Top 10 Packaging Essentials Every Catering Business Needs
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In 2025, running a catering business requires more than simply delicious food; it also involves sustainability, affordability, and packaging. Your packaging designs show a lot about your business, whether you're catering food events, corporate lunches, or weddings. For more than 30 years, Packaging By Polymer has helped foodservice workers in the UK in finding the right packaging by finding a balance between cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and quality.
Here is a comprehensive guide to the top 10 packaging requirements that every catering business must have in order to compete in today's marketplace.
1. Eco-Friendly and Durable Bagasse Food Boxes
In the catering business, being environmentally Friendly becomes essential. Made from sugarcane pulp, bagasse food packaging is long-lasting, compostable, and perfect for hot or greasy meals. These boxes are perfect for caterers who want to use less plastic without compromising quality, as they will hold curries, pastas, or street food dishes without leaking.
Eco-friendly restaurants love Packaging By Polymer's collection of Bagasse Food Boxes and Bagasse Clamshell Packaging. They are durable, reusable, and compliant with UK environment packaging laws.
2. Kraft Paper Bowls and Containers
Kraft food bowls have become a popular option of caterers who love their natural and rustic appearance. They work well for salads, noodles, and desserts, as they are made of sturdy kraft paper. The Kraft Paper Soup Containers and Brown Paper Food Bowls are biodegradable and come in a range of sizes for any type of food.
Our Kraft Food Containers are perfect for eco-friendly catering, takeaway, and party services, as they blend both style and utility.
3. Disposable Cutlery
Without Biodegradable Spoons and Economy Plastic Cutlery, no catering set is complete. They are cost-effective, lightweight, and perfect for large quantities of operation. Compostable cutlery options provide a sustainable upgrade without compromising quality for businesses looking to go green.
You could look into disposable cutlery made for both indoor and outdoor catering occasions, such as Economy Plastic Cutlery.
4. Aluminium Platters and Foil Containers
Packaging that keeps food warm and fresh is usually required by caterers. That's exactly what our round aluminum platters and round foil containers deliver. They are perfect for buffet spreads or large-scale catering as they are heat-resistant and leak-proof.
These are particularly popular by caterers who deliver hot meals every day and food packaging wholesalers.
5. Clear Punnets and Fruit Trays
Awareness is a must for dessert catering, fruit stations, and salad bars. While keeping food, Clear Punnets and Somoplast Fruit Punnets provide excellent display. Also, they are recyclable, which helps their transportation and storage.
Punnets, containers, and lids are all part of our Somoplast Food Packaging collection, which is made for cold foods and fresh vegetables.
6. Plastic and Pulp Trays
Polymer Trays, Polystyrene White Trays, and Rectangular Pulp Trays help caterers in arranging and providing meals in an orderly manner, whether they are sandwiches or pastries. They come in several sizes, are robust, and are lightweight.
Our wide round pulp bowls and rectangular pulp meal boxes are perfect for serving hot food, as they provide a compostable option without compromising durability.
7. Paper Bags and Carrier Bags
Paper carrier bags and brown paper bags, which provide comfort and potential for branding, are essential for caterers and food businesses. Our Twisted Handle Carrier Bags and Eco-Friendly Paper Bags are perfect for business meals and takeaway.
Handle Paper Carrier Bags or Custom Printed Paper Bags with your logo can add something unique and improve brand awareness and experience.
8. Pizza Boxes and Bakery Packaging
Custom printed pizza boxes and cardboard cake boxes are a must if your catering business sells pizza, baked goods, or street food. Square printed pizza boxes, white printed pizza boxes, and cake boxes with windows are all available at Packaging By Polymer and are perfect for branding and design.
These products for packaging act as small billboards for your company in addition to keeping your food safe.
9. Disposable Cups and Lids
Drinks are an essential aspect of catering events. Our Double-Wall Coffee Cups, Printed Juice Cups, and Custom Printed Takeaway Cups are produced for improving your beverage delivery, whether you're offering coffee or smoothies. For an eco-friendly, leak-free experience, connect them with Sustainable Cup Lids.
Catering businesses like our Ripple Kraft Paper Cups and Smoothie Cups as they are stylish, eco-friendly, and customized.
