Packaging Guides and Knowledge Base
These packaging guides answer the questions that come up between "we need branded packaging" and a signed-off order: what to specify, what drives price and timing, which rules apply in your market and how a material or print method will behave. They are written for business buyers sourcing printed packaging for Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK, the wider EU and the US. General guides come first, grouped by topic; specification guides for each product follow further down.
Procurement and sourcing
- How to Choose a Custom Packaging Manufacturer (and When to Use a Supplier) Assess a custom packaging manufacturer: converting vs printing capability, food-contact documents, sampling, audits, red flags and a supplier decision matrix.
- Packaging RFQ Guide: What to Include in a Request for Quotation What to put in a packaging RFQ: dimensions, tolerances, material, barrier, print, quantities, packing, Incoterms and documents, plus a copy-ready spec template.
- What Determines Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) in Custom Packaging Why custom packaging has an MOQ: plates, make-ready waste, dies, mill minimums and set-up time, how it varies by product, and practical ways to work with it.
- Custom Packaging Cost Drivers and How to Compare Quotations What drives custom packaging cost per unit (material, gsm, yield, colours, tooling, finishes, freight, EPR) and a checklist to compare quotations like for like.
- Custom Packaging Lead Times: From Artwork to Delivery What makes up a packaging lead time: proofs, plates, material, production, QC and freight by road, sea or air, plus launch planning and safety stock.
- Packaging Sampling, Pre-Production Approval and Quality Control Packaging quality control from sample to delivery: sample types, pre-production approval, golden samples, AQL inspection, defects and complaints.
- Packaging for Restaurant Chains and Franchises: Standardising Across Locations How restaurant chains and franchises standardise packaging: master specs, approved suppliers, call-off stock, multi-country rollout, LTOs and artwork control.
- Sourcing Packaging from Türkiye: Importing into the EU, UK and US Working with a packaging manufacturer in Turkey: EU Customs Union and A.TR, UK-Türkiye FTA origin rules, US import steps, Incoterms, pallets, EPR and documents.
Materials and printing
- Packaging Paper Grades Explained: Kraft, MG, Greaseproof, Cupstock and Liners Packaging paper grades compared: sack, MG and MF kraft, greaseproof, glassine, cupstock, kraftliner vs testliner, fluting, gsm vs caliper and strength tests.
- Flexo vs Offset vs Gravure vs Digital Printing for Packaging Flexo vs offset printing for packaging, plus gravure and digital: how each works, quality, set-up cost, run length and which suits bags, cups and boxes.
- Pantone vs CMYK in Packaging: Colour Matching and Consistency Pantone vs CMYK for packaging: spot colours, extended gamut, printing on brown kraft, Delta E tolerances, drawdowns and consistent colour on reorders.
- Packaging Artwork Preparation: Files, Dielines, Bleed and Proofs Packaging artwork requirements: vector files, resolution, fonts, dieline layers, bleed, safe zones, overprint, white underprint, barcodes and proofs.
- Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging: PE, Dispersion, PLA and Wax Barrier coatings for paper packaging compared: PE, dispersion, PLA, wax, silicone, greaseproof and foil. Grease, water, heat seal, recycling and SUP status.
Compliance and sustainability
- Food-Contact Packaging Compliance in the EU, UK and US Food contact packaging regulations in the EU, UK and US: 1935/2004, 10/2011, BfR XXXVI, FDA 21 CFR 176.170, who is responsible and which documents to request.
- PFAS-Free Food Packaging: Rules and Barrier Alternatives PFAS-free food packaging explained: PPWR limits from 12 Aug 2026, US FDA phase-out and state bans, grease barrier alternatives, testing and supplier documents.
- PPWR Explained for Foodservice and E-commerce Packaging Buyers The PPWR packaging regulation (EU) 2025/40 for foodservice and e-commerce buyers: roles, 2026-2040 dates, PFAS, recyclability, reuse, labelling and documents.
- Packaging Compliance in Germany and Austria: VerpackDG, LUCID and Reuse Rules Verpackungsgesetz (VerpackG) compliance in Germany, now VerpackDG: LUCID, system participation, service packaging, Mehrwegpflicht, plastic levy and Austria.
- UK Packaging Regulations for Foodservice and Retail Buyers UK packaging regulations for foodservice buyers: pEPR producer tests, EPR fees and RAM red/amber/green ratings, Plastic Packaging Tax and plastic bans.
- US Foodservice Packaging Regulations: FDA, PFAS, EPR and Bag Laws US food packaging regulations for takeout buyers: FDA 21 CFR rules, state PFAS bans, packaging EPR states, FTC Green Guides, CA SB 343, bag laws and import basics.
- Recyclable, Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging: What the Claims Mean Recyclable vs compostable vs biodegradable packaging: definitions, EN 13432, home-compost labels, EU 2024/825, UK CMA and US FTC rules, and claim wording.
- Packaging Compliance in the Netherlands: Verpact, Waste Management Fee and Single-Use Cup Rules Netherlands packaging compliance for chains and importers: Verpact waste management fee, the 50,000 kg threshold, single-use cup and container rules and PPWR.
