When it comes to top seal trays, two materials come up more than any other: CPET and PP. Both are widely used across food packaging, but they’re built for genuinely different jobs – and picking the wrong one can mean a tray that cracks in the oven, costs more than it needs to, or simply isn’t suited to how your product will be stored, reheated, or served.

At SystemPAK, our CPET trays sit within our OvenPAK range (including the smaller-format MenuPAK trays), and our PP trays form the core of our GastroPAK range – which also includes a small number of CPET size options. Here’s how to tell which one your business actually needs.

The Short Answer

If your product needs to go from freezer or fridge straight into an oven, CPET is the only sensible choice. CPET trays are dual ovenable, microwave safe, and freezer safe – but they cost more per unit.

If your priority is durable, cost-effective bulk packaging for catering or food service – without an oven requirement – PP is the better fit. PP trays are microwave safe and freezer safe, with a lower cost per unit thanks to better material yield, but they are not oven safe under any circumstances.

The deciding factor almost always comes down to one question: will this product, at any point in its life, go in an oven?

CPET: Built for Heat

CPET (Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate) is the material behind our OvenPAK range, including the smaller-format MenuPAK trays. Its defining feature is heat resistance – CPET trays are dual ovenable, meaning the same tray can go from freezer to conventional oven or microwave without losing structural integrity.

Where CPET makes sense:

• Ready meals designed to be oven-finished by the end customer
• Bake-off products that need oven contact as part of preparation or reheating
• Hot-fill applications where the tray is filled with hot product
• Retail packaging where “oven to table” convenience is part of the product’s appeal

Our OvenPAK range spans a wide capacity range, from compact formats through to large-format options, in standard and multi-cavity (compartmentalised) formats – useful for ready meals with separate components, like a main and a side. All are dual ovenable and freezer safe.

The trade-off: CPET typically costs more than PP per unit, largely because of the material properties needed to survive oven temperatures. If your product never sees an oven, you’re paying for a capability you don’t use.

Browse the OvenPAK range

PP: Built for Volume

Polypropylene (PP) is the material behind the majority of our GastroPAK range – designed specifically for bulk food packaging in catering operations, commercial kitchens, and large-scale food production. PP is lightweight, durable, and microwave safe for reheating.

On freezer compatibility: standard PP trays are typically rated down to -20°C, which covers most commercial chilled and frozen storage requirements. For applications requiring deeper freeze performance, specialist PP polymers are available that extend this down to -40°C – a capability that is increasingly in demand across the industry and worth discussing with our team if your products require it.

It’s also worth noting that GastroPAK includes a small number of CPET tray sizes alongside the PP range, for customers who need oven-safe performance within a primarily catering-focused product selection.

Where PP makes sense:

• Bulk packaging of meat, poultry, fish, ready meals, and desserts for catering or foodservice
• High-volume operations where cost-per-unit matters at scale
• Products that are reheated in a microwave rather than an oven
• Catering and commercial kitchen environments rather than oven-to-table retail

The key reason PP works out more cost-effective is its specific gravity – it yields more trays per tonne of raw material than CPET, which translates directly into lower production costs. For high-volume packers, that difference adds up fast.

The trade-off: GastroPAK PP trays are explicitly not suitable for conventional oven use. If your product needs oven-safe packaging anywhere in its lifecycle – even just for the end customer – PP isn’t the right material.

Browse the GastroPAK range.

CPET vs PP: Quick Decision Guide

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Will this product ever go in an oven – including by the end customer?
If yes, you need CPET (OvenPAK or MenuPAK). PP is not rated for conventional oven use, regardless of how it’s reheated afterwards.

2. Is this for high-volume catering or bulk foodservice packing?
If cost-per-unit and volume are the priority, and oven use isn’t required, PP (GastroPAK) is generally the more efficient choice.

3. Does the product need both freezer and microwave compatibility, without oven use?
Both materials cover this. For standard frozen storage, standard PP (rated to -20°C) is typically sufficient and more economical. Where extended freeze performance to -40°C is needed, ask us about specialist PP polymer options.

Sealing and Compatibility

Both ranges are designed to work with SystemPAK’s top seal film and heat sealing equipment, with peelable or weld-seal film options, including anti-fog variants where clear visibility of the product matters. GastroPAK trays are compatible with our manual and automatic heat sealers – our sales team can advise on the right pairing for your tray size and seal type.

FAQs

Can CPET trays be used in the freezer?
Yes – CPET (OvenPAK) trays are freezer safe as well as oven and microwave safe, making them suitable for products that go from frozen storage straight into the oven.

Is PP recyclable?
Yes, PP (GastroPAK) is 100% recyclable, and is a widely accepted material in UK recycling streams.

Why is PP cheaper than CPET?
PP’s specific gravity allows for a higher yield of trays per tonne of raw material, which lowers the production cost per unit compared to CPET. This makes PP especially cost-effective for high-volume packing.

Can I put a PP tray in the oven if I just heat it briefly?
No – GastroPAK PP trays are not rated for conventional oven use under any duration. For any oven application, including bake-off or reheating, CPET (OvenPAK or MenuPAK) is the correct material.

Which is better for ready meals?
It depends on how the meal is intended to be reheated. Oven-finished or “bake at home” ready meals need CPET. Meals designed purely for microwave reheating can use either material, with PP often the more cost-effective choice at volume.

