Food Packaging Materials

Please see the range of materials we use for our food and drink packaging products. If you want to see details about them, click the buttons below.


 
 

A fluted layer of paper is sandwiched between two flat layers of paper to create corrugated paper, also known as corrugated cardboard. While the flat layers offer stability and a smooth surface for printing, the fluted layers offer strength and cushioning.

Recycled paper and wood pulp are just two of the many components used to make corrugated paper. Given that corrugated paper is recyclable, it is considered a green choice as well as being lightweight, which makes it an economical and effective selection for food packaging.

 

Wax paper, commonly referred to as greaseproof paper, is a form of paper that has a thin layer of wax applied to it to make it resistant to grease and moisture.

Since it can be used to line baking trays, wrap sandwiches or hamburgers, or cover food to preserve its freshness, greaseproof paper is frequently used in cooking and baking. In order to keep food layers from sticking to one another, it can also be used to separate layers of food.

Greaseproof paper has the advantage of being able to be used in the oven without melting or burning since the wax covering has a high melting point. Moreover, it is non-stick, making it simple to remove food from it.

Packaging Environmental supply greaseproof paper sheets available in different sizes and thicknesses as well as branding them.

 

Plastics like polyethylene, commonly referred to as polythene, are frequently utilised in the building, industrial, and packaging sectors. It is a strong, lightweight material that can withstand collisions, chemicals, and dampness. Polyethylene is a great option for many applications since it is simple to work with and can be easily moulded into different shapes.

Contrarily, paper is a naturally occurring substance created from wood pulp or other fibres. It is frequently used for packaging, tissue, and other purposes in the printing and publishing sectors. Paper is an environmentally favourable material because it is renewable and recyclable.

Although each material has benefits and drawbacks of its own, they are frequently combined in packaging applications. For instance, paper and polyethylene can be blended to produce a sturdy, water-resistant material that is perfect as a lining in food & drink packaging.

 

Paper and PET plastic are frequently used as food packaging materials. Because it is renewable paper appeals to both businesses and consumers alike who are concerned about the environment. Dry foods like cereal, snacks, and baked goods are frequently packaged using this method.

PET plastic, on the other hand, is a clear, tough, and lightweight variety of plastic. It is frequently used to package a variety of food and beverage items, such as soft drinks, bottled water, and sauces.

Together, both paper & PET are used for our cupcake boxes with the PET utilised for the front film

 
 

Due to their eco-friendliness, paper and PLA (polylactic acid) plastic are two forms of food packaging materials that have grown in popularity in recent years as food packaging made from a combination of both materials is compostable.

Paper packaging is constructed of renewable materials like recycled paper or wood. It is an environmentally favourable option for food packaging because it is recyclable and biodegradable. Paper can help maintain the proper temperature for food because it is a good insulator.

Contrarily, PLA bioplastic is created from renewable resources like sugarcane or cornflour. It decomposes into organic materials when disposed of properly since it is compostable and biodegradable. However, PLA bioplastic has a few disadvantages over conventional plastic, including a sensitivity to heat and a shorter shelf life.

Together, paper and PLA bioplastic are commonly used in food and drink packaging products such as paper cups, lids, round bowls and bioboxes.

Our paper and PLA bioplastic food and drink packaging products are certified to EN13432, meaning they will completely break down within 90 days in a commercial, industrial compost facility.

 
 

Paper and polypropylene (PP) plastic are two materials that are frequently used to package food. Paper packaging is an environmentally beneficial choice because it is biodegradable and created from renewable materials. However, because it might not offer enough protection from moisture or grease, it is not necessarily appropriate for all forms of food packaging.

In contrast, PP plastic, a flexible and long-lasting substance, is frequently utilised in food packaging. It is appropriate for packaging that can be used in the microwave and the freezer since it is heat- and moisture-resistant. It is also lightweight and impact-resistant, making it the perfect material for carrying food.

At Packaging Environmental, Paper and PP plastic is combined to produce products such as sandwich and baguette bags.

 
 

Created from the gelatinous extract from seaweed, seaweed-lined paper offers a new approach to sustainability, harnessing seaweed as a packaging material.

After the extraction process, what remains are fibres and biomass, which are combined with paper to provide the functionality of traditionally lined takeaway packaging without the use of plastic.

Seaweed-lined paper is ideal of both takeaway and delivery being both grease and leak proof.

This seaweed-lined paper not only aligns with eco-conscious values but also stands out visually, boasting a distinct and tactile quality.

 
 

Paper created from plant fibres such as wood pulp is known as pulp paper. Because to its durability, strength, and resistance to moisture, it is frequently used for food packaging. Containers, trays, and bags, among other types of food packaging materials, can be made from pulp paper.

