Since the Covid-19 crisis, which saw the closure of dine-in restaurants in favor of takeout, food consumption habits have changed. This dramatic development has seen all restaurant models offering takeout or home delivery boom, transforming the restaurant industry. The first consequence has been an adaptation of the range of single-use food packaging for the transport, presentation, and preservation of dishes.
Setting up a takeaway service now requires investing in storage and presentation containers for customers, as well as packaging suitable for delivery and proper preservation. For 45 years, Voussert has offered a wide range of environmentally friendly takeaway packaging adapted to these new consumption patterns, in compliance with the AGEC Law.
Takeaway Packaging Guide 2025
The takeaway food sector is experiencing remarkable growth , transforming food consumption habits, particularly since the Covid crisis . Faced with this evolution, choosing the right containers has become crucial for food service professionals. This is compounded by the implementation of recycling programs, the elimination of plastics, and therefore an approach that must aim to reduce our waste. Indeed, as the saying goes, "The best waste is the waste that isn't produced." Takeaway sales, therefore, run counter to this principle by generating waste that sit-down restaurants do not . It is therefore essential to reduce the environmental impact at all costs, even though this consumption method is now deeply ingrained in our habits.
Indeed, the rise of takeout can be explained by several factors: speed of service, competitive prices (approximately 15 to 20% cheaper than eating in), and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dishes at home. This trend, amplified by new consumption habits, particularly affects younger generations and professionals who prefer to eat at the office rather than frequent traditional restaurants.
Why is packaging central to the concept of takeaway food?
Beyond its primary role of protecting food from external contamination, it facilitates the transport of prepared dishes via all available delivery routes to the point of consumption. A quality container preserves the organoleptic characteristics of the dishes (temperature, texture, flavor) while protecting them from shocks and dust during transport.
Furthermore, it serves as a valuable communication tool for businesses. It conveys your brand image and values to your customers. Carefully designed and personalized packaging enhances the reputation of your restaurant, bakery, caterer, etc. , and fosters customer loyalty. As we have seen, in a context of growing awareness of environmental issues, particularly with the implementation of recycling programs in the food service industry, the choice of eco-friendly materials also reflects the establishment's commitment to sustainability.
Selecting suitable packaging is therefore a strategic investment for takeaway food professionals, directly influencing customer satisfaction and the company's reputation.
Understanding food packaging materials: advantages and disadvantages
Kraft paper is emerging as an eco-friendly and durable solution for food packaging. Its robustness allows for the transport of large orders without risk of tearing. Its opacity effectively protects food from outside view. Its production requires fewer resources than other materials, making it an environmentally responsible option.
Cardboard , for its part, offers an excellent compromise between lightness and strength. Made from wood fibers (cellulose), it is recyclable and biodegradable. Ideal for delivering a variety of dishes, it is, however, sensitive to moisture, which can limit its use for certain preparations. Cardboard is often used in the manufacture of cups , but with a coating to ensure they are leak-proof and grease-resistant.
Sugarcane pulp (bagasse)
Bagasse is an eco-friendly alternative that is particularly popular in the fast-food industry. Resistant to grease and heat, it allows food to be reheated in a microwave or conventional oven without any alteration. Its airtight properties make it a smart choice for home deliveries, maintaining the temperature of the food while absorbing any moisture generated.
Natural wood is appealing for its aesthetics and low environmental impact. Compatible with various types of meals, it resists humidity well and effectively preserves both raw and cooked foods. Its customizability makes it a preferred communication tool for establishments concerned about their image.
Coffee grounds packaging , a recent innovation, combines PP/PE resin and recycled coffee grounds. Capable of withstanding high temperatures (up to 100°C), it is ideal for reheating food in the microwave, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution.
What type of packaging should I choose depending on the type of dish?
Bag or box for a sandwich?
For sandwiches, professionals have several options. Greaseproof food-grade paper is a sturdy solution that resists tearing and allows customers to enjoy their meal cleanly. Sandwich bags, available in plastic or kraft paper, have the advantage of being waterproof, thus protecting the contents from moisture.
The sandwich box, usually made of kraft cardboard, preserves the freshness of food while facilitating its transport. Available in various sizes, it adapts to all sandwich formats and can include a transparent window that showcases the contents.
Wrap pots: the best protection?
If your restaurant or bakery offers wraps, you'll have several options. Some establishments simply use cling film, which is certainly economical, but not necessarily the most visually appealing or the easiest for the customer to handle. The most suitable product, specially developed for this dish, is the cylindrical wrap container . It offers optimal protection while maintaining the wrap's shape. It's made of cardboard and comes in Kraft brown or white. Our wrap products are made in France.
