What “cardboard” means for a food tray
“Cardboard” covers three different materials, and the one you choose changes how the tray performs:
- Paperboard (SBS): A smooth, single-layer board that takes full-color print best. It suits desserts, bakery and branded takeaway.
- Kraft paperboard: A natural brown board with a rustic look and good strength. It suits fries, burgers and street food.
- E-flute corrugated: A thin fluted board with a rigid, insulating structure. It suits large trays, heavy items and delivery.
We’ll recommend the right one after hearing what you serve.
A tray does three jobs at once
A food tray has to hold the food, handle the grease or steam, and carry your brand into the customer’s hands. Most pages cover only the branding. We build for all three, so the tray looks as good at the table as it did on the pass.
Match the tray to the food
- Fries, wings, nachos: An open boat-style or shallow tray with a grease barrier, so oil doesn’t soak through the base.
- Burgers, sandwiches, wraps: A rectangular open tray that sits flat and holds the item without crushing it.
- Hot dogs and subs: A long, narrow tray with low sides for easy grip.
- Pastries, donuts, desserts: A shallow tray, with or without a lid, and a liner for glazed or sticky items.
- Sharing platters and catering: A larger or divided tray in heavier or corrugated board, built to carry the load without sagging.
Straight talk on food safety
Food-contact safety depends on the board, the barrier and the ink working together, and on how the tray is used. We build trays from food-contact-suitable board and coatings, and we print with water-based inks kept to the outside of the tray. Wet, oily or saucy foods need a barrier coating or liner, which we’ll specify based on what you serve. Supporting documentation for your materials is available on request, so ask up front if your health department or retailer requires it.
Customization
- Style: Boat, open rectangular, square, round, lidded, divided or tray-and-sleeve.
- Dimensions: Length, width and depth to your product, with compartments if needed.
- Board: Kraft, white SBS paperboard or E-flute corrugated.
- Barrier: Grease-resistant coating, moisture-resistant coating or a food-contact liner.
- Branding: Logo, pattern, menu copy, QR code or allergen and reheating notes.
- Sample: A prototype approved before your full run begins.
Size Table
Typical starting points, given as length × width × depth. Every tray is made to your portion and your menu item.
| Use | Typical size (in) | Typical size (mm) | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fries / snack portion | 5 × 3.5 × 1.5 | 127 × 89 × 38 | Open boat tray |
| Burger / sandwich | 7 × 4.5 × 1.5 | 178 × 114 × 38 | Open rectangular |
| Hot dog / sub | 9 × 3.5 × 1.5 | 229 × 89 × 38 | Long open tray |
| Nachos / loaded fries | 6 × 6 × 2 | 152 × 152 × 51 | Square open tray |
| Pastry / dessert | 6 × 4 × 1.25 | 152 × 102 × 32 | Shallow, optional lid |
| Divided platter | 10 × 8 × 1.75 | 254 × 203 × 44 | 3-compartment |
| Sharing / catering | 12 × 8 × 2 | 305 × 203 × 51 | Heavy-duty or corrugated |
Materials
| Board | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kraft paperboard | Fries, burgers, bakery, natural look | Brown surface, earthy brand feel |
| White SBS paperboard | Full-color print, desserts | Brightest print surface |
| E-flute corrugated | Large trays, heavy loads, delivery | Extra strength and insulation |
| Recycled board | Eco-minded menus | Check food-contact suitability for your use |
| Barrier | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Grease-resistant coating | Slows oil soaking through the board | Fries, wings, fried food |
| Moisture-resistant coating | Resists condensation and light moisture | Sandwiches, wraps, pastries |
| Food-contact liner | Separates food from the board entirely | Glazed, sticky or very oily items |
Printing & Finishing
| Option | Result | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| CMYK / Pantone | Full color or exact brand color | All trays |
| Water-based food-safe inks | Printed on the outer surface | Food service |
| Matte / gloss varnish | Protects print, sets the surface feel | Takeaway and retail |
| Aqueous coating | Light protective finish | Everyday trays |
| Spot UV / foil / emboss | Selective shine or metallic detail | Premium dessert, gifting |
Some finishes, such as heavy lamination, suit dry foods better than greasy ones. We’ll flag that before you commit.
Applications
- Fries, wings and fried snacks
- Burgers, sandwiches and wraps
- Nachos, loaded fries and street food
- Hot dogs and subs
- Pastries, donuts and bakery boxes
- Desserts and sweet treats
- Catering, charcuterie and sharing platters
- Food trucks, ghost kitchens and cafés
- Stadium, event and concession service
MOQ / Production
Minimum order: 100 units. There are no die or plate charges, so a single new menu item or a seasonal run doesn’t carry a tooling penalty. Send the food you’re serving, the portion size and your artwork (or just your logo), and we’ll quote with the style, board and barrier specified. Production begins after you approve your sample.
Why Choose Us
- Built for the food: Style, board and barrier chosen for what you actually serve.
- Free design support: We prepare print-ready artwork.
- No die or plate charges: You pay for trays, not setup.
- 100-piece MOQ: Start small and scale up.
- Sample approval: You see the tray before the run.
- Free US shipping and 24/7 support: Call +1-718-395-8979 or email info@rigidpackagingpro.com.
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