Custom Food Packaging UK: Suppliers, Costs & Regulations (2026)
Find custom food packaging suppliers in the UK. Compare costs, MOQs, food-safe materials, and eco-friendly options. 836 packaging suppliers reviewed.
By SupplySift Team
Key Takeaways
Custom food packaging in the UK costs £0.08–£5.00+ per unit depending on type, material, and order quantity — from printed takeaway containers at £0.08–£0.50 each to luxury rigid food gift boxes at £1.00–£5.00+. All food packaging must comply with UK food contact materials regulations (retained EU Regulation 1935/2004), and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax charges £217.85 per tonne on packaging with less than 30% recycled content. SupplySift lists 836 UK packaging suppliers, with hundreds offering food-grade packaging solutions.
Whether you run a bakery, a meal prep business, an ecommerce food brand, or a takeaway, your packaging must do three things: keep food safe, comply with UK regulations, and represent your brand. Getting custom food packaging made in the UK is straightforward once you understand the rules, costs, and supplier landscape.
This guide covers food packaging regulations, costs by type, eco-friendly options, sector-specific requirements, and the top food packaging suppliers in SupplySift’s directory. For businesses already buying generic packaging, switching to custom branded packaging typically adds £0.05–£0.30 per unit — a small premium that pays back through brand recognition and customer trust.
What Is Custom Food Packaging?
Custom food packaging is branded or bespoke packaging designed specifically for food products. It goes beyond off-the-shelf containers by incorporating your branding, specific dimensions for your products, and materials chosen for your particular food type.
Common forms include printed boxes for bakeries and confectionery, branded pouches for coffee and snacks, custom takeaway containers with your logo, bespoke rigid boxes for luxury food gifts, and labelled jars or tubs for preserves and condiments.
Custom food packaging serves four purposes: food safety compliance (correct materials and barriers for your product), brand differentiation (standing out on shelves and doorsteps), shelf appeal (attracting customers in retail environments), and customer trust (professional packaging signals a professional product). For ecommerce food brands, the unboxing experience is particularly important — your packaging is the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand.
What Are the Food Packaging Regulations in the UK?
Food packaging regulations are non-negotiable. Using non-compliant materials risks product recalls, enforcement action from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and damage to your brand.
Food contact materials (FCM) regulations
All food packaging must comply with UK food contact materials regulations, based on retained EU Regulation 1935/2004. The core requirement: materials and articles intended to come into contact with food must not transfer their constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health, change the composition of the food, or deteriorate its taste and odour.
In practice, this means your packaging supplier must provide a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming their materials meet FCM regulations. Reputable suppliers provide this as standard — if a supplier cannot produce one, do not use them.
UK Plastic Packaging Tax
Since April 2022, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK with less than 30% recycled plastic content. The current rate is £217.85 per tonne (from April 2024). This creates a direct financial incentive to choose packaging with 30%+ recycled content or to switch to non-plastic alternatives like cardboard, bagasse, or compostable materials.
Allergen labelling (Natasha’s Law)
Natasha’s Law (effective October 2021) requires food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labelling on all food pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS). This includes sandwiches, salads, and baked goods wrapped on premises for sale. Your packaging must have space for compliant labelling — either pre-printed or with a clear label area.
HACCP compliance
Food packaging environments must follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) principles. If your packaging is stored, assembled, or filled in your premises, you need documented food safety procedures. Packaging suppliers serving the food industry should hold relevant certifications — BRC (British Retail Consortium), SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval), or ISO 22000 are the main standards to look for.
How Much Does Custom Food Packaging Cost in the UK?
Costs depend on material, complexity, print method, and order quantity. These ranges are based on publicly available pricing from UK suppliers:
| Packaging Type | Cost Per Unit | Typical MOQ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printed takeaway containers | £0.08–£0.50 | 500–1,000 | Cardboard or bagasse, single-colour print |
| Branded pouches/bags (coffee, snacks) | £0.10–£0.80 | 500–2,000 | Stand-up pouches, resealable, multi-colour |
| Custom bakery boxes (cake, pastry) | £0.15–£1.50 | 100–500 | Window boxes, printed card, food-safe liner |
| Custom pizza boxes | £0.12–£0.60 | 500–1,000 | Corrugated, 1–4 colour print |
| Branded food labels/stickers | £0.03–£0.15 | 250–1,000 | Vinyl or paper, die-cut or roll |
| Rigid food gift boxes (luxury) | £1.00–£5.00+ | 50–250 | Magnetic closure, foil stamping, inserts |
| Compostable food containers | £0.10–£0.60 | 500–1,000 | Bagasse, PLA, or moulded fibre |
What affects the price?