What size and quality of box is needed for pizzas?
The pizza box is an essential item for takeout. Its specific design helps retain heat while preventing condensation from softening the dough. Kraft cardboard models, available in various sizes, accommodate all pizza formats, from individual to family-sized. Voussert offers a wide range of pizza boxes , with the most common sizes being 29x29 cm or 33x33 cm. These boxes can be customized starting from 9,000 units, representing a relatively small investment for easily promoting your brand.
What size hamburger box? Size and material
For hamburgers, a hamburger box is the ideal solution. This container effectively protects the burger from damage during handling and keeps all the ingredients in place during transport. Cardboard models with a secure closure system prevent sauce spills while retaining heat. It also allows the customer to enjoy their hamburger. Voussert offers a wide range of hamburger boxes made in France. You'll find them in cardboard and biodegradable sugarcane fiber.
What containers are best for salads?
The cardboard salad box, with its convenient size, helps keep raw vegetables fresh and prevents them from getting crushed during transport. Models with transparent lids allow you to see the contents while ensuring an airtight seal.
For more elaborate cold dishes, compartmentalized containers allow you to separate the different elements of the preparation, thus preventing unwanted mixing. Their airtight seal guarantees no leaks, even with sauces or dressings.
The pasta container, also called a pasta box or pot bucket, is a practical solution for taking pasta dishes to go. Its cylindrical shape and thermal insulation help keep the food warm during transport. Models with airtight lids prevent sauce from spilling.
For stews and other hot dishes, cardboard takeaway boxes, round cardboard pots , or bagasse containers offer effective thermal insulation. Their heat resistance also allows customers to reheat their meal directly in the packaging if needed.
Cardboard trays, the takeaway solution!
With the gradual disappearance of plastic packaging, kraft cardboard, a fully recyclable product, has become essential. The rectangular tray is available in 5 sizes, allowing for the serving of all types of non-liquid food products, whether for takeaway or counter service.
This tray is economical and ecological.
Made from quality 250 gram brown kraft cardboard, it does not take up much space in storage and has a good grip.
The deli tray is still going strong! Available in sizes from 40 grams to 3000 grams and made of polystyrene, this tray still has a wide range of uses, particularly for takeaway food from caterers and delicatessens. It also remains a popular choice for serving the classic portion of fries at events. Remember to recycle this container to support a circular economy.
Food packaging standards and regulations
Food packaging must comply with strict standards to ensure consumer safety. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 sets out the general requirements applicable to all materials in contact with food. These containers must not transfer any substances that could pose a risk to human health or alter the composition of the food.
In France, additional restrictions apply to the use of single-use plastics. Since January 1, 2023, certain plastic packaging has been banned for dine-in and takeaway food services, encouraging the adoption of more environmentally friendly solutions.
Professionals must therefore ensure that their packaging bears the label "food contact" or the pictogram of a glass and fork. This certification guarantees that the material has been tested and approved for safe food use.
Selection criteria for optimal takeaway packaging
Shape and size: The choice of packaging shape depends directly on the type of food being packaged. For a classic sandwich, a rectangular container will be perfectly suitable, while a burger will require a more square box. The size must be appropriate for the volume of the food: a container that is too small risks crushing the food, while one that is too large will cause unwanted movement during transport.
Practicality and ease of use: Good takeaway packaging must be easy to handle for both staff and customers. Containers should be quick to assemble and easy to close to optimize order preparation time. Their size should also fit easily into delivery bags to prevent damage during transport.
Preserving organoleptic qualities: Packaging must maintain the sensory characteristics of food (taste, texture, aroma) throughout transport. It must also maintain the appropriate temperature, whether for hot or cold preparations. Good thermal insulation and effective sealing protect food from external influences (heat, humidity, dust) that could alter its quality.
The environmental impact of food packaging: Faced with growing environmental concerns, takeaway food professionals are turning to more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Biodegradable and compostable materials, such as bagasse or kraft paper, significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics.
Some establishments also offer deposit systems for reusable containers, thus limiting waste production. This approach, although more expensive to purchase, proves economically advantageous in the long term and enhances brand image with a clientele increasingly sensitive to environmental issues.
Choosing eco-friendly packaging therefore represents a strategic investment for professionals, reconciling environmental responsibility and customer satisfaction.