Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-11-27 Origin: Site
Are you looking for the best manufacturers of clamshell packaging for your food business? Whether you are looking for durable takeout boxes or eco-friendly containers, finding the perfect supplier is crucial. In this article, we will go through the most successful and popular companies in the world for producing clamshell packaging, their novelties, strengths, and strong selling points in 2025.
source: futuremarketinsights
Although clamshell packaging may seem like nothing more than a box, it quietly dominates the food, retail, and consumer goods industries. Before anyone opens the lid, these little containers are protecting your goods, enhancing their appearance, and even helping to sell them.
The market is expected to grow from USD 9.4 billion in 2025 to USD 12.6 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 3.0%. What's driving it? Primarily for food, consumers seek packaging that is transparent, safe, and impervious to tampering. Because of their versatility and ease of use, trays are the main attraction here, accounting for 36.8% of all clamshell products.
Two major trends shaking up the status quo are tech-savvy thermoforming, enabling lighter, stronger, and even eccentric custom shapes, and a shift toward environmentally friendly materials, from recyclable plastics to fully compostable, plant-based options. Today's clamshells can be more than boxes; they serve as marketing aids, convenience enhancers, and environmental advocates.
Finding the right clamshell packaging supplier entails more than just choosing a business from a list. It is critical to understand clamshell packaging, what makes it work, and which partner will best meet your company's needs consistently. A good supplier can not only ensure food safety but also save you headaches and even enable you to maintain environmental sustainability. When making your decision, remember the following five points:
Look for vendors with modern production machinery and extensive experience in thermoforming. From a simple takeout box to a complicated multi-compartment tray, modern machinery ensures your clamshell containers are dependable, robust, and thoughtfully designed.
Make sure your supplier can handle the volume of orders you are placing and will not have any delays. High capacity is about much more than just quantity; it's about meeting deadlines and growing as your company grows.
Make sure your clamshell's packaging is PFAS-free and BPA-free; ideally, it will also be environmentally friendly. Whatever your packaging material-plastic, paper, or plant-based needs to be safe for food contact and comply with regulations.
Suppliers that maintain ISO, FDA, or other food safety certifications show professionalism and dependability. Consistency in quality is important, especially since meals or fragile items could be stored in your containers.
A great supplier does more than just ship boxes; they also make sure your orders arrive on schedule and assist in case problems arise. Look for partners offering tracking, responsive communication, and the flexibility to adjust to your evolving needs.
Brand Name | Year Founded | Location | Employee Size | Website | |
1 | Sumkoka | 2005 | Hefei, China | 650 | https://www.sumkoka.com |
2 | FormTight | 1992 | Denver, Colorado, USA | 40 | https://www.formtight.com |
3 | Elmes Packaging | 1975 (est.) | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | 150 | https://www.elmespackaging.com |
4 | Lacerta | 2010 (est.) | USA | 80 | https://www.lacerta.com |
5 | Naturpac | 2000 (est.) | Australia & New Zealand | 50 | https://www.naturpac.com |
6 | Quantrelle | 2000 (est.) | UK | 100 | https://www.quantrelle.co.uk |
7 | Highland Packaging Solutions | 1995 (est.) | USA | 110 | https://highcor.com/ |
8 | Elsepack | 2003 | Ningbo, China | 60 | https://www.elsepack.com |
9 | Industrial Packaging | 1953 | New England, USA | 200 | https://www.industrialpackaging.com |
10 | Plastic Ingenuity | 1972 | Multiple Locations, USA | 500+ | https://www.plasticingenuity.com |
Not all manufacturers are equal when it comes to clamshell packaging. Some excel at creating truly unique designs that set your brand apart, while others focus on ecologically-minded innovation and high-volume production. We have put together a list of the top ten clamshell packaging manufacturers in the world for 2025, focusing on their strengths, areas of expertise, and the qualities that set them apart from their competitors.
Hefei Sumkoka Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.was founded in 2005 and is a leading Chinese manufacturer of eco-friendly clamshell containers and bagasse tableware. With nearly two decades of experience, Sumkoka has grown into a trusted global supplier of biodegradable sugarcane-based packaging, including trays, plates, bowls, clamshells, and cutlery. Its products are very well suited for restaurants, caterers, and takeaway outlets because they are resistant to grease, can be safely used in microwaves, and are strong enough to support hot and cold foods.