Material is the biggest cost driver. Standard cardboard is cheapest. Compostable materials (bagasse, PLA) cost 10–30% more than plastic equivalents but avoid the Plastic Packaging Tax. Rigid board with foil stamping or embossing sits at the premium end.
Print method matters at different volumes. Digital printing suits short runs (100–1,000 units) at £0.10–£0.50+ per unit. Flexographic printing becomes cost-effective above 5,000 units, dropping costs to £0.03–£0.15 per unit. Litho printing delivers the highest quality at 10,000+ units.
MOQs (minimum order quantities) vary widely. CP Packaging in London offers custom printed cups from 1,000 units with a 15-working-day lead time and free design service. Some suppliers offer runs as low as 50–100 units for simple printed boxes, though at a per-unit premium.
What Are the Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Options?
Sustainability is no longer optional for food businesses. Consumer demand, the Plastic Packaging Tax, and upcoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations are all pushing the industry toward greener materials.
Compostable food packaging
Made from plant-based materials — bagasse (sugarcane fibre), PLA (polylactic acid from cornstarch), and moulded fibre (recycled paper pulp). Compostable packaging breaks down in industrial composting facilities within 12 weeks. Eco-Friendly Food Packaging in Glasgow is a family-run supplier specialising in compostable and recyclable food service packaging, with free delivery on orders over £100. Kingsbury Packaging in Limavady offers bagasse alternatives for takeaway containers — sugarcane fibre that is both compostable and microwave-safe.
Biodegradable food packaging
Biodegradable materials break down naturally over time, though not necessarily as quickly or completely as compostable packaging. Starch-based packaging, cellulose films, and certain bioplastics fall into this category. The key distinction: “biodegradable” is not a regulated term in the way “compostable” is (which must meet EN 13432 standards). Check that any biodegradable claims are backed by certification.
Recyclable food packaging
Mono-material packaging — made from a single material type — is the easiest to recycle. Paper and cardboard food packaging is widely recycled across the UK. Plastic food packaging is recyclable if it is mono-material (single polymer type) and clean. Multi-material packaging (such as card with a plastic window) is harder to recycle and may need separating.
Kraft packaging — unbleached brown cardboard — is one of the most sustainable and cost-effective options for food businesses. It is recyclable, biodegradable, and projects an artisan, eco-conscious brand image. R+R Packaging in Cramlington offers kraft food boxes, coffee cups, and bakery packaging with bespoke branding options.
Custom Food Packaging by Sector
Bakery packaging
Cake boxes, bread bags, pastry trays, cupcake inserts, and window boxes for displaying baked goods. Window boxes are particularly important for bakeries — customers want to see the product before buying. Food-safe grease-resistant liners are essential for anything with butter or oil content. Metro Pack in London supplies cake boxes, sandwich boxes, cupcake boxes, and window dessert boxes for food businesses, with free shipping on orders over £99.
Takeaway and fast food packaging
Burger boxes, chip containers, pizza boxes, noodle boxes, and hot food containers. Grease resistance and heat retention are the key requirements. Bagasse containers handle hot food well and are microwave-safe. GM Packaging in Seaham supplies a comprehensive range of takeaway packaging — pizza boxes, burger boxes, fish and chip boxes, soup containers, and portion pots — with sustainable alternatives across all lines.
Chilled and fresh food packaging
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) extends shelf life by replacing air with a gas mixture (typically nitrogen and CO2). Vacuum pouches remove air entirely. Insulated boxes with gel packs maintain temperature during delivery. This is the most technically demanding food packaging sector — material barriers, seal integrity, and temperature performance all affect food safety.
Ecommerce food packaging
Subscription boxes, insulated mailers, gel packs, and branded outer cartons for food businesses selling online. The challenge is maintaining food safety (temperature control, crush protection) while creating a branded unboxing experience. Insulated wool liners, recycled denim insulation, and compostable gel packs are replacing polystyrene for chilled food delivery.