What freezer temperature rating do PP trays have?
Standard PP trays are rated to -20°C, which covers the majority of commercial frozen storage applications. Specialist PP polymers rated to -40°C are also available for more demanding requirements – contact our team to discuss.

Do you offer free samples of CPET and PP trays?
Yes – samples of OvenPAK (CPET), MenuPAK, and GastroPAK (PP and CPET) trays are available; you’ll only need to cover postage.

The post CPET vs PP Trays: Which Is Right for Your Food Packaging? appeared first on SystemPAK.

If you supply, prepare, or sell food, the packaging it goes into isn’t just a presentation choice – it’s a legal one. UK food businesses have a duty to ensure that any container, film, or lid touching their product is safe, suitable, and properly documented. Yet “compliant packaging” is a phrase that gets used loosely, and it’s not always clear what it actually guarantees.

This guide breaks down what food packaging compliance really means in the UK: the certifications that matter, what food contact compliance covers, why migration testing exists, and the questions we’re asked most often by customers trying to get this right.

What “Food-Grade” Actually Means

“Food-grade” isn’t a single tickbox – it’s shorthand for a packaging item meeting the requirements to safely come into contact with food without contaminating it, tainting its flavour, or compromising its safety. In UK law, this sits under the Food Contact Materials (FCM) framework, which applies to anything intended to touch food: containers, films, lids, even the inks used in printing on packaging.

For a food business, using compliant packaging isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement under food safety law, and Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers can and do check it during inspections and audits.

BRCGS Certification: What It Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

BRCGS (formerly BRC) is one of the most widely recognised quality and safety standards in food packaging, and it’s a certification we hold across our product range. In short, it means the manufacturing process behind a product has been independently audited against strict criteria for hygiene, traceability, quality control, and consistency.

What BRCGS certification tells you:

• The factory’s processes have been independently audited, not just self-declared
• There’s a documented system for traceability – if something goes wrong, it can be traced back through the supply chain
• Hygiene and quality controls are checked regularly, not just at initial certification

What it doesn’t automatically tell you on its own:

• The specific material grade of an individual product (that’s a separate spec, not a certification)
• Whether a product has passed migration testing for your specific food type (more on this below)
• Country-of-origin or full supply chain transparency beyond the certified site

BRCGS is a strong baseline indicator of a well-run, audited manufacturing process – but it works alongside other documentation, not instead of it. A reputable supplier should be able to provide BRCGS certificates, technical data sheets, and migration test results as separate, available documents.

Food Contact Compliance: The Legal Layer

Food contact compliance refers to a packaging item meeting the requirements of UK food contact material regulations – primarily retained EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and its supporting measures, which set out the general principle that materials in contact with food must not transfer their constituents into the food in quantities that could endanger health, change its composition unacceptably, or alter its taste and smell.

For plastics specifically, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (the “Plastics Regulation”) goes further, setting out:

• Which substances can be used in food contact plastics
• Specific migration limits (SMLs) for individual substances
• Overall migration limits (OMLs) – the total amount of material allowed to transfer into food
• Declaration of Compliance (DoC) requirements – documentation a manufacturer or importer should be able to provide confirming the material meets the relevant rules

This is the layer that sits underneath certifications like BRCGS. A factory can be BRCGS certified and still need to demonstrate, product by product, that the actual plastic or board used is suitable for the food types and conditions (temperature, fat content, contact time) it will be used for.

Migration Testing: Why It Matters

Migration testing is the process of checking whether chemical substances from the packaging material transfer (“migrate”) into food, and if so, how much. It’s central to food contact compliance because it’s the actual evidence behind the legal limits.

Testing typically uses food simulants – substances that mimic the properties of real food (such as fatty, acidic, or aqueous foods) – under conditions that reflect realistic use, including:

• Contact time (a container used for a few hours behaves differently to one used for frozen storage over months)
• Temperature (oven-safe trays, freezer-grade containers, and ambient packaging all face very different conditions)
• Food type (fatty foods such as cheese or pâté tend to interact differently with plastics than watery or dry foods)

This is why a container’s stated use – freezer-grade, dual-ovenable, ambient – isn’t just a marketing description. It reflects the conditions the material has actually been tested and is suitable for. Using packaging outside its tested parameters (for example, putting a non-oven-safe container in an oven) isn’t just a performance risk, it can also affect compliance.

We’re a Distributor – Here’s Why That’s Worth Knowing

We’re upfront that SystemPAK is a distributor, not a manufacturer. We import and supply food packaging rather than producing it ourselves. In practice, this means our role is to source from manufacturing partners who meet the certifications and standards above, and to make sure the right documentation – BRCGS certificates, technical specifications, compliance declarations – is available to our customers when they need it.

If you ever need supporting documentation for an audit or due diligence file, our team can point you to the relevant certificates and specs for the products you’ve ordered.

Common Customer Questions

Are all SystemPAK products food-grade?
Yes. Our range is manufactured to FSA standards and our products are BRCGS certified, meaning the manufacturing processes behind them have been independently audited for food safety and quality.

What’s the difference between BRCGS certification and food contact compliance?
BRCGS certifies the manufacturing site and process. Food contact compliance is about the specific material meeting UK food contact regulations for the food type and conditions it’s used in. A product can, and should, have both.

Can I get compliance documentation for my own audits?
Yes, get in touch with our sales team and we can point you to the relevant certificates and technical data for the products you’ve purchased.