What sets Sumkoka apart is its focus on personalization. With branding or design elements added to their packaging, companies have an easy way to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. Because of their global reach and steadfast commitment to sustainable packaging, Sumkoka has become a leading option for companies that seek to go green without giving up quality.
Pros
Sugarcane bagasse products that are completely compostable and biodegradable
Sturdy and suitable for all kinds of meals in the microwave
Many design and branding customization possibilities
Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons
Cost may appear higher as compared to the costs of conventional plastic alternatives.
FormTight, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a producer of thermoformed, custom plastic clamshell packaging. They also offer both thin and thick gauge packaging for food and electronics among other applications. Due to the fact that every stage of production, right from design to finished product, is kept in-house, accuracy and quality are assured along with faster turnaround times.
FormTight are known for their innovation, helping companies bring their packaging concepts to life, whether it's a simple clamshell container or a complex multi-compartment design. They can offer personalized service and pragmatic project support during the manufacturing process due to their U.S.-based facilities.
Pros
Proficiency with both thick gauge and thin gauge thermoforming
Complete in-house production ensures the highest quality.
It works with various industries, ranging from electronic to food.
Customized support with timely completion of projects
Cons
Primarily focused on plastic with fewer compostable or eco-friendly options
Elmes Packaging has been manufacturing thin-gauge thermoformed clamshell packaging in Mississauga, Ontario, for almost 50 years. From quotes and prototyping to tooling, fulfillment, and continuing support, their Elmes360° Advantage helps clients every step of the way.
Elmes is known for its robust, precise, aesthetic packaging that solves tough packaging challenges. They serve customers both in North America and Europe, assisting brands to stand out and prosper in cutthroat markets with a mix of technical know-how and excellent customer service.
Pros
Proficiency in thin-gauge thermoforming
Clear and swift design-to-production process
Global reach with clients in North America and Europe
Sturdy and aesthetically pleasing packaging
Cons
Mostly made of thin-gauge plastics
Few compostable or biodegradable options
The real game-changer for grab-and-go packaging is Lacerta's ReCERTM film-lidding material, which uses almost 50 percent less plastic and saves money in the process. Their clamshells are also made with post-consumer recycled plastic without sacrificing durability or strength.
They offer bespoke blends and fully integrated manufacturing to ensure brands meet their sustainability goals without compromising on short production timelines. Businesses requiring quality, lightweight, eco-friendly, reasonably priced clamshells should look to Lacerta.
Pros
For sustainability, made from PCR plastics
Reduces costs and consumption of materials
Integrated manufacturing guarantees both quality and speed.
Blends that can be customized to achieve environmental goals
Cons
Emphasis was placed on the PCR plastics.
Few options that are compostable or plant-based
Naturpac supplies fully rPET-made clamshells in Australia and New Zealand for fresh produce like berries and other fruits. Retailers and customers can have the added security of knowing their clamshells retain strength, clarity, and freshness.
Naturpac is the region's exclusive distributor of INFIA rPET clamshells, ensuring that companies have the highest-quality, greenest packaging available.
Pros
Completely recycled plastic (rPET)
Keeps the produce visible and fresh.
Encourages ecologically-friendly retail methods
ANZ's exclusive distributor
Cons
Limited to produce
Less appropriate for multi-compartment packaging or meals
Quantrelle is a UK firm specializing in high-volume blister and clamshell packaging for wholesalers and retailers. Their Eco-PackTM line offers environmentally conscious brands a more sustainable option; their transparent packaging is safe and ensures minimum shrinkage or damage.
With a strong reputation for dependability, speed, and cost-effectiveness, many of the UK's leading retailers place their trust in them.
Pros
Capacity for high-volume production
Eco-PackTM is an environmentally friendly packaging option.