Pulp paper food packaging has the advantage of being both a sustainable and renewable material. Trees, which can be harvested and grown in a sustainable way, supply the wood pulp used to manufacture pulp paper. Moreover, pulp paper is recyclable and biodegradable, minimising the quantity of rubbish dumped in landfills.

Pulp paper food packaging also has the advantage of being able to be made to fulfil particular standards for food safety. In order to keep food fresh and stop leaks, pulp paper can be coated with coatings or laminates that act as a barrier to moisture and grease. Pulp paper is a practical choice for reheating meals because it can be made to be microwave-safe.

Overall, pulp paper is an eco-friendly, adaptable, and secure material for food packaging. Food producers and restaurants all around the world use it extensively, and its use is predicted to increase as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of packaging materials.

 
   

A form of paper that has a layer of silicon on one or both sides is referred to as silicon paper. The paper is non-stick and water-resistant thanks to the silicon coating, which makes it practical for a range of uses.

Silicone paper is frequently used in baking, either to line baking pans or to wrap food that is being cooked in the oven. Because the silicon paper's surface is non-stick, food won't stick to the pan, making cleanup easier.

In addition, silicon paper is employed in a number of industrial processes, including the production of labels and adhesive tape. The paper is perfect for usage in damp conditions due to its water-resistant qualities.

Overall, silicon paper is a flexible substance that can be used in a variety of situations where a non-stick, water-resistant surface is necessary.

 
   

Food packaging produced completely of paper without the use of plastic, other synthetic coatings, or additives is referred to as unlined paper food packaging. Food goods including sandwiches, burgers, fries, and other fast food items are frequently packaged in this manner.

Because it is compostable and biodegradable, unlined paper food packaging is regarded as being more environmentally friendly than plastic or other synthetic packaging materials. It can be produced responsibly without using up non-renewable resources because it is manufactured from renewable resources.


 
 

PET is fully recyclable (code 1) and should be placed in any recycling bin where it will be captured and reprocessed. Once collected, PET is recycled and reprocessed to manufacture RPET and extending the lifespan of the material.

 

PLA-bioplastics are normally certified to EU Regulation EN13432. This means that the product/material will decompose into natural products given the correct exposure to heat, light, moisture and oxygen.

 

Polypropylene is a widely used material in foodservice packaging. It is a flexible plastic which means it does not break easily and will not splinter. Polypropylene is widely recycled (code 5).

 

Products made from RPET are recyclable and have the same quality as virgin PET products. RPET products with 30% or more recycled content will be exempt from UK Plastic Packaging Tax introduced in April 2022.

 

Historically, Polystyrene was a widely used material in foodservice packaging.

As the packaging sector moves to a more circular model, polystyrene has limited use in the sector. The legislation will result in the elimination of PS cutlery which was the main material for single-use cutlery.

PS is brittle and will break and shard easily however it provides excellent clarity.

PS is not widely recycled.


 

Foil-based food packaging is a typical type of packaging that is used to store and transport food products. The outstanding barrier qualities of foil, a thin, flexible, and light material, make it the perfect choice for food packing.

Food products like snacks, candies, chocolates, baked goods, and more are frequently packaged in foil. Moreover, it can be used to package food made of meat, poultry, and fish. The foil acts as a barrier to protect the food from infection and helps to keep it fresh.


 

Sugarcane bagasse is a renewable material. All of our sugarcane bagasse is certified to EN13432, which means it will completely break down within 90 days in a commercial, industrial compost facility.

Food packaging manufactured from the fibrous by-product left over after sugarcane stalks are crushed to get their juice is known as sugarcane bagasse. Bagasse, the residue that is generally thrown away or burned as garbage, can also be utilised to make a variety of compostable and biodegradable goods, including food packaging.

Sugarcane bagasse food packaging has become more well-liked in recent years because to its sustainability and environmental friendliness. It is a renewable resource that may decompose organically in the environment without harming the ecosystem and is both compostable and biodegradable. Furthermore lightweight, sturdy, and moisture-resistant, sugarcane bagasse food packaging is a great option for a variety of food goods.

Overall, compared to conventional food packaging materials like plastic and styrofoam, sugarcane bagasse food packaging offers a more environmentally responsible and long-lasting substitute. It is resistant to moisture, making it a great option for many food products.


 
 

Bamboo is a renewable resource that has multiple packaging applications. Our Bamboo packaging is designed to be reusable.

 

The birchwood used on our wooden cutlery is 100% compostable. It is a perfect and stylish alternative to single-use plastic cutlery.