Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-13 Origin: Site
Read this guide to find out the top 10 disposable food containers that are ruling the market in the UK. Find your next disposable food container manufacturer here.
In a society where people are looking forward to convenient ways of packaging food, disposable food containers have become an important thing in both homes and workplaces. These containers are invaluable for packing a lunch box, delivering steaming hot takeout, or preparing for an event.
However, with the abundance of products available today, how can consumers be confident that the companies offering these brands have truly achieved all criteria? In this blog, let’s discuss the leading 10 disposable food container manufacturers in the United Kingdom for 2025.
The disposable food container industry is one of the most important groups of food packaging materials, which are convenient and sanitary in terms of food preservation, transportation, and distribution. Such containers are usually manufactured from plastic, paper, aluminum, or bioplastic and are commonly used in restaurants, catering services, and rapidly developing food delivery services. Due to the fact that they are single-use, they are convenient to us, especially for busy consumers and businesses who want products that will provide them with quick services. In addition to convenience, other advancements in eco-friendly and biodegradable compostable materials have also been able to meet rising environmental challenges.
The market has matured in recent years. Accorging to MARKET RESEARCH FUTURE, it is estimated to be worth $110.48 billion in the global market in 2022. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2032 was expected to be 4.17% to reach $115.09 billion in 2023 and $166.3 billion in 2032. The growth is a result of increasing urbanization, the growth of e-commerce and food delivery companies, and the growing demand for convenience in meal preparation. Companies are also addressing the need to use environmentally friendly and recyclable material in packaging to reflect the global changing business environment in line with green requirements.
The UK market in particular is the most advanced in the implementation of environmental initiatives in the industry. Due to the government regulations that are now encouraging the reduction of single use plastic and the consumers awakening to the need to embrace environmentally friendly products there has been an increase in innovation.
Choosing the right manufacturer for disposable food containers is very important if the business wants to have quality containers at reasonable prices and, at the same time, be environmentally friendly. No matter if you are a food delivery service, a catering service, or a retail store, it is always wise to hire the services of a manufacturer who will guarantee the packaging meets the right standards and is fit for consumption. 5 significant factors are outlined below to help you in making your decision.
Reliability and credibility should be your initial considerations when choosing manufacturers. Choose such companies that have good performance results and positive feedbacks from the clients and which have been in the industry for quite a long time. A reliable manufacturer must produce high-quality products but also offer great service, and timely supply to allow your business to function optimally.
The sturdiness, non-toxicity, and recyclability of your food containers are also determined by the materials. The food safety as well as functionality of the bags are enhanced through the use of quality materials such as BPA-free plastics, recycled papers, and aluminum. For eco-friendly firms, it is essential to consider options such as sustainable plant-based packaging may offer an additional advantage by appealing to environmentally conscious customers.
Certifications prove that a manufacturer complies with the existing requirements of the particular industry and laws. Some of the quality certifications you should consider when choosing a product include ISO, FDA, or FSC so that you can be sure that the products are safe, quality, and have met environmental standards. Additionally, certifications related to sustainable packaging practices signal a commitment to greener solutions, aligning with the latest sustainable food packaging trends in the industry.
In today’s world of cutthroat competition, the management of the brand is very important to differentiate your business. Select a manufacturer who allows you to add logos or any other designs you may have in mind so that the packaging matches the organization’s brand. Apart from adding value to the product, customization of packages also serves an important role in creating brand identity.
However, when it comes to choices, it is crucial to remember that quality should always be valued, and cost should not be ignored either. Choose a manufacturer whose prices are reasonable and still provides high-quality products that are environmentally friendly. Huge purchasing volumes, reasonable costs, and favorable payment conditions are the key factors that will let you control your costs.
The list of the top disposable food container manufacturing companies in the UK is prepared based on aspects such as quality, product line, market share, approximate revenue, and customer satisfaction. These are the companies that are in a position to deliver unique, eco-friendly, and quality packaging solutions for their clients. Table 1 below provides an overview of these companies, before discussing their major selling propositions and comparative advantages.
Position | Brand Name | Year Founded | Location | Employee Size | Website |
1 | Sumkoka | 2012 | Anhui, China | 200+ | |
2 | GM Packaging (UK) Ltd | 2001 | Newcastle | 50-100 | |
3 | FFP Packaging Solutions | 1978 | Northampton | 100-200 | |
4 | Tri-Star Packaging | 1996 | London | 50-100 | |
5 | Charlotte Packaging | 1980 | Pontypool | 50-100 | |
6 | R + R Packaging | 2000 | Northumberland | 10-50 | |
7 | Cater 4 You | 2003 | High Wycombe | 10-50 | |
8 | Enviropack | 2002 | London | 10-50 | |
9 | Alice Packaging | 2015 | Manchester | 10-50 | |
10 | FreshPack Solutions Ltd | 2010 | Bristol | 10-50 |
Website: Sumkoka
Established in 2012, Sumkoka produces and supplies biodegradable bagasse tableware inclusive of food containers, plates, bowls, cutleries, and straws. Sumkoka is involved in the production of biodegradable products for the global market with an emphasis on sustainable and affordable products that will assist companies in switching from their conventional products. They enjoy a strong market reputation for their long-lasting and cheap products that suit the green-conscious clients.