- PPWR Declaration of Conformity: What It Must Contain and Who Signs It PPWR declaration of conformity under Regulation (EU) 2025/40: who signs it, Annex VII technical file, Annex VIII contents, retention and supplier data.
- PPWR Recyclability Grades Explained: A, B, C and the 70 % Floor PPWR recyclability grades under Regulation (EU) 2025/40: A 95 %, B 80 %, C 70 % thresholds, 2030 and 2038 dates, EPR fees and design impact by material.
- PPWR Labelling Requirements: Harmonised Sorting Labels, Timelines and Who Must Label PPWR labelling requirements under Article 12: harmonised sorting label timing, e-commerce scope, reusable and compostable labels, national labels and artwork.
How packaging is made
- How Custom Printed Packaging Is Made: Production Process Guide How custom printed packaging is made, from RFQ to pallet: dielines, prepress, tooling, printing, converting, QC, food-contact GMP and buyer approvals.
- How Paper Bags Are Made: Carrier, Takeaway and Food Bag Production How paper bags are made, step by step: kraft reels, flexo printing, tube forming, bottoms, handles, windows, QC tests and what drives MOQ and lead time.
- How Paper Cups and Food Containers Are Made How paper cups are made, step by step: PE and dispersion-coated cupstock, printing, fan die-cutting, forming stations, double and ripple wall, QC and defects.
- How Folding Cartons and Takeaway Boxes Are Made How folding cartons are made, step by step: board and barrier coating, offset printing, finishing, die-cutting, folder-gluing, burger box specifics and QC.
- How Corrugated Packaging Is Made: Pizza Boxes and Mailer Boxes How corrugated boxes are made: corrugator, starch bonding, flexo, litho-lam and digital print, die-cutting, QC tests and defects for pizza and mailer boxes.
- How Plastic Bags Are Made: Blown Film Extrusion to Finished Bag How plastic bags are made: resin and masterbatch, blown film extrusion, corona treatment, flexo printing, bag making, QC tests, defects and packing.
- How Flexible Pouches Are Made: Printing, Lamination and Pouch Making How pouches are made, step by step: films, gravure and flexo printing, solventless and extrusion lamination, curing, slitting, pouch making and QC tests.
- How Greaseproof Wraps and Printed Napkins Are Made How greaseproof paper is made at the mill and converted into printed wraps, and how tissue becomes printed napkins: printing, embossing, folding and QC.
Glossary
- Packaging Glossary: Paper, Board, Print and Compliance Terms Packaging glossary of 700+ terms on paper, board, film, print, converting, testing, PPWR, EPR and trade, with 40 core definitions and an A-Z index.
- Printing and Prepress Glossary for Packaging Printing terms glossary for packaging: flexo, anilox and BCM, gravure, offset, inks, Delta E, G7, Fogra, trapping, screening, proofs and print defects.
- Converting and Manufacturing Glossary for Packaging Packaging converting terms defined: slitting, die-cutting, folder-gluers, bag and cup machines, corrugators, blown film, lamination, curing and palletising.
- Packaging Materials Glossary: Paper, Board, Corrugated, Films and Coatings Packaging materials glossary: 130+ paper, board, corrugated, film, coating, adhesive and moulded fibre terms, from CTMP and GC2 to BOPP, EVOH and PFAS.
- Packaging Testing, Quality and Defects Glossary Packaging testing standards glossary: ISO, TAPPI and ASTM tests for paper, board, corrugated and film, plus migration, AQL, CoA and defect names.
- Packaging Regulation, Sustainability and Trade Glossary Packaging regulation glossary: PPWR roles, EPR, food contact, PFAS, green claims, DE/AT/NL, UK and US rules, plus Incoterms, A.TR, HS codes and pallets.
Guides for this product
Custom Printed Paper Carrier Bags 5
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- How to Choose Paper Weight (GSM) for Carrier Bags Which paper bag GSM do you need? Indicative GSM by bag size and load, why handles and bottoms fail first, recycled vs virgin kraft and US basis weights.
- Twisted vs Flat vs Die-Cut Handles: Paper Bag Handle Types Compared Paper bag handle types compared: twisted, flat, die-cut, rope and ribbon. Attachment methods, load, comfort, cost, recyclability and when to use each.
- Brown Kraft vs White Kraft vs Recycled Paper for Carrier Bags Kraft vs white kraft paper bags compared with recycled kraft: strength, shade variation, how inks print on brown paper, cost position and recycled-content rules.
- Paper Carrier Bag Sizes: How to Choose Dimensions and Gusset Paper bag sizes explained: how to measure width, gusset and height, common carrier bag dimensions, US shopping and grocery sizes, and how to build a size grid.
- Paper Bag Regulations by Market: Recycled Content, Charges and Labelling Paper bag regulations by market: California SB 1053 and PCW rules (50% from 2028), New York and New Jersey, UK carrier bag charges, EU PPWR, EPR and printed claims.
Custom Printed Takeaway Bags 5
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- SOS Bags Explained: Self-Opening Sacks for Takeaway and Retail What SOS bags are, how the square bottom is formed, how US numbered sizes like #6, #8 and #12 work, basis weight vs gsm, and how to specify printed SOS bags.
