Food ready.
Brand visible.
Packaging to go.

A technical overview of printed food box and tray specifications: materials, construction, printing, finishing and lead times.

Technical information

Minimum order quantity

• Standard products and existing constructions: from 2,500 pieces
• Custom printed production: usually from 5,000–10,000 pieces
• Special constructions and new cutting dies: quantities depend on dimensions, material and production process
• Smaller digitally printed quantities may be possible according to the project

Dimensions and construction

• Boxes and trays in different capacities, shapes and depths
• One-piece, two-piece and flap-closing constructions
• Glued, locking or folding options
• Ventilation holes, handles, windows and internal dividers can be added
• Construction tailored to product dimensions, weight, serving method and transport needs

Materials

• Brown kraft board for a natural appearance
• White board for quality full-colour printing and premium presentation
• PE-laminated board for improved moisture and grease resistance
• PLA-laminated board as a bio-based coating option, according to the project
• Boards and coatings with food-contact certification for the intended use

Printing options

• Offset printing for larger quantities and high-quality full-colour designs
• Digital printing for smaller quantities and faster projects
• Flexographic printing according to material and process
• CMYK and Pantone colour systems
• Logos, repeating patterns, promotional designs or full-surface printing

Finishing

• Matt or gloss finish according to material
• PE or PLA lamination for improved moisture and grease resistance
• Perforations, windows, ventilation holes and tear strips
• Reinforced edges and structural locking features
• Fully foldable or glued constructions

Lead times

• Standard constructions: production usually 3–5 weeks
• Projects with a new construction or cutting die: usually 5–8 weeks
• Smaller digital-print projects: according to the production schedule
• Timing depends on quantity, printing, finishing and material availability

Artwork files

• AI, PDF or EPS vector formats
• CMYK colour space and Pantone references where needed
• Convert fonts to outlines
• Place artwork on the manufacturer’s approved dieline
• Approve a digital proof before production

Applications

• Restaurants, cafés and fast food
• Takeaway and food delivery
• Catering and events
• Bakery products, snacks and prepared foods
• Burgers, fries, chicken and other hot dishes
• Retail and food manufacturing

Project preparation

Before production, dimensions, construction, board, coating, printing process and application are agreed. Plastrum helps choose suitable board, a food-contact-appropriate finish and production process, coordinating the project from structural design and artwork preparation to production and delivery.

Printed paperboard food boxes and trays: choosing material and construction

Printed paperboard food boxes and trays are practical, visible branding opportunities for restaurants, cafés, fast-food outlets, caterers and food manufacturers. Different dimensions, constructions and materials are available with custom printing, logos or a complete design.

Natural brown or white board: which should you choose?

Brown board suits a natural visual identity. White board allows brighter colours and detailed full-colour printing for premium brands and visually demanding projects. For greasy or moist foods, PE or PLA lamination can be selected to suit the application.

Dimensions and construction

Boxes and trays are designed for product dimensions, weight, serving method and transport requirements. Options include one-piece, flapped, glued, locking and folding constructions. Ventilation holes, windows, handles, tear strips and internal dividers can be added where needed.

Food boxes with custom printing and logos

Custom printed paperboard food boxes make takeaway and serving packaging part of your visual identity. Offset printing suits larger quantities and high-quality full-colour designs, while digital printing suits shorter runs and faster projects. Options include logos, slogans, repeating patterns, promotional artwork and full-surface designs in CMYK or Pantone colours.

Applications

Restaurants and cafés use printed boxes for takeaway, serving and brand visibility.

Fast food and food delivery need sturdy, convenient closures and transport-ready packaging.

Caterers and event organisers can adapt packaging to an event, customer or sponsor’s visual identity.

Bakeries and prepared-food businesses need constructions that protect products and preserve their presentation.

Burgers, fries and chicken products need grease-resistant, ventilated and convenient boxes or trays.

Plastrum: your printed food box partner in the Baltic and Scandinavian markets

Plastrum helps select board, construction, barrier coating and printing for the food, application and logistics requirements. Our manufacturing network offers standard and fully customised paperboard boxes and trays. We serve businesses throughout the Baltic and Scandinavian region.

Frequently asked questions

Which material suits greasy or moist food?

PE- or PLA-laminated board improves grease and moisture resistance. The coating must suit the specific application.

Can food boxes carry our logo?

Yes. Boxes and trays can carry logos, repeating patterns, promotional artwork or a full-surface design.

Can the construction be customised?

Yes. Dimensions, shape, closure, ventilation holes, windows and internal dividers can be tailored to the product and application.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Minimums generally start at 2,500–5,000 pieces, depending on construction, material, printing and finishing. Custom printed production is usually 5,000–10,000 pieces; the exact minimum is confirmed for the project.