Pros:
●Wide product variety
●Strong eco-friendly focus
●Competitive Pricing
●Durable solutions
●Global delivery
Cons:
●Limited UK brand presence
Website: FFP Packaging Solutions
FFP Packaging Solutions was founded in 1978 and offers sustainable flexible packaging, including ovenable films and laminates. It is based in Northampton and supplies many of the key players in the UK food retail market. It specializes in chilled food, fish, and poultry. In particular, its environmental perspective is suitable for the present tendencies toward sustainable development.
Pros:
●experience in the industry of many decades
●Trusted by major UK brands
●Provides various types of eco-friendly packaging
Cons:
●Selection of particular segments of the food industry (fish, poultry, chilled foods)
●This is mainly due to the fact that there are very few variants to the products being produced in the assembly line.
Website: GM Packaging (UK) Ltd
Established in 2001 in Newcastle, GM Packaging offers packaging for takeaway and deliveries. Named as one of the service providers with 24-hour delivery, the company caters to cafes and restaurants with options such as eco-friendly products and the ability to provide services to businesses in accordance with their preferences with fast and efficient delivery services.
Pros:
●Fast response time (response within a day)
●The company’s products include customizable packaging solutions.
●Real strategies for restaurants and cafes
Cons:
●Most of them were mainly involved with the packaging of takeaway foods.
●Lesser types of environmentally friendly products
Website: Tri-Star Packaging
Tri-Star Packaging was founded in 1996 and supplies a full gambit of food-to-go packaging solutions including hot and cold food containers. The company focuses on brand differentiation and using eco-friendly products to assist firms in differentiating themselves while promoting sustainability.
Pros:
●Comprehensive product range
●Branding as well as customization of the product is possible.
●Concerning the use of sustainable materials
Cons:
●Pricing is relatively higher for small organizations.
●Limited niche market offerings
Website: Charlotte Express Packaging
Charlotte Packaging was established in 1980 and is located in Pontypool, Wales, United Kingdom. The company mainly deals in packaging products for numerous sectors. It has printed folded cartons and flexible bags while keeping environmental conservation as its central theme. Some of the certifications that Charlotte Packaging holds include ISO 9001, which guarantees high quality and the use of environmentally friendly products.
Pros:
●Strong sustainability focus
●Wide product offerings
●Certificates of the industry (ISO 9001)
Cons:
●Applicable to a few packaging types
●May not meet specific packaging requirements
Website: R + R Packaging
R + R Packaging works with a wide range of clients, including restaurants and cafes, to provide customized boxes and printed packaging. The company is committed to environmental protection and ensures sustainable quality for all products, helping businesses find sustainable and specific packaging solutions.
Pros:
●Able to accommodate customized packaging.
●Pursue sustainable products
●High-quality standards
Cons:
●Higher lead times for custom orders
●Little choice of products that are ready-made
Website: Cater 4 You
Cater 4 You offer disposable food packaging solutions for the catering business. Having embraced quality service delivery, they provide customised solutions based on the client’s need. Due to their commitment to customer service, they are a reliable ally for the catering companies.
Pros:
●Special solutions for catering companies
●Strong customer service focus
●Reliable product quality
Cons:
●A relatively small number of products as opposed to some of the bigger companies.
●A reduction in the use of retail or takeaway packaging
Website: Enviropack
Enviropack is a company that deals with environmentally friendly food packaging. It specializes in supplying various products and equipment to restaurants, cafes, and educational institutions. It offers both bespoke services and standard products. Recycling and biodegradable products are among Enviropack’s core values; hence, the company aims to provide these solutions.
Pros:
●Emphasis put on sustainability
●wide variety of products that are environmentally friendly
●They can be either made-to-order or ready-made solutions.
Cons:
●Less number of products as compared to conventional suppliers
●May not meet the specific packaging requirements of a business that is into specialized packaging.
Website: Alice Packaging
Alice Packaging offers an innovative and sustainable food tray made of cornstarch. They focus on environment-friendly companies that are in search of biodegradable and compostable packaging. Alice Packaging is aware of its responsibility to the environment and assists clients in achieving their sustainable objectives.
Pros:
●100% biodegradable and compostable products
●Strong sustainability focus
●Perfect for environmentally friendly companies
Cons:
●Restricted to a certain type of products which are the food trays.
●Smaller overall product range
Website: FreshPack Solutions
FreshPack Solutions offers disposable catering food containers and sustainable recyclable packaging to the catering business. Due to their focus on sustainability and product durability they are a reliable supplier to business that are looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Pros:
●Product quality standards
●High level of commitment to the recyclability of the product
●It is specifically designed for the catering business.
Cons:
●Primarily focused on the catering sector
●Limited range of retail-oriented packaging
It is crucial to be able to determine the strengths and the type of line of product that a disposable food container company offers and of course, their environmental practices. The table and the analysis above will help to compare the main UK players and their specific characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, to identify the company’s priorities and choose the one that is the most suitable for your business.
Here at Sumkoka, our mission is to provide customers with products that do not harm the environment and are made from materials that are biodegradable, such as sugarcane pulp for tableware. Our company has been in the business of manufacturing and supplying eco-tableware for more than 10 years and our product range includes sugarcane catering plates, bowls, biodegradable cutlery and many more.
Our unique advantages include:
●Customization Services: Additional information on OEM/ODM services to add logos and labels on your packaging.
●Professional Support: A committed staff willing to offer sales consultation and appropriate strategies for your organization.
●Sustainability Commitment: Each of the products is environmentally friendly and created to help make the world a better place.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how our biodegradable tableware can complement your environmentally conscious company. Let us assist you to achieve your sustainability objectives!