Top Food Packaging Suppliers in the UK
These suppliers specialise in food-grade custom packaging. All are listed in SupplySift’s directory with full profiles.
| Supplier | Location | Speciality | Key Products | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM Packaging | Seaham | Takeaway & food service | Pizza boxes, burger boxes, soup containers, sustainable options | View profile |
| Metro Pack | London | Bakery & food service | Cake boxes, sandwich boxes, cups, dessert packaging | View profile |
| Eco-Friendly Food Packaging | Glasgow | Sustainable food packaging | Bagasse, compostable, kraft food-to-go, bakery, butcher | View profile |
| Kingsbury Packaging | Limavady | Takeaway & bakery | Compostable containers, cake boxes, deli supplies | View profile |
| R+R Packaging | Cramlington | Bakery & catering | Kraft cups, cake boxes, sandwich packs, bespoke branding | View profile |
| Custom Boxes Shop | Manchester | Custom printed boxes | Bakery boxes, takeaway boxes, die-cut, kraft and corrugated | View profile |
| CP Packaging | London | Custom branded food packaging | Printed cups (MOQ 1,000), branded containers, free design | View profile |
| Bioclarity Food Packaging | Bristol | Sustainable food packaging | Bagasse boxes, compostable cups, food delivery bags | View profile |
How to Choose a Food Packaging Supplier
Food safety certifications
Your supplier should hold at least one of: BRC Global Standard for Packaging (the gold standard), SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval — common for smaller suppliers), or ISO 22000 (food safety management). They must provide Declarations of Conformity for food contact materials. If they cannot, look elsewhere.
MOQ flexibility
Small food businesses — market traders, micro-bakeries, startup food brands — need suppliers with low MOQs. Look for suppliers offering 100–500 unit minimums for custom printed boxes. Standard (unbranded) food packaging is available in smaller quantities from most suppliers. CP Packaging offers custom printed cups from 1,000 units — low by industry standards for printed packaging.
Lead times and stock holding
Custom printed food packaging typically takes 10–20 working days from artwork approval. Stock packaging ships in 1–3 days. If you need a buffer for seasonal peaks (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter), plan 6–8 weeks ahead for custom orders. Some suppliers offer stock holding — they print your packaging in bulk and release it in smaller batches as you need it.
Sustainability credentials
Check for FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) on paper and card products. Look for EN 13432 certification on compostable packaging. Ask about recycled content percentages — anything above 30% avoids the Plastic Packaging Tax. Eco-Friendly Food Packaging in Glasgow focuses exclusively on sustainable food packaging, while GM Packaging in Seaham offers sustainable alternatives across their full takeaway range.
For more on packaging suppliers across all sectors, browse our guides on custom packaging for small businesses and bespoke and eco-friendly packaging in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
What regulations apply to food packaging in the UK?
All food packaging must comply with UK food contact materials regulations (retained EU Regulation 1935/2004), which require materials not to transfer harmful substances to food. Suppliers must provide a Declaration of Conformity. Natasha’s Law requires full allergen labelling on pre-packed food for direct sale. The UK Plastic Packaging Tax (£217.85/tonne) applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
How much does custom food packaging cost for a small business?
Custom printed takeaway containers start at £0.08–£0.50 per unit with MOQs of 500–1,000. Branded bakery boxes cost £0.15–£1.50 per unit from 100 units. Custom labels start at £0.03–£0.15 each. For a small bakery ordering 500 custom cake boxes, expect to pay £75–£750 total. Digital printing keeps short-run costs manageable — flexographic printing becomes cheaper above 5,000 units.
Can I get eco-friendly food packaging with low minimum orders?
Yes. Standard compostable takeaway containers (bagasse, kraft) are available from most suppliers with no minimum order — Eco-Friendly Food Packaging in Glasgow and Kingsbury Packaging in Limavady both supply off-the-shelf compostable options with free delivery thresholds of £100. Custom printed eco-friendly packaging typically requires MOQs of 500–1,000 units, though some suppliers offer 100-unit runs at a premium.
What is the UK Plastic Packaging Tax?
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax charges £217.85 per tonne (from April 2024) on plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that contains less than 30% recycled plastic content. It applies to businesses that manufacture or import 10+ tonnes of plastic packaging annually. Switching to packaging with 30%+ recycled content, or to non-plastic materials like cardboard or bagasse, avoids the tax entirely.
Do I need food-safe certification for my packaging?
Your packaging itself must meet food contact materials regulations — your supplier handles this through their manufacturing processes and Declarations of Conformity. You do not need a separate certification for buying food packaging. However, if you store, assemble, or fill packaging on your premises as part of a food business, you need HACCP-based food safety procedures registered with your local authority.
Browse Food Packaging Suppliers on SupplySift
SupplySift lists 836 UK packaging suppliers, including hundreds specialising in food-grade packaging for bakeries, takeaways, food brands, and ecommerce. Browse by region — including packaging suppliers in London and packaging suppliers in Scotland — or get quotes from multiple suppliers to compare food packaging costs for your business.