Does freezer-grade or oven-safe packaging need extra testing?
Materials rated for extreme conditions (such as freezer-grade down to -40°C, or dual-ovenable trays) are tested under those specific conditions, since migration behaviour changes with temperature. Always check a product’s stated temperature range and intended use before using it outside that spec.

Is recyclable packaging automatically food-grade compliant?
Not necessarily – recyclability and food contact compliance are separate properties. A material can be widely recyclable and still need to meet food contact migration requirements separately for its intended use.

Who regulates food packaging compliance in the UK?
Primarily the Food Standards Agency (FSA), alongside local authority Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams, who can inspect food businesses’ packaging and documentation as part of routine checks.

The post Food Packaging Compliance: What You Need to Know appeared first on SystemPAK.

At SystemPAK, we supply a full range of freezer-grade, tamper-evident ice cream containers to food producers across the UK, with stock held domestically and next day delivery available on orders placed before midday.

What Makes Tamper-Evident Packaging Worth the Investment?

A tamper-evident tab gives anyone handling your product – from your wholesale buyer to the end consumer – immediate, visible confirmation that the container has not been opened since it left your facility. That single physical signal does a lot of quiet work for your brand.

From the buyer’s perspective, it reduces liability and simplifies inbound quality checks. From the consumer’s perspective, it builds purchase confidence at the point of sale, particularly important in competitive chilled and frozen aisles where shoppers are making fast decisions. And from your operational standpoint, the lid is held firmly closed throughout transit, dramatically reducing the risk of leaks, spills, and spoilage across your cold chain.

The UK Food Standards Agency expects food businesses to maintain clear chain-of-custody controls. Tamper-evident packaging is one of the most practical, cost-effective ways to demonstrate that standard without adding complexity to your production line.

Freezer-Grade Construction: Why Specification Matters

Not all plastic performs the same below zero. Standard injection-moulded tubs can become brittle at sustained sub-zero temperatures, leading to cracked lids, lid separation, and freezer burn on product that was perfectly sealed when it left your site.

Our freezer-grade ice cream containers – including the white rectangular Napoli range – are manufactured to maintain their structural integrity through prolonged cold storage. The lids seat consistently, the tabs break cleanly, and the tubs stack reliably in both chest freezers and upright display cabinets. Consistent performance across your storage and display environment protects both product quality and shelf presentation. It is also worth noting that many of our standard tamper-evident containers can be supplied in a freezer-grade material – please be aware that minimum order quantities (MOQs) may apply. Contact our sales team to discuss your requirements.

Sizes to Match Every Operation

Whether you are producing individual dessert portions or filling 5kg catering tubs for gelaterias and hospitality buyers, maintaining a coherent packaging format across your range helps reinforce brand identity and simplifies logistics. Our ice cream container range currently includes:

• 170ml Round R-Pet Pots – individual portion size, ideal for single-serve retail and dessert counters
• 280ml, 480ml & 500ml White Rectangular Freezer-Grade Tubs – mid-range retail formats suitable for take-home and deli counter use
• 520ml Round White Tamper-Evident Containers – a versatile round format for boutique producers
• 750ml & 1000ml White Freezer-Grade Rectangular Tubs – strong mid-size options for premium branded retail
• 1200ml Square Tamper-Evident Containers – well suited to gifting, catering packs, and bulk retail
• 1750ml Round Tamper-Evident Containers with Handles – easy-carry format for larger portions and catering supply
• 2500ml & 5000ml Napoli White Ice Cream Containers – the standard commercial Napoli format for gelaterias, display cabinets, and wholesale distribution

All sizes are available in combi-box quantities for smaller operations, with bulk pallet pricing available for larger production volumes.

Additional Value: Recyclability and Reusability

All SystemPAK containers are 100% recyclable. Beyond end-of-life recyclability, the microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe construction of our food-specific containers gives consumers a genuinely reusable tub once the product is finished. A premium ice cream brand printed with IML (In Mould Labelling) continues to live in a customer’s kitchen long after purchase – a low-cost extension of your brand presence in the home.

If you want to maximise that shelf presence, our Print-Your-PAK service includes IML, printed self-adhesive labels, and bespoke cardboard sleeves, all compatible with our ice cream container range.

Sourcing with Confidence: UK Stock and Fast Despatch

SystemPAK holds all stock in the UK with next day delivery available on standard lines. Orders placed before 12pm Monday to Thursday are despatched the same day. Free samples are available across the range – just cover the postage – so you can check lid fit, tab integrity, and freezer performance before committing to a production run.

For larger volumes or bespoke requirements, our sales team can discuss pallet pricing, account terms, and custom solutions.

Ready to upgrade your frozen dessert packaging? Claim your free sample – or browse the full ice cream container range to find the right fit for your production line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SystemPAK ice cream containers suitable for display freezer cabinets? Yes. Our freezer-grade range, including the Napoli white tubs, is designed to withstand the sustained sub-zero temperatures of both chest freezers and upright display cabinets without warping or cracking.

What is the difference between a standard tamper-evident container and a freezer-grade one? Standard tamper-evident containers are manufactured for ambient or chilled use. Freezer-grade containers use a formulation that remains flexible and structurally sound at temperatures down to around -40°C, making them the correct choice for frozen products stored for extended periods.

