaging waste are difficult to separate. These materials are designed to break down under industrial composting conditions.
Compostable packaging materials for food are typically made from renewable sources such as bagasse, PLA or other plant-based materials. Bagasse trays and boxes , for example, are widely used for hot food service because they offer good durability and handle moisture and heat well. PLA is often used for cups and lids, while the likes of palm leaf are becoming increasingly popular for their rustic and attractive presentation.
For established food businesses, material choice often comes down to matching packaging performance to operational reality. The way products move through preparation, service, storage and distribution places specific demands on packaging, and materials need to be selected to perform consistently at each stage. Temperature tolerance, moisture exposure, handling frequency, storage constraints and transport distance all influence how well a material will hold up in use.
Different operating models naturally lead to different material strategies. A street food operator may prioritise compostable trays that simplify waste handling during peak service, while an industrial bakery supplying B2B clients may rely on reinforced cardboard packaging engineered for stable palletisation and long-distance transport . In both cases, material choice is driven by reliability under pressure rather than novelty or appearance.
iKrafts supplies food packaging designed for professional food service and catering environments across the UK. Our extensive range covers plastic packaging, recyclable materials, compostable options and recyclable solutions selected for durability, reliability and suitability across a wide range of food applications.
We hold large volumes of popular stock lines in our UK-based warehousing, offer same day delivery on all orders made before 1pm and will be happy to discuss your needs over the phone, or via message, to help you choose the best options for your business needs.
If you would like to review your current food packaging or explore alternative materials, browse our range online or get in touch on 0161 341 0737 or email sales@ikrafts.co.uk and we will be happy to assist.