10. Cleaning Essentials
Without hygiene, an excellent catering experience is incomplete. Quality Ingredients & Cleaning Packaging and Plastic Disposable Gloves can help with that. Safety is maintained through proper hygiene, particularly in large-scale catering and hospital foodservice.
Our restaurant, hospital, and event products guarantee that the staff is prepared and complies with UK hygiene regulations.
The experience is what catering is all about, and packaging has a big impact. You can equally satisfy customers and promote your brand values with eco-friendly products, innovative designs, and polished finishes.
Everything that a catering business needs is available at Packaging By Polymer, including cutlery, cups, bags, platters, bagasse food boxes, and Kraft containers. We are your go-to takeout packaging provider in London with over 30 years of experience, affordable prices, and UK-wide delivery.
Are you prepared to improve your catering packaging?
Visit and check out our entire selection of premium and environmentally friendly catering packaging at Packaging By Polymer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is sustainable food packaging important for catering businesses in 2025?
Sustainable packaging isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a necessity. With UK laws restricting single-use plastics, eco-friendly packaging like Bagasse Food Boxes, Kraft Paper Bowls, and Compostable Cutlery helps businesses stay compliant while showing customers they care about the environment. It also enhances your brand’s image and supports customer loyalty.
Q2. What are the best eco-friendly food packaging options for hot meals?
For hot dishes such as curries, pasta, or roasts, Bagasse Food Packaging is the top choice. Made from sugarcane pulp, it’s heat-resistant, leak-proof, and 100% compostable. Products like Bagasse Clamshell Packaging and Rectangular Pulp Meal Boxes are ideal for maintaining food temperature without compromising on sustainability.
Q3. What type of packaging works best for cold or fresh foods?
For salads, desserts, or fresh fruit displays, Clear Punnets, Somoplast Fruit Punnets, and Somoplast Food Packaging are perfect. They provide excellent visibility, are lightweight, and are made from recyclable materials—ideal for caterers who want presentation and practicality in one.
Q4. Are Kraft Paper Bowls suitable for catering events?
Absolutely! Kraft food bowls and Kraft Paper Soup Containers are a favorite among eco-conscious caterers. They’re sturdy, biodegradable, and ideal for everything from soups to salads. Plus, their rustic brown appearance gives an organic touch that customers love.
Q5. What are the benefits of using Custom Printed Pizza Boxes and Cake Boxes?
Custom packaging like Square Printed Pizza Boxes, Cardboard Cake Boxes, and Cake Boxes with Windows doubles as both food protection and brand promotion. Printed packaging strengthens brand identity and turns every delivery into a marketing opportunity—especially for event and takeaway catering.
Q6. Which disposable items are essential for large-scale catering?
For busy catering operations, essentials include Economy Plastic Cutlery, Biodegradable Spoons, Plastic Disposable Gloves, and Round Foil Containers. These ensure hygiene, convenience, and easy cleanup, making service smooth and efficient.
Q7. Can I customize my catering packaging with my business logo?
Yes, Packaging By Polymer offers Custom Branded Food Packaging—including Printed Juice Cups, Custom Printed Paper Bags, and Custom Pizza Boxes. Adding your logo not only makes your packaging look professional but also boosts brand recognition at events, offices, or food festivals.
Q8. What packaging options are best for drinks and beverages?
For beverages, our Double-Wall Coffee Cups, Ripple Kraft Paper Cups, and Smoothie Cups provide insulation and style. Pair them with Sustainable Cup Lids for an eco-friendly, spill-free solution that works for both hot and cold drinks.
Q9. How can catering businesses maintain hygiene during large events?
Hygiene is critical. Using Premium Chemical & Cleaning Packaging and Plastic Disposable Gloves ensures safe handling and cleanliness. Our range is trusted by catering teams, hospitals, and restaurants across the UK for compliance with hygiene regulations.
Q10. Why choose Packaging By Polymer for catering packaging supplies?
With over 30 years of experience, Packaging By Polymer is a leading food packaging manufacturer and wholesaler in London, supplying everything from eco-friendly containers to custom branded packaging. We provide affordable prices, UK-wide delivery, and a wide range of sustainable catering products for every business size and sector.