- Tamper-Evident Takeaway Bags: Sealing Options for Food Delivery Compare tamper-evident takeaway bag closures: seal labels, adhesive strips, perforated tear strips and staples, plus handled bags, venting and recycling.
- Takeaway Bag Sizes: How to Fit Bags to Your Menu and Order Mix Size takeaway bags from your boxes, drinks carriers and order data: base footprint, gusset, closing height, worked examples and how many sizes a chain needs.
- Paper vs Plastic Takeaway Bags: Cost, Regulation and Performance Paper vs plastic takeaway bags compared for restaurants: moisture and load performance, real cost drivers, and EU, German, UK and US bag charges and levies.
- Hot, Greasy and Wet Orders: How Takeaway Bags Handle Heat and Grease Why takeaway bags soften, spot and fail with hot food, and how wet-strength paper, grease-resistant liners, venting and testing keep delivery bags intact.
Custom Printed Paper Food Bags 5
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- Bakery Bags: Paper, Window and Gusset Options for Bakery Chains How bakery chains specify printed bakery bags: white or brown kraft, gsm, side gussets for rolls and bread, windows, grease resistance and counter dispensing.
- Grease-Resistant Food Bags: Uncoated, Greaseproof and PE-Coated Compared Greaseproof paper bags compared with uncoated kraft and PE-coated bags: grease behaviour, KIT levels, PFAS limits, recycling and food-by-food choice.
- Kebab and Döner Bags: Specification Guide How to specify printed kebab bags and döner bags: standard, greaseproof and PE-lined grades, half-open and sleeve formats, sizes, sauce handling and print.
- Window Paper Bags: Film Options and Recyclability Window paper bags compared by film: PP/OPP, cellulose, PLA and paper windows. How each affects clarity, warm food, recycling, disposal advice and EU claims.
- Paper Food Bag Sizes: Flat vs Gusseted Bags Paper food bag sizes explained: how flat, side-gusset, SOS and cone bags are measured, how to size from your product, and indicative sizes for common items.
Custom Printed Burger Boxes 5
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- Folding Board vs Corrugated Burger Boxes When a corrugated burger box beats a folding boxboard clamshell: E, F and N flute vs 250-400 gsm board on heat, crush, print, storage and cost per order.
- Burger Box Sizes: How to Size for Single, Double and Smash Burgers Burger box sizes in cm and inches for sliders, singles, doubles, smash and gourmet burgers, plus a measuring method, clearance rules and fewer menu sizes.
- Keeping Burgers Hot and Crisp in Delivery: Venting and Insulation Why burgers arrive soggy and how burger delivery packaging fixes it: vents, micro-flute insulation, wraps, fries separation and bag choice, plus a test plan.
- Burger Box Structural Designs: Clamshell, Tuck, Sleeve and Auto-Lock Structural burger box designs compared: one-piece clamshell with locking tab, pre-glued auto-lock, tuck-end carton and sleeve, by kitchen speed, closure and storage.
- Burger Box vs Burger Wrap: Which Should a Chain Use? Burger box vs wrap for chains: protection, delivery performance, kitchen speed, storage, material weight, branding and EU/UK rules, with decision rules by channel.
Custom Printed Pizza Boxes 5
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- Pizza Box Sizes: Diameter to Box Dimensions Pizza box sizes in inches and cm: how much larger than the pizza the box should be, depth by style, tolerances, party 40x60 and pinsa boxes, and how to specify.
- E-Flute vs B-Flute Pizza Boxes: Choosing Corrugated Board E-flute vs B-flute pizza boxes compared: caliper, hot stacking strength, insulation, print surface, kraft vs white-top and virgin vs recycled liners.
- Can Pizza Boxes Be Recycled? Grease, Design and Regulation Can pizza boxes be recycled? What grease does in paper recycling, design choices that keep boxes recyclable, PFAS-free barriers, PPWR grades and on-pack claims.
- Pizza Box Printing: Flexo, Litho-Laminated or Digital? Pizza box printing compared: flexo post-print in 1-3 colours, litho-laminated full colour and digital short runs, with cost, MOQ, design and inside-lid ink rules.
- Pizza Box Venting: Managing Steam and Crust Quality How pizza box vents control steam: vent types and placement, base features, heat vs crispness trade-offs, board effects and a test method for delivery operators.
Custom Printed Takeaway Food Boxes 6
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- Fries Packaging: Scoops, Boxes and Bags Compared Fries packaging compared: open scoops, lidded fry cartons, paper bags and cones for counter, eat-in and delivery, with board, barrier and sizing guidance.
- Noodle Boxes and Takeout Pails: Format Guide Noodle boxes and fold-top takeout pails explained: structures, wire vs wire-free handles, microwave use, coatings, sizes in oz and ml, and print options.
- How to Reduce Takeaway Packaging SKUs Across a Menu A method for rationalising a takeaway packaging range: group menu items by food behaviour, build size ladders, share board and print, and keep fit and quality.