Can I get my branding printed on the containers? Yes. SystemPAK offers In Mould Labelling (IML), printed self-adhesive labels, and bespoke cardboard sleeves through the Print-Your-PAK service, compatible with containers across the ice cream range.

What sizes are available for wholesale and catering supply? The 2500ml Half Napoli and 5000ml Full Napoli white containers are the standard format for gelaterias, catering buyers, and display cabinet use. Both are available in bulk pallet quantities.

How quickly can SystemPAK deliver? All standard lines are UK-stocked. Orders placed before 12pm Monday to Thursday are despatched for next day delivery. Saturday delivery is also available, location-dependent.

The post Wholesale Ice Cream Containers UK | Tamper-Evident & Freezer-Grade  appeared first on SystemPAK.

Walk into any supermarket chilled aisle and you will notice that no two products sit in the same style container. Hummus comes in a wide, shallow pot. Smoked salmon lies flat under a tight film seal. Clotted cream fills a squat white tub with a tamper-evident tab. None of that is accidental.

The right container for a food product is determined by a combination of factors: temperature requirements, the need for food safety guarantees, shelf presentation, portion size, distribution method, and the expectations of your buyer. Choosing a generic, one-size container to cut costs often creates problems elsewhere – contamination risk, poor shelf appeal, or a format your wholesale buyers will push back on.

At SystemPAK, we supply over 130 food-specific containers organised by product type, with UK stock and next day delivery. This guide walks through the most commercially significant food categories and what to look for when choosing the right packaging for each.

The Core Question: Tamper Evident or Top Seal?

Before getting into individual food types, it helps to understand the two primary food specific container systems across the SystemPAK range.

Tamper-evident containers use a physical tab or band that must be broken to open the lid. Once broken, it cannot be resealed invisibly. These are best suited to products sold through retail or wholesale where consumer confidence at point of sale matters, and where the lid needs to remain firmly closed during cold chain transit.

Top seal containers use a heat-sealed lidding film applied by a sealing machine. The hermetic seal creates an airtight, leak-proof closure that is particularly effective for wet or high-moisture products, fresh protein, or anything where oxygen exclusion extends shelf life. The DeliPAK, MeatPAK, OvenPAK, and DairyPAK ranges all operate on this principle.

Many food producers use both systems across different product lines – a charcuterie producer might top-seal sliced meats and use tamper-evident tubs for their accompanying condiments, for example. The format should follow the product’s requirements, not the other way around.

Deli, Antipasti & Prepared Foods

Deli counters and prepared food suppliers face a specific challenge: a wide variety of products with different textures, moisture levels, and portion sizes, all needing to look premium at point of sale.

For olives, antipasti, and oil-dressed products, a rectangular tamper-evident container with a clear or translucent body lets the product speak for itself. Rectangular formats also pack efficiently in transit crates and chiller cabinets. For sliced meats and charcuterie, a top-sealed tray using the DeliPAK range creates the airtight environment that preserves colour, texture, and shelf life without compression.

Portion sizes in the deli category typically run from 100ml–500ml for retail units, stepping up to larger formats for catering packs. Consistency across your portion range – same container family, same lid format – makes a significant difference to how your brand reads on-shelf.

Browse deli and antipasti containers →

Dairy: Yoghurt, Clotted Cream, Butter & Cheese

Dairy products span a wider temperature and format range than almost any other category, from ambient soft cheese to frozen butter, and the packaging needs to match precisely.

For yoghurt and clotted cream, a white tamper-evident pot in the 150ml–500ml range is the standard retail format. The tamper-evident tab provides the consumer assurance that matters in the dairy aisle, while the white body conveys cleanliness and brand neutrality – ideal as a canvas for Print-Your-PAK labelling or IML.

Soft cheeses and spreadable products benefit from the same format, with the addition of a tight lid seal to prevent moisture migration and odour transfer in mixed-product chillers. For harder cheeses sold in retail portions, a top seal tray under the DairyPAK range provides the modified atmosphere environment that extends usable life.

Butter containers require a format that is both grease-resistant and frost-proof if the product moves between chilled and ambient storage during distribution. The 150ml white rectangular container, freezer-safe to -42°C, is a well-suited option for artisan butter producers selling through farm shops and delis.

Browse dairy containers →

Ready Meals & Convenience Foods

This is the most specification-intensive category in the range. Ready meal containers have to survive the entire journey from production line to consumer microwave – sometimes passing through a freezer in between – without warping, leaking, or compromising the seal.

The OvenPAK range addresses the dual-oven requirement: containers that are both freezer-safe and ovenable, removing the need for consumers to transfer food before reheating. This is particularly relevant for premium ready meal producers who want to position their product as genuinely convenient, not just easily purchased.

For chilled ready meals not intended for oven reheating, the MenuPAK and GastroPAK ranges provide top-sealed solutions with consistent tray depths, making them easy to label, stack, and display. The GastroPAK range in particular suits gastro-pub and restaurant-grade prepared meals where presentation in the container at the table is part of the product experience.

Key considerations for this category: matching tray depth to portion weight (shallow trays for single portions, deeper formats for family sizes), and ensuring the lidding film specification is compatible with your sealing machine. SystemPAK supplies both manual and semi-automatic sealing machines, as well as the lidding film and dies, meaning the full system can be sourced from one supplier.

