Paperboard Food Trays
Open paperboard tray structures for prepared foods, snacks and general foodservice applications.
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Custom Food Tray Packaging
Custom Food Trays for Serving, Display & Takeaway
Custom paperboard food trays developed around food footprint, tray depth, loaded weight, base support and serving requirements.
DeChen manufactures custom printed food trays for prepared foods, snacks, bakery items, fried foods, deli products and foodservice applications, with flexible structures, manual or automated forming options and branded printing.
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Tray Types
Food Trays for Different Serving Applications
Different food formats place different demands on tray size, depth, rigidity and handling.
Kraft Food Trays
Natural-look food trays for takeaway, casual dining, foodservice and branded serving applications.
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Corrugated Food Trays
Stronger tray structures for larger portions, heavier foods or applications requiring greater rigidity.
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Snack & Serving Trays
Compact formats for fries, fried foods, finger foods, snacks and event serving.
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Meal Trays
Larger tray structures for prepared meals, mixed foods and foodservice portions.
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Custom Die-Cut Food Trays
Custom shapes, depths, wall profiles and layouts developed around the finished food product.
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Tray Geometry
Build the Tray Around Food Footprint, Depth & Load
The finished food provides the starting point for tray dimensions before reinforcement, forming and handling requirements are reviewed.
01 — FOOTPRINT
Food Footprint
The length and width of the finished portion determine the usable tray area and internal layout.
02 — DEPTH
Tray Depth
Food height, serving volume and presentation requirements influence side-wall height and tray depth.
03 — LOAD
Loaded Weight
Expected food weight affects base stiffness, wall support and overall structural requirements.
Loaded Tray Performance
Structural Support Where the Food Loads the Tray
Because food trays are open structures, the base, side walls, rim and corners all contribute to stability once the tray is filled.
Base
Base Stiffness
Base support can be adjusted through board thickness, folding structure, double-layer bottoms or localized reinforcement according to tray size and loaded weight.
Walls
Side-Wall Support
Wall height, board stiffness and wall profile affect how well the tray maintains its shape during filling, handling and serving.
Rim
Rim Strength
Folded or reinforced rims can improve upper-edge rigidity and provide more stable handling during foodservice use.
Corners
Corner Stability
Folded, locking or glued corners can be selected according to tray dimensions, forming method and expected load.
Structural Engineering
Side-Wall, Rim & Corner Engineering
Tray walls and edges can be developed around handling, nesting, food depth and forming requirements.
01
Straight Walls
Suitable where a more vertical wall profile is required around the food.
02
Tapered Walls
Can support easier handling, presentation and nesting depending on tray geometry.
03
Folded Rims
Add rigidity around the upper edge while creating a cleaner finished profile.
04
Reinforced Rims
Can be considered where additional edge stiffness or handling support is required.
05
Custom Wall Height
Wall height can be adjusted around food depth, portion volume and serving requirements.
06
Corner Construction
Folded, locking or glued corners can be selected according to forming and rigidity requirements.
Packing Process
Manual & Automated Tray Forming
Food tray structure can be developed around how the customer intends to form, fill and pack the tray.
Manual Forming
Tray structures can be developed for manual folding and forming where flexibility, lower production volumes or foodservice preparation are the main requirements.
Automated Forming & Packing
Automated forming can also be considered according to tray design, dimensions, board specification, production volume and the customer’s packing-line requirements.
For Automated Applications
The tray structure should be reviewed together with the forming or packing process before bulk production to confirm compatibility.
Storage & Handling
Nesting, Stacking & Storage Efficiency
Tray geometry can influence how efficiently empty trays are stored, moved and accessed before food is loaded.
Nesting
Where the structure allows, tapered walls and tray geometry can be developed to support efficient nesting of empty trays.
Stackability
Tray structures can be reviewed for stable stacking during storage, transport or foodservice preparation.
Storage Efficiency
Efficient tray geometry can help reduce storage space and improve access during higher-volume foodservice use.
Food Condition
Grease, Moisture & Tray Stability
Grease and moisture can affect the base, corners and folded areas of a paper food tray.
Grease Exposure
Suitable paperboard, liner or barrier solutions can be evaluated for fried, oily and grease-sensitive foods.
Moisture Exposure
Foods containing moisture or sauce may require additional consideration around the tray base and folded areas.
Food Temperature
Food condition should be considered together with the material, barrier solution and tray structure.
For saucy or moisture-sensitive applications, the final tray should
be evaluated against the actual food and intended use conditions
rather than described as universally leak-proof or liquid-proof.
Serving Options
Structural & Serving Options
Additional components can be incorporated where they support food separation, positioning, presentation or serving.
Compartments
Multiple food areas can be integrated into selected tray structures.
Dividers
Internal dividers can separate different foods or portion components.
Liners & Pads
Greaseproof paper, liners or pads can be combined with the tray where appropriate.
Inserts & Separators
Internal components can support food positioning or separation requirements.
Lid Compatibility
Selected tray structures can be developed to work with separate covering systems.