- Takeaway Boxes for Hot, Wet and Saucy Food How to specify leak proof takeaway boxes for saucy, oily and steamy food: barrier, board wet strength, cut-edge wicking, corner design, venting and testing.
- Kraft vs White Board Takeaway Boxes Kraft takeaway boxes vs white SBS, FBB and coated kraft back board: appearance, print results, grease visibility, strength, food contact and green claims.
- Dessert and Cake Slice Boxes for Takeaway How to choose dessert boxes and cake slice boxes for takeaway: formats, board, windows, cream and chill handling, sizing method and print, with a checklist.
Custom Printed Paper Food Trays 5
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- Paper Food Tray Sizes and Formats: Boats, Hot Dog Trays and Snack Trays Paper food tray sizes explained: indicative dimensions and capacity for food boats, hot dog trays and snack trays, plus how to size a tray from the portion.
- Pizza Slice Packaging: Trays, Triangles and Slice Boxes Pizza slice packaging compared: triangle trays, wedge trays and slice boxes, sized from pizza diameter, with steam and grease control for a crisp slice.
- Coatings for Paper Food Trays: PE, Dispersion, PLA and Uncoated Paper food tray coating compared: PE, dispersion, PLA and uncoated grease-resistant board, with failure points at edges, test methods and SUP status.
- Paper vs Plastic vs Aluminium Food Trays: Cost, Heat and SUP Rules Paper vs plastic food trays vs aluminium: heat limits, cost drivers, print, recycling and how EU, UK, German and Dutch single-use plastic rules treat each.
- Flat-Pack vs Pre-Glued Food Trays: Assembly Time and Storage Folding food trays compared: flat-pack easy-assembly vs pre-glued trays on assembly time, storage space, freight, leak risk and hygiene, with a worked example.
Custom Printed Paper Cups 7
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- Single vs Double vs Ripple Wall Paper Cups Single vs double wall cups compared with ripple wall: heat in the hand, sleeves, print surface, stacking, freight and cost, with a decision rule for each drink.
- Paper Cup Sizes: oz to ml Guide and Lid Fit Paper cup sizes from 4 to 20 oz converted to ml, with nominal vs brim-full capacity explained, typical rim diameters and how to match lids across a cup range.
- Paper Cup Linings: PE vs Aqueous Dispersion vs PLA How each paper cup lining works: PE one or both sides, aqueous dispersion and PLA compared on hot/cold use, recycling, composting, SUP marking and claims.
- Paper Cup Rules in Europe and the UK: SUP Marking, Levies and Reuse Paper cup regulations by market: EU SUP marking (Reg 2020/2151), PPWR reuse duties, German plastic fund levy and reuse offer, NL cup rules and UK pEPR.
- Paper Cup Artwork: Printing Methods and Design on a Tapered Cup Paper cup printing explained: offset, flexo or digital, the fan-shaped cup template, distortion, seam overlap, rim and bottom no-print zones and QR placement.
- Are Paper Cups Recyclable? Linings, Collection Systems and Claims Are paper cups recyclable? Why PE-lined cups need specialist mills, which collection routes take them in the UK, EU and US, and what a chain can claim.
- Coffee Cup Lids: Paper vs Plastic, Fit and Single-Use Rules Coffee cup lids compared: PS, PP, PET, CPLA and fibre materials, hot and cold formats, rim fit and the EU, UK and US single-use rules, with a checklist.
Custom Printed Plastic Cups 5
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- PET vs PP vs rPET vs PLA Cups: Cold Drink Cup Materials Compared PET vs PP cups compared for cold drinks: clarity, heat limits, lids, print, rPET recycled content, PLA compostability and recycling streams, with a decision table.
- Plastic Cup Sizes and Lids: Rim Diameters, Dome and Flat Lids Plastic cup sizes from 7 to 24 oz in ml, typical 78, 90, 95 and 98 mm rim diameters, and how to choose dome, flat or sealing-film lids for cold cups.
- Single-Use Plastic Cup Rules in the EU, UK and US Are single-use plastic cups banned? EU SUP marking and PPWR duties, German Einwegkunststofffonds and Mehrwegangebotspflicht, Dutch on-site ban, UK PPT and US rules.
- Printing on Plastic Cups: Dry Offset, IML and Shrink Sleeves Printing on plastic cups compared: dry offset, screen printing, IML and shrink sleeves, with colours, cup types, artwork rules for tapered cups and ink compliance.
- Reusable Plastic Cups for Events and Deposit Systems Reusable plastic cups for events and deposit systems: PP cup specification, print durability, German, Dutch and PPWR reuse duties, and cost drivers vs single-use.
Custom Printed Cup Sleeves and Cup Carriers 3
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- Cup Sleeve vs Double Wall Cup: Cost per Serve and Performance Cup sleeve vs double wall cup as a system choice: a cost-per-serve method, sleeve attach rate, storage, SKUs, campaigns, waste and German levy touchpoints.
- Moulded Fibre vs Board Cup Carriers Moulded fibre cup carriers vs printed board and corrugated carriers: cup fit, lid clearance, condensation, storage, drive-thru speed, PFAS and a test plan.
