A delivery meal spends 20 to 40 minutes in a bag, on a bike or in a car before anyone eats it. That is where packaging is really tested. A leak in the bag means a refund, a bad review and a customer who may not order again.
Preventing leaks comes down to three things: the right paper finish for the food, the right size, and careful packing.
Choose the Paper Finish for the Food
Paper takeaway boxes are made from board that is either left plain or given a barrier coating on the food side. The coating is what stops sauce and oil soaking through. Ecocare’s boxes and trays come in three finishes:
- PE-coated board (kraft or white cupstock, 318 gsm) has a thin polyethylene layer. It is the strongest choice for curries, stir-fries, pasta in sauce and other oily dishes, especially on longer trips.
- Aqueous-coated board (white, 310 gsm) uses a water-based barrier coating instead of a plastic film. It suits moist meals such as burgers and rice dishes on shorter deliveries.
- Uncoated kraft (brown, 337 gsm) is best for dry or lightly greasy food such as sandwiches, pastries and fried snacks.
Pick a Size That Fits the Portion
An overfilled box will not close properly and puts pressure on the lid. Too much empty space lets food slide and spill. For a standard rice or noodle meal, Ecocare’s 1,500 ml lunch rectangular box gives room for a full portion with the lid shut flat. Burgers fit our 800 ml burger square box.
Free-flowing soups and liquids need a sealed bowl or cup with a lid designed for liquid. Paper clamshell boxes are not made for soup.
Test Before You Switch
Pack your saucier dishes in a sample box and leave it for the length of a typical delivery. Then check the base and the corners for seepage, press the lid to see if it holds, and carry the box tilted the way a rider might. It is a ten-minute test that can save a lot of refunds.
Pack and Transport With Care
- Keep boxes upright and put heavy items at the bottom of the bag.
- Separate saucy dishes from dry food and desserts.
- Do not overfill – leave a little space under the lid.
- Use a bag sized to the order so boxes cannot slide around.
- Pack hot food straight away and follow your usual food safety procedures.
For more on matching containers to different dishes, read how to choose paper containers for different foods and our guide to takeaway containers for hot food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best packaging for saucy delivery meals?
A PE-coated paper box sized to the portion, packed upright in a snug bag.
Are paper boxes leak-proof?
Coated paper boxes resist oil and moisture well, but they are not designed for free-flowing liquids such as soup.
Can coated paper boxes be recycled?
It depends on the coating and your local council. Check council guidance before making disposal claims to customers.
Find the Right Delivery Packaging
Browse Ecocare containers and trays or contact our team for samples in each finish so you can test them with your own menu.
About Ecocare: Ecocare supplies paper straws, paper food containers and wooden cutlery to cafés, restaurants, caterers and distributors across Australia. Our paper straws and paper containers are made in our own factory and shipped to our Melbourne warehouse in Campbellfield.