Sleeve + Tray
Sleeve combinations can add enclosure, branding or additional presentation.
Applications
Suitable Food Applications
Tray specification should be determined by the actual food, portion and handling requirements rather than the application name alone.
Fries & Fried Foods
Snacks & Finger Foods
Bakery Items
Prepared Meals
Meat & Deli Foods
Fruit & Produce
Event & Stadium Food
Material Selection
Materials for Custom Food Trays
Material selection should support tray forming, loaded strength, food condition and printing requirements.
SBS Paperboard
Smooth white paperboard for clean branded presentation and detailed printing.
FBB Paperboard
A versatile option balancing stiffness, printability and converting performance.
Kraft Paperboard
Suitable where a natural kraft appearance and different brand positioning are required.
Corrugated Board
Can be considered for larger, heavier or more structurally demanding tray applications.
Barrier Paperboard
Barrier structures can be evaluated where grease or moisture exposure is important.
How We Select the Material
The final specification is reviewed around the tray structure, food condition and loaded performance.
Brand Printing
Custom Printing for Food Trays
Food trays can carry brand graphics, product information, promotional artwork and foodservice messaging.
Printing Options
Printing methods can be selected according to the board, tray structure, artwork and production requirements.
Finishing Options
Selected coatings and decorative finishes can be applied where they suit the material, artwork and intended use.
Printing & Finishing
Explore More Printing & Finishing Options
Compare printing methods, coatings and decorative finishes for different packaging materials and brand requirements.
Food Contact Support
Food-Contact Materials & Documentation
Food-contact requirements should be reviewed against the actual material system and intended application.
Material
Paperboard, liner, coating, pad or other food-contact component.
Food Condition
Grease, moisture, temperature and the nature of the packed food.
Contact Condition
Direct food contact or use with an additional liner, pad or separator.
Destination Market
Documentation and testing requirements can vary according to project and target market.
Relevant material specifications, declarations and available test reports can be provided or coordinated according to the final tray specification and project requirements.
Sampling
Verify the Food Tray Before Bulk Production
Physical sampling helps confirm tray dimensions, forming, loaded performance and artwork before production.
Typical sample development takes approximately 3–5 days, depending on the structure and printing requirements.
Where tray performance is important, samples should be evaluated under loading conditions that reflect the intended use.
01 — Product Fit
Check food footprint, tray depth and usable internal space.
02 — Base Strength
Review tray support under the expected loaded weight.
03 — Side-Wall & Rim
Check wall stability and upper-edge rigidity after forming.
04 — Corner Construction
Review folded, locking or glued corner performance.
05 — Food Condition
Check the selected material against expected grease or moisture exposure.
06 — Forming & Artwork
Review forming requirements together with print position and dieline alignment.
Request for Quotation
What to Send for a Food Tray Quote
You do not need to know the final board grade or tray structure before contacting us. Send the project information you already have.
Food Type
Tell us what the tray will hold.
Food or Tray Dimensions
Provide the finished food size or current tray dimensions.
Loaded Weight
Provide an approximate weight for the filled tray.
Estimated Quantity
Provide the expected order volume.
Packing Method
Let us know whether forming is manual or connected with an automated process.
Existing Tray or Reference
Photos, samples, drawings or dielines can help us understand the project.
Destination
Provide the destination country or target market.
Not sure about the tray depth, board or structure?
Food dimensions, loaded weight, intended use and a reference photo are normally enough for an initial review.
FAQ
Custom Food Trays FAQ
Can you manufacture fully custom food tray sizes?
Yes. Length, width, depth, wall profile and structural details can be developed around the finished food and intended use.
How do I choose the correct tray depth?
Tray depth is mainly determined by food height, portion volume, wall requirements and serving format.
Can food trays support heavier portions?
Yes. Board thickness, folding structure, double-layer bottoms and local reinforcement can be evaluated according to the expected load.
Can you make tapered or reinforced tray walls?
Yes. Straight walls, tapered walls, folded rims, reinforced rims and custom wall heights can be developed according to the tray structure.
Can food trays be designed for automated forming?
Yes. Manual and automated forming can both be considered, depending on tray structure, dimensions and production requirements.
Can empty food trays be nested or stacked?
Yes. Nesting and stackable structures can be evaluated where the tray geometry allows.
Can food trays be used for greasy or moist foods?
Suitable materials and barrier solutions can be evaluated according to grease exposure, moisture level, food condition and tray structure.
Can compartments, liners or inserts be added?
Yes. Compartments, dividers, liners, pads, inserts and separators can be integrated according to the project.
What is the MOQ for custom food trays?
Typical custom production can start around 500–1,000 pieces, depending on dimensions, structure, material, printing and production requirements.
How long does sampling take?
Typical sample development takes approximately 3–5 days, depending on tray structure and printing requirements.
Start Your Project
Develop a Food Tray Around the Actual Load
Send us your food dimensions, loaded weight, expected quantity, packing method or current tray reference to start the structural review.