- Cup Sleeve Printing: Artwork, Templates and Campaign Runs Cup sleeve printing explained: the arc dieline, glue seam and creases, flexo on corrugated vs embossed board, QR codes on sleeves and planning campaign versions.
Custom Printed Paper Food Containers 5
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- Paper Soup Containers: Hot Fill, Lids and Leak Resistance How to specify paper soup containers that survive hot fill and delivery: PE barrier, seam and bottom seals, vented lids, microwave limits and leak tests.
- Paper vs Plastic Bowls for Salad and Poke: Performance and Rules Paper salad bowls vs PET and PP bowls for salad and poke: dressing, condensation, display, SUP status, PPWR, Dutch eat-in rules and England's bowl ban.
- Paper Ice Cream Cups and Tubs: Sizes and Coatings Paper ice cream cups and tubs explained: double-sided PE vs other coatings, freezer condensation, scoop and tub sizes in ml and oz, lids and line filling.
- Paper Food Container Sizes: Capacity Guide in ml and oz Paper food container sizes in ml and US oz: portion cups, soup cups, bowls and tubs, brim vs fill capacity, rim diameters, and how to size by portion.
- Lids for Paper Food Containers: Paper, PP, PET or rPET Choosing paper container lids: paper vs PP vs PET and rPET for soup, salad and ice cream, vented designs, rim fit, microwave limits and plastic tax effects.
Custom Printed Greaseproof Paper 6
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- Greaseproof vs Parchment vs Wax Paper vs Deli Paper Greaseproof paper vs parchment, wax paper, deli paper and butcher paper: how each is made, heat and grease limits, and which one to specify for food wraps.
- KIT Test and Grease Resistance Ratings Explained The grease resistance test for paper, the KIT test (TAPPI T559, ISO 16532-2): the 1-12 scale, what it misses, how Cobb fits in and how to set a wrap spec.
- Is Greaseproof Paper Recyclable or Compostable? Is greaseproof paper recyclable? Clean fluorine-free sheets usually repulp; used wraps often do not. Compare greaseproof, PE, wax, silicone and foil wraps.
- Burger Wrap and Basket Liner Sizes: Sheets, Rolls and Formats Burger wrap sizes by product, 12x12 and 15x15 in basket liners, tray liners, rolls and reels: a sizing formula, sheet-weight table and format checklist.
- Printing on Greaseproof Paper: Inks, Coverage and Food Safety Printing on greaseproof paper: flexo with water-based inks on the non-food side, how much ink coverage thin wraps tolerate, set-off and EU ink rules.
- Döner and Kebab Wrap Paper: Grades, Sizes and Printing How to specify printed kebab wrap paper for döner, dürüm and shawarma: greaseproof, foil-laminated and PE grades, sheet sizes, folds, print and food safety.
Custom Printed Tray Liners and Placemats 5
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- Tray Liner Sizes: Fitting Fast-Food, Cafeteria and Serving Trays Tray liner sizes explained: how to measure a tray, common A4, A3 and US inch sizes, weight per sheet, rounded corners and custom shapes for food trays.
- Tray Liner Paper: Greaseproof, Offset, Coated and Kraft Compared Tray liner paper compared: 40 gsm greaseproof, 70 gsm kraft, 80 gsm offset and 90-115 gsm glossy or matt coated, with grease, print and cost trade-offs.
- Paper Placemats for Restaurants: Design, Menus and Promotions Paper placemats for restaurants: menu, promotion, kids and advertising designs, QR codes, paper and size choices, and how to brief a printed placemat order.
- Printing Tray Liners: Offset, Flexo and Full-Colour Results by Paper Tray liner printing explained: offset, flexo and digital by paper, what full colour looks like on coated, kraft and greaseproof, plus food-contact inks.
- Are Tray Liners Packaging? EPR, Food Contact and PFAS Rules Are tray liners packaging? How the PPWR, German VerpackDG, UK pEPR and US rules treat tray liners and placemats, plus food-contact and PFAS points to check.
Custom Printed Napkins 4
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- 1-Ply, 2-Ply, 3-Ply and Airlaid Napkins Compared 2 ply vs 3 ply napkins, 1-ply and airlaid compared: indicative grammage, absorbency, print quality, virgin vs recycled tissue and which suits each service.
- Napkin Sizes and Folds: Cocktail, Lunch, Dinner and Dispenser Napkin sizes in cm and inches, from 24x24 cocktail to 40x40 dinner, with 1/4, 1/8 and dispenser folds, folded dimensions and which size suits which service.
- Printing Logos on Napkins: What Tissue Can and Cannot Reproduce Printing on napkins explained: flexo with water-based inks, colour limits, fine detail, ink coverage, fold registration, embossing and tissue artwork rules.
- Dispenser Napkins for Quick-Service Restaurants Dispenser napkins for quick-service restaurants: interfold vs tall and low fold, dispenser compatibility, branding options and how to measure napkin consumption.
Custom Printed Wet Wipes 5
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- Wet Wipe Sachet Materials: Paper, Kraft and Triplex Laminates Wet wipe sachet material compared: white paper, kraft and triplex foil laminates. Lotion barrier, sealing, print look, recyclability and which to pick.