Browse ready meal containers →

Seafood, Smoked Fish & Sushi

Seafood packaging has two non-negotiables: the seal must be airtight, and the presentation must be clean and professional. Loose lids, condensation inside the container, or any sign of leakage destroys purchase intent faster than in almost any other category.

For whole or portioned fresh fish, the MeatPAK top-seal tray range provides the gas-flushed environment (modified atmosphere packaging) that preserves colour and delays oxidation. For smoked fish – salmon, mackerel, trout – a clear-lidded top-seal tray lets the product colour and texture be visible through the film, which is a significant retail sales driver.

Sushi requires a different approach: a low-profile, wide-base container that keeps rolls in position without compression, often with a clear lid for visibility. The presentation standard expected in the sushi category is high, so container quality and dimensional consistency across batches matter considerably.

Browse seafood containers →

Sauces, Dips, Hummus & Condiments

This category covers a huge range of viscosities –  from loose salad dressings through to thick nut butters – and the container choice needs to account for that. A container that works perfectly for hummus may not seal cleanly against an oil-based pesto.

For thick pastes and spreads (hummus, pâté, guacamole, soft cheese dips), a rectangular tamper-evident container in the 100ml–500ml range is the standard format. The flat base and consistent wall depth makes these easy to label and stack, and the rectangular footprint fits cleanly on shelf. The 100ml format suits side-order portions and food-to-go ranges; the 500ml format suits retail and catering.

For liquid sauces, dressings, and condiments, the CondiPAK top-seal pot provides an airtight, leak-proof solution that travels without risk in mixed-product deliveries. The 90ml round tamper-evident pot is also well-suited to single-serve condiment portions for at-home meal kits and catering supplies.

Browse dip and sauce containers →

Dry & Ambient Grocery: Cereals, Spices, Nuts & Baking Ingredients

Food-specific containers are not limited to chilled and frozen applications. A growing number of ambient food producers –  particularly in the artisan and speciality grocery sector – are moving away from bags and pouches towards rigid containers that offer better shelf presence, protection from moisture, and reusability.

For spices, salts, and dry botanicals, a small round tamper-evident pot in the 90ml–280ml range presents well in retail and on consumer worktops. For cereals, baking ingredients, and nuts, a larger rectangular or square format (750ml–1200ml) provides the volume needed while keeping the product visible and the brand legible on-shelf.

The tamper-evident mechanism matters here too: ambient products are just as subject to in-store interference as chilled lines, and buyers in the premium grocery channel increasingly expect the same food safety standards across the board.

Browse ambient food containers →

Frozen Desserts & Ice Cream

For ice cream and sorbet producers, the specific requirements around freezer-grade construction and tamper-evident sealing are covered in detail in our previous guide. In summary: standard tamper-evident containers are not rated for sustained sub-zero storage, and the difference in material specification between a standard tub and a freezer-grade one is significant enough to affect product quality over time.

The Napoli white ice cream container range – available in 2500ml and 5000ml – is the standard commercial format used across UK gelaterias and ice cream parlours for display cabinet and wholesale distribution. Smaller retail formats from 280ml upwards are available for branded consumer packaging.

Read our full guide to ice cream containers → | Browse ice cream containers →

Branding Across Your Product Range

Whatever food category you operate in, packaging consistency across your product range has a direct impact on shelf recognition and buyer confidence. SystemPAK’s Print-Your-PAK service covers three routes to branded packaging:

In Mould Labelling (IML) embeds the label into the container during manufacture, producing a permanent, high-resolution graphic finish that cannot peel, scratch, or be removed. It is the premium option for products in competitive retail environments.

Printed self-adhesive labels offer a more flexible, lower-minimum route to branded packaging, suitable for smaller producers or frequently-updated ranges.

Bespoke cardboard sleeves can be applied over standard white or clear containers to add branded presentation without committing to printed stock.

Explore Print-Your-PAK →

Sustainable Packaging Options

SystemPAK’s entire container range is 100% recyclable. For producers with specific sustainability commitments, the FreshPAK PLA range offers a compostable alternative based on cardboard trays with a PLA lining – dual ovenable, freezer-safe, and suited to chilled food applications where buyers or retailers require certified compostable packaging.

Explore sustainable packaging options →

Not Sure Which Container Is Right for Your Product?

SystemPAK offers free samples across the range – you just cover postage. If you are developing a new product line or switching supplier, testing lid fit, seal integrity, and container performance with your actual product is the most reliable way to make the right choice before committing to production volumes.

Claim your free sample → | Browse the full food-specific range →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a food-specific container and a standard container? Food-specific containers are selected or designed with a particular product type in mind – accounting for moisture levels, temperature requirements, portion size, and how the product will be displayed and sold. A standard container may technically hold the product safely, but a food-specific format is optimised for the category.

Does SystemPAK supply containers for both retail and foodservice/catering formats? Yes. Most container families are available in combi-box quantities for smaller retail producers and in bulk pallet formats for larger catering and foodservice operations. Sizes typically scale from single-serve portions through to bulk catering volumes.

Can I use the same container across chilled and frozen products? Not always. Standard tamper-evident and top-seal containers are rated for chilled use. Products intended for prolonged frozen storage require a freezer-grade specification – SystemPAK stocks dedicated freezer-grade ranges for this purpose.

