Compostable Packaging Sydney: Eco Options by Material

Packery supplies eco-friendly packaging to Sydney cafés and restaurants by the carton, and every item is listed by what it is actually made of: sugarcane, PLA-lined paper, aqueous-coated paper, kraft paper or corrugated board. We only call a product compostable when its product name says so. None of the items in this guide carry that word, so they are described by material, which is the information you need to match packaging to your bins and your menu.

Key takeaways

• Sugarcane options include the 9x6x3 Sugarcane Takeaway Container – Unbleached Clamshell (Carton of 200) at $37.40 per carton, $0.19 each.
• PLA-lined paper covers noodle boxes, a lunch box and a kraft coffee cup; the cup and lunch box can be custom printed.
• Delivery: a flat fee by postcode, free over a set order amount (see shipping). No minimum order.
• All orders are prepaid online.
• Each product page shows the carton price and price per item, so you can compare before you order.

What eco-friendly packaging materials can Sydney cafés and restaurants order?

You can order sugarcane containers, PLA-lined paper boxes and cups, aqueous-coated paper cups, kraft paper bags and cutlery pouches, and corrugated boxes and trays. Each material suits a different job, so it pays to choose by the food first and the label second.

• Sugarcane: Packery stocks it as an unbleached clamshell and a small 2oz serving cup, both in a natural colour.
• PLA-lined paper: paper with a PLA coating. This is the material of the noodle boxes, the extra large lunch box and the 12oz kraft cup.
• Aqueous-coated paper: paper with a water-based coating, used on the 8oz double wall cup.
• Kraft and recycled paper: brown paper bags and cutlery pouches. The medium twisted handle bag is listed as recycled paper.
• Corrugated: fluted board for snack boxes and catering trays, in brown or black.

If you want a deeper look at container styles alone, our guide to compostable takeaway containers covers that range in more detail.

Which of these products are compostable?

None of the products in this guide has "Compostable" in its product name, so we do not describe them as compostable. That is a deliberate choice: a café telling customers its packaging is compostable needs that claim to be on the product itself, not just in a blog post.

What we can tell you accurately is the material. If you are comparing eco materials, the sugarcane, PLA-lined and aqueous-coated items above are listed by those materials on their product pages. Check each product page for its listed material before you print anything on menus or signage. For a material-by-material view of what "biodegradable" means on takeaway boxes, see biodegradable takeaway food containers.

What does each option cost per carton and per item?

The table below lists carton quantity, carton price and price per item exactly as shown on each product page.

Which one should I buy?

Start with the dish you sell most, then match the material to it.

• Burger bars and hot food counters: the 9x6x3 Sugarcane Takeaway Container – Unbleached Clamshell (Carton of 200) is a hinged sugarcane box at $0.19 each. For chips and snack serves, the Corrugated Takeaway Container – Brown Snack Box Large Plain (Carton of 200) is $0.20 each and can be custom printed.
• Noodle, rice and stir-fry kitchens: the 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) suits sides and small serves at $0.12 each, while the 32oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 500) handles full mains at $0.28 each.
• Lunch and catering boxes: the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Extra Large (Carton of 200) measures 197x140x90mm, costs $0.58 each and is available with custom print.
• Sauces and dips: the 2oz Sugarcane Serving Container – Cup Unbleached (Carton of 2000) is $0.04 each, so you can stay in sugarcane from main to sauce.
• Coffee: for a kraft look, the 12oz Kraft Coffee Cups – Lined SW Print 90mm (Carton of 1000) is a PLA-lined single wall cup at $0.14 each, with custom print available. For a smaller double wall cup, the 8oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print (Carton of 500) is $0.11 each.
• Carry-out: the Kraft Bag – Brown Twisted Handle Takeaway Medium (Carton of 250) is recycled paper at $0.20 each. Add the Kraft Cutlery – Pouch With Napkin (Carton of 1000) at $0.06 each if customers need cutlery.

If you would like your logo on cups, boxes or bags, custom printing is available on selected products; see custom print. To compare more container shapes, browse the full takeaway containers range.

How does delivery to Sydney work?

Delivery is a flat rate with a free-delivery threshold, and there is no minimum order.

Delivery time is 3–5 business days to capital cities and 4–6 business days regional. See the shipping page for the full delivery terms before you plan stock around a delivery date.

How do I order?

Packaging is sold by the carton, and each product page shows the carton price and price per item. There is no minimum order, so you can trial one carton of a new material before switching your whole menu. All orders are prepaid online. 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 you know your SKUs, use the quick order page to restock.

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