- Wet Wipe Sizes, Lotions and Fragrances for Restaurants Wet wipe sizes for restaurants: 140 x 93, 120 x 70 and 100 x 60 mm sachets, how the folded wipe sets the size, plus lemon, unscented and alcohol-free lotion choices.
- Wet Wipes and the Single-Use Plastics Rules: Marking, EPR and Levies Wet wipes single use plastic rules: when a wipe counts, the EU PLASTIC IN PRODUCT marking and size on a sachet, producer costs, German levy and UK bans by nation.
- Are Wet Wipes Cosmetics? EU Cosmetics Regulation Duties for Branded Wipes Are wet wipes cosmetics? Under EU Regulation 1223/2009 refreshing hand wipes usually are. Responsible person, CPNP, safety report and label content for a sachet.
- Plastic-Free Wet Wipes: Viscose, Lyocell and Cellulose Nonwovens Plastic free wet wipes explained: viscose, lyocell, cotton and pulp nonwovens, what EU and UK rules treat as plastic, and which claims to avoid.
Custom Printed Mailer Boxes 6
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- Mailer Box Sizes and Letterbox Dimensions Mailer box sizes and a mailing and shipping box size chart: internal vs external dimensions, Royal Mail and PostNL letterbox limits, dimensional weight.
- Corrugated Board Grades for Mailer Boxes: Flutes, ECT and Burst Corrugated board grades for mailer boxes: E, B and F flute, kraft vs testliner, how ECT and burst are measured, why ECT predicts stacking, and how to specify.
- Inside Printing and Unboxing Design for Mailer Boxes When inside printed mailer boxes are worth the cost: how each print method handles interior print, what drives price, design rules and cheaper unboxing options.
- E-commerce Packaging and the PPWR: Empty Space and Minimisation PPWR e-commerce packaging rules for online sellers: the 50% empty space limit, who is responsible, minimisation, labelling, reuse exemptions and Germany's VerpackDG.
- Mailer Box vs Shipping Box vs Poly Mailer Mailer box vs shipping box vs poly mailer compared on protection, presentation, postage, packing time, storage, recyclability and EU/UK rules, with decision rules.
- Mailer Box Inserts: Types, Materials and When You Need One Mailer box inserts compared: die-cut corrugated, board partitions, moulded pulp, void fill and foam, with design tolerances, PPWR empty space and tooling cost.
Custom Printed Folding Cartons 5
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- Folding Carton Styles: Tuck End, Crash Lock, Sleeve and Tray Compare folding carton styles: reverse vs straight tuck end, 1-2-3 bottom, crash lock, seal end, sleeves, trays and display cartons, with selection rules.
- FBB vs SBS vs WLC: Choosing Paperboard for Cartons FBB vs SBS vs WLC compared: GC1, GC2, GZ, GD2 and GT codes, virgin vs recycled fibre, stiffness, caliper vs gsm, whiteness and food-contact suitability.
- Carton Finishes: Lamination, Foil, Embossing, Spot UV and Varnish Packaging finishes for printed cartons compared: aqueous and UV varnish, matt, gloss and soft-touch lamination, hot and cold foil, embossing and spot UV.
- Mineral Oil Barriers and Food-Safe Cartons Mineral oil migration in packaging explained: MOSH and MOAH sources in recycled board, which foods are at risk, functional barrier options and the EU rules.
- Carton Dielines, Cutting Dies and Structural Prototyping How a packaging dieline becomes a carton: line types, sheet layout, steel rule cutting dies, creasing matrix, white samples and what drives tooling cost.
Custom Printed Plastic Bags 5
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- LDPE vs HDPE vs Recycled PE Carrier Bags LDPE vs HDPE bags compared: softness, tear, clarity, crinkle, thickness and print, plus LLDPE blends and recycled PE content for printed carrier bags.
- Plastic Bag Thickness: Micron, Gauge and Mil Explained Plastic bag thickness explained: convert micron, UK gauge and US mil, estimate bag weight, and see which thickness suits each handle style and load.
- Plastic Carrier Bag Regulations in the EU, UK and US Plastic bag regulations for buyers: EU 50 and 15 micron rules, PPWR from 2030, England's 10p charge, UK Plastic Packaging Tax and US state bag bans.
- Plastic Bag Handle Types: Patch, Die-Cut, Loop and Vest Die cut handle bags compared with patch handle, soft loop and vest bags: strength, film use, comfort, print area and cost for printed plastic carrier bags.
- Printing on Plastic Bags: Flexo, Colours and Ink Adhesion Printing on plastic bags explained: flexo on PE film, corona treatment and dyne levels, solvent vs water-based inks, colour limits and registration on film.
Custom Printed Stand-Up Pouches 5
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- Pouch Laminate Structures and Barrier Properties How pouch laminate structures work: PET/PE, BOPP/CPP, metPET, foil, kraft and mono-material builds compared, plus how to read OTR and WVTR test data.