What sealing machines are compatible with SystemPAK top-seal trays? SystemPAK supplies both manual and semi-automatic sealing machines, as well as the lidding film and die tooling required, all matched to the tray ranges in the catalogue. This means the full production system can be sourced and calibrated from one supplier.

How do I get samples to test fit and seal performance? Free samples are available across the range. Fill in the sample request form and cover the postage cost – the containers themselves are supplied at no charge.

The post Food-Specific Containers UK: Which Suits Your Industry?  appeared first on SystemPAK.

In the commercial packaging sector, supply chain stability is just as critical as the quality of the containers and films you run on your lines. At SystemPak, we pride ourselves on straightforward, transparent communication with our clients, especially when global market shifts impact local production costs.

If you rely on wholesale packaging supplies, it is vital to stay informed about current raw material fluctuations so you can plan your procurement strategy effectively.

Important Notice: Potential Polymer Price Increases

We want to make you aware of a developing situation that may affect pricing across a number of our packaging products.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, global polymer markets are currently experiencing significant volatility. As a direct result of this geopolitical instability, raw material costs are rising rapidly. We have been advised by our manufacturing network and suppliers that polymer prices are likely to increase in the near future.

How This Impacts Your Procurement

Unfortunately, this volatility means that product prices may become variable over the coming weeks. Furthermore, previously issued quotations may no longer be guaranteed for extended periods, as the baseline cost of raw polymer shifts.

What SystemPak is Doing to Protect Your Margins

We know that unpredictable costs are the last thing any production manager or food packer needs right now. Please be assured that we are not simply passing these costs down the line; we are doing everything within our power to reduce the impact of these price increases on your business.

Behind the scenes, our procurement team is aggressively negotiating with our raw material suppliers. We are leveraging our bulk purchasing power and absorbing market fluctuations wherever commercially viable to keep our prices as stable and competitive as possible for our customers.

Securing Your Stock: Next Steps

To help minimise any disruption or additional cost to your business, we strongly recommend reviewing your current stock levels.

If you have upcoming production runs or anticipated seasonal spikes, we suggest placing your orders sooner rather than later. Securing your inventory now ensures you can take advantage of our stock while current pricing remains available.

Speak to Our Team Today

We will, of course, continue to keep you informed as the global situation develops. We value the trust you place in us as your primary packaging supplier, and we thank you for your continued business and support during these market fluctuations.

If you would like to secure stock at current prices or discuss forecasting your upcoming requirements, please do not hesitate to contact the SystemPak team.

The post Market Update: Potential Polymer Price Increases appeared first on SystemPAK.

­The #3003 Profile Cut Manual Heat Sealing Machine: Professional Top-Seal Packaging for Small Producers

Getting a professional, tamper-evident seal on your packaging should not require a massive capital investment. The #3003 187 x 137 Profile Cut Manual Heat Sealing Machine is our dedicated entry-level tray sealing solution.

Priced at £987.95 (Excl. VAT), this compact and highly affordable unit is designed specifically for start-ups, small food producers, caterers, and delis. It is an easy-to-operate system that allows growing businesses to achieve the exact same retail presentation as larger industrial packers.

Precision Profile-Cut Sealing

A sloppy seal looks unprofessional and risks product safety during transit. To counter this, the #3003 machine features a precision profile-cut system. As the machine applies the heat seal, it simultaneously trims the excess film neatly around the outer edge of the tray.

The result is a clean, secure, and highly professional finish that is immediately ready for retail shelves and food service environments.

Standard and Custom Tooling

Out of the box, the machine is supplied with standard tooling perfectly matched to 187 x 137 mm trays. However, we know that as your product range expands, your packaging requirements will evolve.

If you require alternative container formats, we offer custom-made die sets to provide complete flexibility. Our standard delivery time for the sealing machine is typically 1-3 weeks, whereas custom die sets carry a lead time of 3–5+ weeks depending on your exact tray size and specifications.

The Operational Benefits of Top-Seal Packaging

Transitioning your manual packing line to a top-seal system brings immediate commercial advantages. Primarily, top-seal packaging is a highly cost-effective alternative when compared to traditional containers that rely on bulky, rigid lids.

By utilising this manual heat sealing machine, your business will benefit from:

• Secure, Leak-Proof Seals: Drastically improves food safety and prevents transit spills.
• Extended Shelf Life: Essential for protecting the integrity of both chilled and ambient food products.
• Total Versatility: Fully compatible with microwaveable, oven-safe, and multi-cavity trays.
• Faster Packing: Packages products securely in seconds, streamlining your shift output.

Operating Parameters and Requirements

To operate the machine efficiently, you will need a supply of compatible trays that match your selected die set, alongside an appropriate heat-sealable lidding film. Step-by-step demonstrations are available on our product video tab to ensure your team is trained instantly.

The machine leaves the factory with a default sealing temperature of 165°C. This is the optimal setting for most standard PP (polypropylene) trays. If you are sealing materials other than PP, you will need to adjust the temperature settings accordingly to ensure the seal bites correctly without warping the tray.

Important Warranty Notice

At SystemPak, our sealing machines are provided strictly as a supporting service to our core packaging solutions. For this reason, these machines are not supplied as standalone items and must be used exclusively with SystemPak trays. Utilising alternative, third-party trays can severely affect sealing performance and will invalidate the machine’s warranty.

Ready to Upgrade Your Packing Line?

