Eco Takeaway Packaging Guide
A practical guide for cafés, food trucks, caterers, and small businesses choosing sustainable packaging
Why Eco Packaging Matters
Sustainable packaging isn’t just a trend—it’s now a core expectation from customers, councils, and environmentally conscious businesses. Choosing the right eco‑friendly packaging helps you:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Meet local sustainability requirements
- Improve brand reputation
- Provide safer, plastic‑free options for customers
- Support a circular, compostable packaging economy
For cafés and takeaway operators, the shift to eco packaging is both a responsibility and a competitive advantage.
Key Eco‑Friendly Materials Explained
Kraft Paper & Bio Board
- Made from renewable wood pulp
- Strong, food‑safe, and naturally grease‑resistant
- Ideal for hot and cold foods
- Recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable
Common uses: food boxes, trays, burger clams, noodle boxes.
Aqueous-Coated Paper
- Plastic‑free water‑based coating
- Fully home‑compostable
- Heat‑resistant and suitable for hot drinks
- A modern alternative to PE‑lined cups
Common uses: coffee cups, soup cups, lids.
Bagasse (Sugarcane Fibre)
- Made from sugarcane waste
- Heat‑resistant, microwave‑safe, and sturdy
- Naturally compostable
Common uses: plates, bowls, clamshells, lids.
PLA & CPLA (Plant-Based Bioplastics)
- Derived from corn starch
- Compostable in industrial facilities
- Clear, strong, and lightweight
Common uses: cold cups, deli containers, cutlery.
Choosing the Right Eco Packaging for Your Business
Hot Drinks
- Aqueous single wall cups for everyday service
- Double/triple wall cups for premium heat retention
- Fibre lids for a fully plastic‑free solution
Best for: cafés, offices, events, mobile coffee carts.
Cold Drinks
- PLA clear cups for smoothies, juices, iced coffee
- Paper cold cups for a plastic‑free alternative
Takeaway Meals
- Kraft/bio board food boxes for noodles, rice, curries
- Bagasse clamshells for burgers, chips, and hot meals
- Paper trays for snacks and sides
Snacks & Bakery
- Greaseproof paper bags
- Kraft window bags
- Compostable sandwich wedges
4. Certifications to Look For
When choosing eco packaging, check for recognised standards:
- Home Compostable
- Industrial Compostable
- EN13432 / AS4736 / AS5810
- FSC-certified paper
These ensure your packaging meets real sustainability benchmarks—not just marketing claims.
5. Tips for Reducing Waste in Your Business
- Choose packaging that fits your menu (avoid oversized containers)
- Standardise cup and lid sizes to reduce SKU complexity
- Offer incentives for reusable cups
- Use compostable bin liners and clear signage
- Train staff on correct disposal practices
Small changes add up quickly across hundreds of daily orders.
6. Why Choose Sailcity Packaging
"Customer satisfaction is our Goal - We strive to get it right as we want you back again!"
Sailcity Packaging supplies a full range of eco‑friendly, compostable, and recyclable takeaway packaging trusted by cafés, restaurants, and food service operators across New Zealand.
What sets us apart:
- Certified compostable products
- Strong, reliable quality for busy service environments
- Competitive wholesale pricing
- Multiple sizes, colours, and lid options
- Custom branding available
- Fast delivery and consistent stock levels
Whether you’re a small café or a multi‑site operator, we help you transition to sustainable packaging with confidence