- Recyclable Mono-Material Pouches and the PPWR What makes pouches recyclable under the PPWR: mono-PE and mono-PP structures, barrier limits, 2030 grades, 10% recycled content and compostable limits.
- Pouch Formats: Stand-Up, Flat-Bottom, Side-Gusset and Flat Pouch types compared: stand-up (doypack), flat-bottom box pouch, side-gusset, quad seal and three-side seal, with shelf presence, print panels and decision rules.
- Pouch Features: Zippers, Valves, Tear Notches and Windows Pouch zipper options compared: press-to-close, slider, pocket and child-resistant, plus valves, tear notches, laser scoring, hang holes, windows and spouts.
- Pouch Sizes: How to Size a Pouch for Fill Weight and Volume How to work out pouch sizes from fill weight: measure bulk density, convert to volume, allow headspace and zipper height, then confirm with a fill trial.
Custom Printed Tissue Paper 5
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- Tissue Paper GSM and Grades: MG, MF, Acid-Free and Recycled Tissue paper gsm explained: 17 vs 22 gsm, MG vs MF finish, acid-free and recycled grades, opacity, strength, sheets per kg and how weight affects print.
- Tissue Paper Sizes: Sheets, Rolls and How Much You Need per Order Tissue paper sizes in cm and inches, how to size a sheet to your product, sheets per kg at 17-25 gsm, roll weight and a worked example for monthly quantity.
- Printing on Tissue Paper: Colours, Coverage and Ink Transfer Printing on tissue paper explained: flexo and water-based inks, 1-colour to full-colour, coverage limits, ink bleed and rub-off, black stock and artwork rules.
- How to Wrap Products in Tissue Paper: Folds, Stickers and Packing Time How to wrap products in tissue paper for retail and e-commerce: full wrap, fold-over and lined box, sticker seals, sheet sizes and how to time packing.
- Is Tissue Paper Recyclable? Food Contact, FSC and Coloured Tissue Is tissue paper recyclable? Plain and printed wrapping tissue, coloured and black stock, foil and glitter, food contact rules, FSC wording and claims to avoid.
Custom Printed Stickers and Labels for Packaging 5
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- Sticker and Label Materials: Paper, PP, PE and Vinyl Compared Sticker paper vs vinyl, PP and PE: how to choose label face stock and adhesive for kraft, chilled, frozen and damp packaging, with a decision table.
- Roll Labels vs Sheet Stickers: Shapes, Sizes and Application Roll labels vs sheet labels: when each format wins, round vs square and oval shapes, label core size, labels per roll and applicator fit, with a worked example.
- Food Packaging Labels: What EU and UK Rules Require on Pre-Packed Food Food packaging labels under EU Regulation 1169/2011 and UK PPDS (Natasha's Law): mandatory particulars, allergen emphasis, font size and what printers need.
- Label Finishes: Matt, Gloss, Foil, Embossing and Lamination Label finishes compared: gloss vs matt, varnish vs lamination, hot and cold foil, embossing and spot UV, with cost, durability and recycling trade-offs.
- Labels and Recyclability: Choosing Stickers That Do Not Spoil Recycling Labels and recyclability: how stickers behave in paper and plastic recycling, wash-off adhesives, film vs paper labels, PPWR rules and supplier questions.
Custom Printed Hang Tags and Thank You Cards 5
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- Hang Tag Sizes and Shapes: Rectangular, Parcel and Custom Die-Cut Hang tag sizes in mm and inches, parcel-tag proportions, hole position and the limits of custom die-cut shapes, with a size chart by product type.
- Hang Tag Materials: Kraft, Uncoated, Coated and Thick Board Hang tag material compared: kraft, white, uncoated, coated and duplex board, how many gsm a tag needs, print behaviour on each and which finishes suit which stock.
- Hang Tag Strings and Attachments: Cotton, Elastic, Pins and Tag Guns Hang tag string and fasteners compared: cotton and polyester loops, elastic, safety pins, plastic fasteners and tag guns, with lengths, holes and fit by product.
- What to Print on a Clothing Hang Tag: Price, Size, Care and Fibre Rules What to put on hang tags for clothing in the EU, UK and US: brand, price, size, barcode, and which fibre, care and origin details belong on a label instead.
- Thank You Cards for Packages: Sizes, Paper and What to Write Thank you cards for packages: common sizes in mm, paper weights, one- or two-sided print, what to write and what to avoid, plus how to brief a printer.
Tools and templates
- Film Thickness Converter: Microns, Gauge and Mil Convert film thickness between microns, UK gauge and mil. Formulas, a lookup table from 8 to 200 µm, worked examples and EU and England bag thresholds.
- Pizza Box Size Calculator Enter pizza diameter in inches or cm and get the internal box size, nearest common size and external size by E, B or EB flute. Includes a size table.
- Paper Weight Converter: GSM to lb (Basis Weight) and Back Convert paper weight between gsm and US lb basis weight for bond, text, cover, kraft and linerboard. Factors, tables, 80 lb text to gsm and why grade matters.
- Cup Size Converter: Ounces to Millilitres for Paper Cups Convert paper cup sizes from fluid ounces to millilitres and back, US or UK oz. 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz in ml, plus why brim-full capacity differs by maker.
