Cut Packaging Costs: 5 Ways for Melbourne Restaurants

The quickest way for a Melbourne restaurant to cut packaging costs is to compare price per item instead of carton price, buy the size each dish actually needs, and plan orders around the free-delivery thresholds. Standardising on fewer items and only buying full cartons you will use keeps the savings from leaking away later.

Key takeaways

• Judge every product on its price per item, not the carton price. A cheap-looking carton can cost more per meal.
• Match container size to portion size. Within the same range, the bigger box costs more per item.
• Delivery: a flat fee by postcode, free over a set order amount (see shipping).
• Fewer product lines means simpler ordering and fewer half-used cartons.
• Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost).

Why should I compare price per item instead of carton price?

Because cartons hold very different quantities, the carton price alone tells you little about what each serve costs. Every Packery product page shows both the carton price and the price per item, so you can compare like with like.

Take two very different cartons. The 2oz Sugarcane Serving Container – Cup Unbleached (Carton of 2000) is $78.62 per carton, which looks like a big spend, but it works out at $0.04 each. The Corrugated Takeaway Container – Brown Snack Box Large Plain (Carton of 200) is only $40.66 per carton, yet it is $0.20 each. What matters is the per-item cost multiplied by how many you send out each week, then whether the carton quantity suits your storage.

Does picking the right container size really save money?

Yes. Within one product range, the larger size costs more per item, so a container that is too big for the portion is money spent on air.

The PLA-coated paper noodle boxes show this clearly. The 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) is $0.12 each, while the 32oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 500) is $0.28 each. If a side dish or small serve fits the 8oz box, there is no reason to pack it in the 32oz.

Greaseproof paper works the same way. Greaseproof Paper – Yellow Gingham (Carton of 200) at 190x300mm is $0.03 per sheet, and Greaseproof Paper – Yellow Gingham Large (Carton of 200) at 400x330mm is $0.12 per sheet. Use the large sheet only where it is needed.

Bags are another easy win. The Kraft Bag – 2WB Flat (Carton of 500) is $0.02 each, compared with $0.20 each for the Kraft Bag – Brown Twisted Handle Takeaway Medium (Carton of 250). Keep the handle bag for multi-item orders.

How do the free-delivery thresholds affect what I pay?

Delivery is a flat fee per order, so several small orders each pay it, while one planned order can clear the free-delivery threshold. There is no minimum order.

Whether your venue falls under metro or regional depends on your delivery postcode, so check the rate that applies to you on the shipping page rather than assuming. Once you know it, group your containers, cups, bags and paper into one order instead of topping up items one at a time. Delivery takes 3–5 business days to capital cities such as Melbourne and 4–6 business days regional, so order before you run low rather than paying for a rush top-up elsewhere.

Should I standardise on fewer packaging items?

Usually, yes. Every extra product line is another carton to store and reorder.

Look for products that cover several menu items. A single clamshell such as the 9x6x3 Sugarcane Takeaway Container – Unbleached Clamshell (Carton of 200), at 229x152x75mm and $0.19 each, can cover several menu items, such as burgers and mains that fit those dimensions. Where two products do the same job, pick one: the Kraft Cutlery – Pouch With Napkin (Carton of 1000) is $58.23 per carton ($0.06 each) and the Kraft Cutlery – White Pouch With Napkin (Carton of 1000) is $134.88 per carton ($0.13 each), so choose one and stick with it.

A short, fixed list is also faster to reorder.

Why buy only full cartons you will actually use?

Because returns are limited. Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost). Once a carton is opened, you own it.

That means the real cost of a product includes any stock you never use. Trial a new item on a slower-moving part of the menu before committing to more cartons.

How do these products compare on price?

All prices below are from the product pages.

Which one should I buy?

• Restaurants with a takeaway menu of mains: the 9x6x3 Sugarcane Takeaway Container – Unbleached Clamshell (Carton of 200) as your all-rounder, with the 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) for sides and smaller serves.
• Noodle, rice and curry venues: keep the 32oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 500) for full meals only, and move smaller portions into the 8oz box.
• Sauces and dressings: the 2oz Sugarcane Serving Container – Cup Unbleached (Carton of 2000) at $0.04 each.
• Cafés: the 8oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print (Carton of 500) at $0.11 each for standard coffees.
• Caterers: the 80mm Corrugated Plate – Brown Rectangle Catering Tray Large High Sides (Carton of 50) at $0.87 each, or the black version (see the product page for the current price).
• Bagging single items: the Kraft Bag – 2WB Flat (Carton of 500) at $0.02 each.

For more on buying containers in volume, see our guides to takeaway containers in bulk and small takeaway containers, or browse the full takeaway containers range.

How does ordering work?

There is no minimum order. Damaged or faulty items are replaced or refunded free; unopened stock cartons can be returned within 7 days of delivery (10% restocking fee, return delivery at your cost). When your list is set, use quick order to place it in one go.

Setting up or restocking your packaging?

Send us your list for a trade quote, or price it yourself in the cost calculator.

No minimum order · free delivery over $750 (metro) / $1000 (regional) · damaged items replaced free · Delivery details