The packaging debate in the foodservice industry: kraft paper or plastic? Both materials have genuine trade-offs. Here's a practical comparison for takeaway and delivery operators.
Performance for Hot Food High-quality kraft paper bowls with a PE inner lining now perform comparably to plastic for most hot food applications, including rice dishes, curries, and pasta with sauce. LumaPack's 1300ml kraft round bowls are designed specifically for hot and cold applications under standard foodservice conditions.
Presentation and Unboxing Kraft paper bowls create a more premium impression than standard plastic containers — particularly for independent restaurants where presentation is part of the brand experience. The natural look of kraft aligns with how many food businesses want to position themselves.
Compliance and Safety Both materials can be food-safe when manufactured correctly. For kraft paper containers, look for BPA-free and no-PFAS-added status. LumaPack kraft bowls are manufactured without BPA and with no PFAS added.
Sustainability Considerations Paper-based packaging is generally more straightforward to dispose of than plastic in UK waste streams. PE-lined kraft paper is not always recyclable through standard kerbside collections, so it's worth being transparent with customers about disposal.
Which Should You Choose? For most takeaway and delivery operations serving hot main meals, a high-specification kraft round bowl provides the right combination of performance, presentation, and compliance.
