Selecting the ideal tray material for your food business can feel like walking a tightrope between sustainability, performance, and cost. Each packaging option—from Sugarcane (Bagasse) to CPET, PP, Aluminium, and Paperboard—offers unique benefits that influence not just food safety but also brand perception and environmental impact.
At Carewell Group, we work with businesses across Australia to match packaging materials to their operational and sustainability goals, helping them find the perfect balance between durability and eco-responsibility.
When the quality of your food offering starts with packaging, choosing the right tray material for your food business makes all the difference. At Carewell Group we guide you through options like compostable sugarcane (bagasse), oven-safe CPET, versatile PP, and recyclable aluminium—so you can align durability, cost-efficiency and brand values. Explore our full Packaging Supplies collection to see how these materials integrate with our supply-chain solutions. If sustainability is a priority for you, check out our Sustainability page to understand our mission and how your tray choice can support it. With the right packaging, you’re not just protecting meals—you’re reinforcing your brand, reducing waste and elevating your customer promise.
Understanding Your Options: A Material-by-Material Guide
1. Sugarcane (Bagasse) Trays – The Eco Trailblazer
Sugarcane trays are crafted from the fibrous residue left after sugarcane juice extraction. This renewable byproduct transforms into sturdy, compostable packaging that’s perfect for businesses aiming to reduce plastic waste.
Key Benefits:
- 100% compostable and biodegradable
- Suitable for hot, cold, and oily foods
- Natural, premium appearance
- Reduces dependence on petroleum-based plastics
They’re especially popular in cafés, meal delivery services, and catering businesses that value eco credentials.
Read more: Sustainable Food Packaging Made Simple: Why Sugarcane (Bagasse) Trays Are the Future
2. CPET Trays – The Heat-Resistant Performer
If your food business handles ready meals or products that go straight from the freezer to the oven, CPET trays are your go-to solution.
CPET (Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate) combines high durability with food-safe versatility, allowing for a wide temperature range from -40°C to 220°C.
Key Benefits:
- Microwave and oven safe
- Leak-resistant and durable
- Retains shape and colour under heat
- Fully recyclable in the right waste streams
These trays are ideal for meal prep brands, ready meal manufacturers, and industrial kitchens requiring consistent performance.
Explore more: CPET Trays Explained: The Oven-Ready Solution for Ready Meal Packaging
3. PP Trays – The Reliable All-Rounder
Polypropylene (PP) trays are a mainstay in the food packaging world. Their versatility, affordability, and recyclability make them a favourite across multiple sectors, from frozen meals to takeaway packaging.
Key Benefits:
- Microwave safe
- Lightweight and durable
- Cost-effective for large-scale production
- Resistant to moisture and grease
PP trays are also available in various colours and sizes, offering brands plenty of room for design flexibility.
Read: Why PP Trays Are the Versatile Workhorse of Modern Food Packaging
4. Aluminium Trays – The Heat-Conductive Classic
For baking, roasting, and high-heat applications, aluminium trays remain unbeatable. They’re 100% recyclable and provide excellent thermal conductivity for even cooking and reheating.
Key Benefits:
- Ideal for oven and grill use
- Maintains food integrity under high temperatures
- Lightweight yet strong
- Recyclable without losing quality
They’re particularly useful for catering, takeaway, and meal delivery operations that prioritize food quality during transport.
Learn more: Aluminium Trays: The Unsung Hero of Baking, Roasting, and Meal Delivery
5. Paperboard & Pulp Trays – The Eco-Friendly Contender
When your business needs both eco-credibility and aesthetic appeal, paperboard and pulp trays are excellent choices. They combine renewable materials with reliable food protection.
Key Benefits:
- Recyclable and compostable
- Sturdy enough for hot or cold foods
- Customisable for branding
- Lightweight for reduced shipping emissions
Perfect for bakery, deli, and ready meal packaging where presentation matters.
Explore: Paperboard & Pulp Trays: Eco-Friendly Packaging That Doesn’t Compromise Performance
How to Choose the Right Tray Material for Your Business
Selecting the right tray material is about more than just holding food—it’s about aligning functionality, cost, and sustainability with your brand identity. Whether you run a restaurant, catering service, or food manufacturing operation, your choice of material can influence everything from presentation to environmental impact.
Food Type – Start by considering what you’re packaging. Hot meals, oily foods, chilled products, or frozen items each require specific materials to maintain freshness and safety. For instance, CPET trays are perfect for oven-ready meals, while PP trays work well for cold storage and microwave reheating.
Heating Method – Not every tray can handle high heat. If your food is designed for reheating or baking, CPET (Crystallised Polyethylene Terephthalate) or Polypropylene (PP) provide excellent heat resistance. For cold-only products, PET or paperboard options are more economical.
Sustainability Goals – Eco-conscious businesses often choose sugarcane (bagasse), paperboard, or moulded pulp trays. These biodegradable or compostable options reduce landfill waste and support a cleaner brand image, appealing to modern, sustainability-driven consumers.
Cost & Supply Chain – The ideal packaging solution balances affordability with quality. Consistent material availability and reliable supply chains—like those managed by Carewell Group—help ensure long-term success without production delays or cost spikes.
Brand Image – The tray you choose reflects your brand’s professionalism and ethics. Premium or eco-friendly packaging communicates care, while well-designed trays enhance the dining experience and strengthen customer loyalty.
Carewell Group specialises in helping Australian businesses find custom food packaging solutions that fit their product needs, sustainability goals, and brand vision—delivering both practicality and polish in every tray.
At Carewell Group, we guide businesses through these choices to ensure the packaging aligns with both operational needs and customer expectations.
The Future of Food Packaging: Blending Function with Responsibility
As Australian packaging regulations evolve, the pressure to move toward sustainable materials is increasing. Businesses that act now—switching to recyclable or compostable trays—gain not only compliance but also consumer trust.
Carewell Group helps you stay ahead of these changes with innovative, high-performance packaging options that protect both your product and the planet.
For insights on packaging reform and compliance, visit:
Reforming Packaging Regulation: What It Means for Australian Businesses
The Carewell Group Advantage
Whether you’re running a local café, a large-scale meal manufacturer, or a food delivery service, Carewell Group provides tailored packaging solutions that enhance product safety and sustainability.
We don’t just supply packaging—we build partnerships to help your business thrive through smarter design, reliable materials, and environmental responsibility.
Discover more at Carewell Group or explore our complete range of food packaging trays designed to meet every operational need.
Location:
Carewell Group Pty Ltd
Unit 27/191, Mccredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
Contact Us:
Phone: +61 0477 123 699
Email: sales@carewellgroup.com.au | info@carewellgroup.com.au | logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