Knowledgeable about leading UK retailers
Minimizes shrinkage and damage
Cons
Mainly focused on the UK market
Few compostable or plant-based options are available
Highland Packaging Solutions offers in-house design, printing, labeling, and inventory management, specializing in high-volume PET clamshell packaging. Their creative team will rapidly and effectively convert an idea from a sketch to packaging ready for the market.
Highland combines creative design and effective production to make your brand stand out while assuring timely delivery and reliable performance. They are ideal for businesses that seek large-scale custom packaging of high quality.
Pros
Full design, printing, and labeling services
Production of PET in bulk would ensure its effectiveness.
Quick turnaround times and inventory assistance
Novel solutions for special packaging needs
Cons
Primarily PET-focused
Few plant-based or compostable options
Elsepack has been one of the most respected brands in the clamshell and thermoformed packaging businesses for over a decade. Every sales representative is an engineer, so you get advice from someone who actually understands materials, tooling, structure, and performance.
They are known as very hands-on. For growing companies, they're a great choice because they have free custom design, low MOQ (as low as 500 pieces), and no tooling for select clear box orders. Elsepack has an excellent track record of supplying packaging to some of the world's leading companies like Disney, 3M, and Walmart.
Pros
Free custom design based on precise specifications
Low minimum order quantity of 500 pieces to help small and medium-sized enterprises
Engineers handle customer service directly for more precise technical assistance.
From raw materials to shipment, 100% inspection
Cons
Ideal for plastic-based packaging, but not good if you want to use eco-friendly materials.
Lead times could lengthen during times of high demand.
One of the most seasoned packaging companies on the list, Industrial Packaging has been providing services to New England and the Northeast since 1953. They are special in that, beyond manufacturing and sourcing packaging, they can handle the packaging for you.
They provide kitting, co-packing, warehousing, rework services, and even three-party logistics from their enormous 175,000+ square foot facility. Industrial Packaging is a good choice for businesses looking for a full-service partner rather than just a packaging supplier.
Pros
With more than 70 years of packaging industry experience, it offers co-packing, kitting, warehousing, and 3PL support.
Robust supplier relationships for flexible sourcing
able to manage your product from shipment all the way to the customer
Cons
More focused on services, rather than in-house manufacture of clamshells.
Best suited to U.S. businesses, since operations are location-based
With seven strategically located facilities, Plastic Ingenuity stands out as one of the largest custom thermoforming companies in North America. They are known for their engineering-driven packaging solutions and long-lasting relationships that last long after a single project is completed. They have been providing very scalable solutions supported by decades of trend and material expertise to large industries in healthcare, food, and consumer goods since 1972. Plastic Ingenuity is ideal for large-scale custom thermoforming with dependable quality.
Pros
One of the largest and most advanced custom thermoformers in North America
Vast experience working with consumer goods, food, and medical industries.
Ultra Scalable Manufacturing for High Volume Needs
Strong R&D and engineering skills
Cons
Minimum order quantities may be higher compared with smaller suppliers.
Better for long-term or enterprise projects
More important than price or location when selecting a clamshell packaging supplier is finding a partner who genuinely understands your business and your objectives. While some businesses, like Highland Packaging Solutions, excel at producing PET in large quantities, others, like Sumkoka, concentrate on completely biodegradable, environmentally friendly solutions. Each one has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you, whether it's custom branding, sustainability, or speed and scale.
You will be able to make informed decisions that balance cost with quality and environmental impact by weighing options side by side. Thoughtful decisions made now will lead to less stress, improved packaging, and satisfied customers later.
Sumkoka is your go-to if you need compostable, sustainable clamshell packaging that will meet the demands of today's consumers who are keen on saving the planet. With decades of experience manufacturing biodegradable sugarcane bagasse containers, we understand the demands of companies like yours and offer workable, eco-friendly solutions.
Our focus on quality, personalization, and innovation makes Sumkoka different. From bowls and trays to lids and clamshell containers, our products are robust, safe for microwave use, and fully compostable. You can explore all of the benefits we offer and find out why so many companies choose us as their eco-friendly packaging supplier.
Want to see our products in action? Take some free samples to experience the quality firsthand. Or, if you're ready to discuss your packaging needs, contact our team for expert advice and find the perfect solution for your business.