If you are tired of struggling with snap-on lids and want to guarantee a professional, secure presentation for every product that leaves your kitchen, it is time to upgrade. Add the #3003 Profile Cut Manual Heat Sealing Machine to your basket today, or contact the SystemPak technical team to discuss custom die sets for your specific container formats.

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At SystemPak, we don’t deal in “eco-fluff.” We design and supply functional, high-tolerance packaging. Our Dairy and Eco Pak ranges are engineered specifically to handle the rigours of automated filling lines, survive the cold chain, and help you navigate UK sustainability compliance.

Sustainable Dairy Packaging : Engineered for the Chiller

When you are packing yoghurts, creams, or chilled desserts, the container has to perform under fluctuating temperatures and high-moisture conditions. We focus on two critical elements to ensure product integrity:

1. Tamper Evidence (TE) You Can Trust

Security in the dairy aisle is non-negotiable. Our dairy range features robust, engineered tamper-evident break tabs. Once the lid is snapped onto the tub on your production line, it stays locked until the end consumer removes the tab. This guarantees leak-proof transit and provides total assurance against contamination.

2. In-Mould Labelling (IML)

Standard stick-on labels are a liability in a wet, chilled environment—they wrinkle, peel, and degrade. We utilise In-Mould Labelling (IML), a process where the high-definition label is fused directly into the plastic during the injection moulding process.

• The Result: The label becomes an integral part of the tub. It cannot be scratched off or damaged by moisture, ensuring your branding looks premium from the depot all the way to the customer’s fridge.

The Eco Pak Standard: Cutting Carbon, Not Corners

“Eco-friendly” is a nice marketing term, but for UK packers, sustainability is about hard numbers – specifically, managing your liability under the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT).

Switching to sustainable packaging shouldn’t mean settling for brittle plastics that crack when stacked. Our Eco Pak range applies advanced manufacturing to deliver high-performance, compliant containers through the “Three Rs”:

1. Integrating Post-Consumer Resin (PCR)

To help clients offset tax liabilities, our Eco Pak initiative incorporates 30% recycled content (PCR) where appropriate. We do this while ensuring the structural integrity of the container remains uncompromised, giving you a functional tub that meets current legislative thresholds.

2. True Recyclability with Mono-Materials

A tub is only truly recyclable if the UK’s waste management infrastructure can process it. Multi-layered plastics often end up in landfill because they cannot be separated. The Eco Pak range utilises mono-materials (such as 100% Polypropylene – PP). Because the tub, the lid, and the IML label are all made from the exact same polymer family, the entire unit can go straight into standard UK recycling streams without issue.

3. Lightweighting (Reduced Plastic Content)

Through precise injection moulding, we distribute the polymer more efficiently during manufacturing. This allows us to thin the walls of the container – reducing the overall volume of plastic used – without sacrificing the vertical crush strength required for palletisation.

Coming Soon: Thermoform Additions to the DairyPak Range

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing versatile, sustainable solutions for the food sector, SystemPak is expanding our established DairyPak range to include polypropylene (PP) thermoform containers.

Designed specifically for the demands of the dairy industry, these upcoming thermoformed additions offer excellent structural clarity alongside further opportunities for light weighting. Crucially, because they are manufactured from polypropylene, these new containers will align perfectly with mono-material recycling streams, providing another robust, easily recyclable option for high-volume packers. Keep an eye on our site for technical specifications and release dates.

Performance on the Line: Sustainable Dairy Packaging & Eco Pak Containers

A sustainable tub is useless if it jams your destacker or causes mis-feeds on your capping machinery.

SystemPak containers are manufactured to exact dimensional tolerances. Whether you are running a high-speed rotary filler or an inline indexing machine, our Eco Pak and Dairy tubs provide consistent nesting, reliable separation, and a clean, positive ‘snap’ when the lid is applied.

If you are looking to transition to PCR containers or need to upgrade to IML tamper-evident tubs, testing is essential. Contact the SystemPak technical team today to request a sample box and run a proper trial on your own filling lines.

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Industrial Film Rolls: The SystemPak Standard

Two Rolls Per Box Efficiency in a packing environment starts with how your materials are delivered and stored. We have standardised our film distribution to provide maximum value for high-volume users by supplying two rolls per box as standard. This isn’t just about bulk shipping; it is a practical logistical advantage designed for the professional packer:

• Superior Edge Protection: On a high-tension production line, a single nick or dent on the side of a film roll causes it to snap repeatedly. By boxing our rolls in pairs within reinforced packaging, we ensure the film remains pristine from our warehouse to your machine.
• Streamlined Manual Handling: Moving fewer boxes from the pallet to the line speeds up the replenishment process. It reduces the labour time spent de-palleting and allows your team to focus on output.
• Optimised Storage: Supplying two rolls per unit allows for neater, more stable stacking. This helps you maximise your warehouse footprint and maintain a more organised inventory.

