How Much Does Food Packaging Cost by the Carton?

Across the products compared below, food packaging costs from $0.02 per item for a flat kraft bag (see the product page for the current price). Packery sells everything by the carton, and each product page shows both the carton price and the price per item, so you can see what one serve of packaging costs before you buy.

Key takeaways

• Packaging is sold by the carton; each product page shows carton price and price per item.
• In this comparison, per-item prices run from $0.02 (flat kraft bags) (see the product page for the current price).
• There is no minimum order. Delivery: a flat fee by postcode, free over a set order amount (see shipping).
• 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).

How much does food packaging cost per item?

The per-item price depends mostly on what the item is: a paper bag or a sheet of greaseproof paper costs cents, while a large catering tray costs more than a dollar. The table below lists carton prices and per-item prices exactly as shown on each product page.

When you price a menu item, add up the per-item price of every piece that goes out with it: the container, the bag, any paper liner and the cutlery pouch. That number is your packaging cost per order, and it is the one to watch, rather than the carton price on its own.

Is buying packaging by the carton worth it for a small business?

Buying by the carton is worth it when you use the item steadily and can store a full carton without it getting in the way of food stock. It is less useful for items you only use occasionally, because cash sits on a shelf as unused boxes.

A few general points to weigh up before you order:

• Usage rate. Items that go out with nearly every order, such as cups, bags and your main takeaway container, are the natural carton buys. Seasonal or catering-only items can be ordered when a booking comes in.
• Storage space. Cartons need a dry spot off the floor, away from heat and moisture, especially paper and sugarcane products. If space is tight, order your fast movers by the carton and keep slower lines lean.
• Cash flow. Every carton is paid for up front, so a stockroom full of packaging is money you cannot spend elsewhere. Matching orders to what you actually use keeps that tied-up cash down.

If you are comparing container sizes for a new menu, our guide to small takeaway containers covers the smaller formats in more detail.

What is a bulk packaging call-off, and do you need one?

A call-off is an arrangement where a business agrees to a larger quantity with a supplier and then has it released in smaller deliveries over time. It suits operators who want to lock in supply but cannot store everything at once.

For most cafés, food trucks and takeaway shops, ordering by the carton does a similar job with less commitment. Packery has no minimum order, so you can order one carton of a fast mover when you need it rather than committing to a schedule. For more on stocking up on containers specifically, see takeaway containers in bulk.

How do the free-delivery thresholds work?

Delivery is a flat fee unless your order is over the threshold for your zone, in which case it is free.

If you are just under the threshold, it can make sense to add a carton of something you will use anyway, such as bags or greaseproof paper, rather than paying the flat fee. Delivery time is 3–5 business days to capital cities and 4–6 business days regional, so order before you are down to your last sleeve.

Which one should I buy?

Start with the items that leave with every order, then add the rest by venue type.

• Cafés: the 8oz Aqueous Coated Coffee Cups – Double Wall Art Print (Carton of 500) at $0.11 each for standard takeaway coffee, and the 12oz Kraft Coffee Cups – Lined SW Print 90mm (Carton of 1000) at $0.14 each for larger sizes. The 12oz cup is available with custom printing.
• Noodle bars and Asian takeaway: the 8oz PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Noodle Box (Carton of 1000) at $0.12 each for sides and smaller serves.
• Burger and hot-food shops: the 9x6x3 Sugarcane Takeaway Container – Unbleached Clamshell (Carton of 200) at $0.19 each, made from sugarcane fibre. For chips and snacks, the Corrugated Takeaway Container – Brown Snack Box Large Plain (Carton of 200) at $0.20 each.
• Lunch and meal-prep venues: the PLA Takeaway Container – Coated Lunch Box Extra Large (Carton of 200) at $0.58 each, sized 197x140x90mm, with custom printing available.
• Caterers: the 80mm Corrugated Plate – Brown Rectangle Catering Tray Large High Sides (Carton of 50) at $0.87 each, sized 560x255x80mm, for platters and grazing boards.
• Everyone: the Kraft Bag – 2WB Flat (Carton of 500) at $0.02 each for small items and pastries.

You can see the full container range on the takeaway containers page. Custom printing with your logo is available on selected products (see custom print).

How do I order?

There is no minimum order, so you can buy a single carton or build a mixed order across your whole range. All orders are prepaid online, and the delivery terms above apply. 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). If you already know what you need, use quick order to add several cartons at once.

Setting up or restocking your packaging?

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