- Pallet and Container Load Calculator for Cartons Work out how many cartons fit on a Euro, UK or US pallet and how many fit in a 20 ft, 40 ft or 40 ft high cube container, with height and weight limits.
- PPWR Compliance Checklist for Packaging Buyers (Free Download) Free PPWR checklist for packaging buyers: dated actions by article from 12 Aug 2026 to 2038, who is responsible and the evidence to hold. A4 PDF, no email.
- Packaging RFQ Template (Free Spreadsheet Download) Free packaging RFQ template in Excel: one row per SKU, dropdown lists for materials, print, Incoterms and pallets, plus a supplier comparison grid. No email.
Procurement and sourcing
- How to Choose a Custom Packaging Manufacturer (and When to Use a Supplier): how to assess a producer's capabilities, documents and sampling, and when a trader or agent makes more sense.
- Packaging RFQ Guide: What to Include in a Request for Quotation: the specification, quantity, packing and document details that make quotes comparable, with a template.
- What Determines Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) in Custom Packaging: where minimums come from and practical ways to work with them.
- Custom Packaging Cost Drivers and How to Compare Quotations: what moves the unit price and a checklist for comparing quotes like for like.
- Custom Packaging Lead Times: From Artwork to Delivery: each stage from proof to freight, and how to plan launches and safety stock.
- Packaging Sampling, Pre-Production Approval and Quality Control: sample types, golden samples, inspection and handling defects.
- Packaging for Restaurant Chains and Franchises: Standardising Across Locations: master specifications, approved suppliers, call-off stock and multi-country rollout.
- Sourcing Packaging from Türkiye: Importing into the EU, UK and US: origin documents, Incoterms, transport and import steps for each market.
Materials and printing
- Packaging Paper Grades Explained: Kraft, MG, Greaseproof, Cupstock and Liners: the main paper and board grades, gsm versus caliper, and strength tests.
- Flexo vs Offset vs Gravure vs Digital Printing for Packaging: how each process works and which suits bags, cups and boxes at what run length.
- Pantone vs CMYK in Packaging: Colour Matching and Consistency: spot and process colour, printing on kraft and keeping colour stable across reorders.
- Packaging Artwork Preparation: Files, Dielines, Bleed and Proofs: file formats, dieline layers, bleed, white underprint, barcodes and proofing.
- Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging: PE, Dispersion, PLA and Wax: grease, water and heat-seal performance of each coating and how it affects recycling.
Compliance and sustainability
- Food-Contact Packaging Compliance in the EU, UK and US: the main food-contact frameworks, who is responsible and which documents to request.
- PFAS-Free Food Packaging: Rules and Barrier Alternatives: EU and US restrictions on PFAS in food packaging and the grease barriers that replace them.
- PPWR Explained for Foodservice and E-commerce Packaging Buyers: what Regulation (EU) 2025/40 asks of buyers by role, with its phased dates.
- Packaging Compliance in Germany and Austria: VerpackDG, LUCID and Reuse Rules: registration, system participation, service packaging and reuse duties.
- UK Packaging Regulations for Foodservice and Retail Buyers: pEPR, Plastic Packaging Tax, single-use plastic bans and bag charges.
- US Foodservice Packaging Regulations: FDA, PFAS, EPR and Bag Laws: federal food-contact rules plus the state laws takeout buyers meet most often.
- Recyclable, Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging: What the Claims Mean: what each claim means and how to word it on pack in the EU, UK and US.
These guides explain the rules for buyers; they are not legal advice, and obligations depend on your role as producer, importer or distributor.
Packaging glossary
- Packaging Glossary: Paper, Board, Print and Compliance Terms: short definitions of paper, board, film, print, QC and regulatory terms used across the site, from gsm and ECT to PPWR and A.TR.
Product guides
Each product has a hub page with its full specification overview and a set of focused guides. The links below go to the hub and to the guides buyers usually need first.
To browse products by category instead, go to all custom printed packaging products. If you are equipping a whole restaurant, bakery or café, the packaging by industry pages list the typical set item by item.
From research to quotation
Most buyers read the product guides first, then the RFQ guide to turn their notes into a request. When you have that list, contact us with the items, quantities, artwork status and destination markets.
Tools and templates
Calculators and free downloads for specifying and shipping packaging are collected on the packaging tools and templates page:
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start if I am sourcing custom packaging for the first time?
Read the guide to choosing a manufacturer, then the RFQ guide. Together they explain what suppliers need from you and what to check in return. Add the MOQ and lead time guides before you set a launch date, because minimums and production stages shape both budget and timing.
Which guide covers the packaging rules in my country?
Start with the food-contact guide if the packaging touches food, then the market guide: PPWR for the EU as a whole, the Germany and Austria guide for VerpackDG, the UK guide for pEPR, and the US guide for federal and state rules. Product guides cover item-specific rules such as cup marking or bag charges.
Tell us what you need. We'll ask about the rest.
Fill in what you know, mark the rest “not sure”, and attach samples, photos or artwork if you have them.