Choosing the Right Film for Your Application

A perfect seal is not a matter of luck; it is about matching the chemical properties of the film to the specific formulation of the tray. At SystemPak, we stock a comprehensive range of technical films to suit every requirement:

1. Weld Seal Lidding Films (For Permanent Security)

A strong, permanent weld seal relies entirely on matching the right film to the right tray material. We supply specific, industry-standard films engineered for the exact type of tray you are running:

• EcoPET 12/15mu (For PET & Board Trays): This is the industry standard for APET, CPET, and rPET trays, sealing securely at 140–160°C. It also forms a highly reliable bond on pressed board trays (requiring a higher heat of 180–200°C and a longer dwell time).
• PET/PP 12/30mu (For Polypropylene Trays): This film is designed specifically for all PP (polypropylene) trays. Because of its chemical blend, it delivers a permanent weld seal typically at 160°C, which is the sweet spot for most PP trays and is also the factory setting for all our manual machines.
• Anti-Fog Properties: Regardless of which tray material you use, both of these weld seal films include anti-fog treatments as standard. This prevents condensation from obscuring the product, ensuring high-impact shelf appeal in chilled environments.

2. Peelable Seal Films (For Consumer Convenience)

If your product requires a user-friendly opening, our PET/PP 12/30mu Peelable Seal is specifically engineered for all PP trays. It includes Anti-Fog properties as standard and provides a highly secure bond for storage and transit, while still peeling back cleanly for the consumer without tearing. It performs best with a sealing temperature of 95–145°C and a short dwell time of 1–3 seconds.

• Application: These films perform best across a range of P-type trays at temperatures between 95–145°C.

3. Universal 101 AF:

The Sustainable Choice If your facility runs mixed production lines or frequently switches between different packaging formats, constantly swapping out film rolls is a massive drain on operational time. The Universal 101 AF is engineered specifically to eliminate that bottleneck.

• Unmatched Versatility: As the name suggests, this is a truly universal lidding film. It offers the flexibility to seal to the vast majority of monolayer tray materials, as well as pressed board trays. This allows packers to consolidate their inventory and use a single film stock across multiple, evolving product ranges.
• Adaptive Sealing: You control the bond strength via your machine settings. It acts as a standard peelable seal at shorter dwell times (1–3 seconds at 160–200°C for monolayer plastics). However, if you increase the heat and dwell time (e.g., 3–5 seconds at 180–220°C for board trays), it converts to a highly secure weld seal.
• Recycled Content: Sustainability is built-in. This 35mu Clear PCR film contains 30% recycled material, directly helping your business meet environmental targets and manage UK Plastic Packaging Tax compliance without sacrificing machine performance.

Technical Guidance: Troubleshooting Your Seal 

The success of your packaging depends on three variables: Temperature, Pressure, and Dwell Time. Our manual sealing machines leave the factory with a default setting of 160°C, which is the “sweet spot” for most standard PP trays. However, environmental factors and tray thicknesses can require adjustments:

• Eliminating Tray Ripple: If you notice the rim of a thin-wall tray starting to distort or ‘ripple’, you have too much heat. Reduce the temperature in increments of 5°C or 10°C until the tray remains flat and the seal is secure.
• Sealing Board Trays: Transitioning from plastic to pressed board requires more energy. You will typically need to increase the heat to 180–220°C and extend the dwell time to 3–5 seconds to ensure the bond bites into the board surface.

In-House Trials and Support 

At SystemPak, we always recommend carrying out in-house trials before committing to full-scale production. Because variables like ambient temperature and specific machine calibration can affect performance, testing is essential. Our technical team is on hand to offer advice and provide product samples of our industrial film rolls, pre-cut lids, and containers. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and ensure your packaging is fit for purpose.

The post Maximising Efficiency with SystemPak Industrial Film Rolls appeared first on SystemPAK.

As Easter approaches, we would like to make our customers aware of SystemPAK’s opening hours and order despatch schedule over the Easter bank holiday period, so you can plan your packaging orders with confidence and avoid any disruption to production or deliveries.

Seasonal closures can affect lead times across the supply chain, particularly for businesses relying on regular packaging deliveries, so placing orders in advance is always recommended during bank holiday periods.

SystemPAK Easter Opening Hours 2026

SystemPAK will operate the following opening times during Easter 2026:

Opening Hours

• Thursday 2 April 2026: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Friday 3 April 2026: Closed
• Saturday 4 April 2026: Closed
• Sunday 5 April 2026: Closed
• Monday 6 April 2026: Closed
• Tuesday 7 April 2026: Reopen as normal (9:00am – 5:00pm)

Important Order Despatch Information

To help customers plan ahead, please note the following order cut-off guidance:

• Orders placed after midday on Thursday 2 April will be despatched from Tuesday 7 April
• Any orders placed during the Easter closure period will also be processed and despatched from Tuesday 7 April

We recommend placing urgent packaging orders early wherever possible to avoid delays across the bank holiday period.

Planning Ahead for Easter Packaging Requirements

Bank holiday periods often increase pressure on stock management, particularly for food manufacturers, ready-meal producers, butchers, caterers and retail suppliers who rely on uninterrupted packaging availability.

Whether you require:

• Top-seal trays
• Tamper-evident containers
• Pressed board trays
• Heat sealing film
• Vacuum skin packaging trays
• Machinery consumables

Planning ahead helps ensure continuity across production and fulfilment schedules.

Support During the Easter Period

Our team will be available during opening hours on Thursday 2 April to assist with:

• Product enquiries
• Order confirmations
• Stock availability
• Packaging advice
• Delivery queries

Once we reopen on Tuesday 7 April, all enquiries and orders received during closure will be processed as quickly as possible.

From All of Us at SystemPAK

We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and wish you a very happy Easter.

For any urgent packaging enquiries ahead of the Easter break, please contact the SystemPAK team before the Thursday cut-off time.

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As environmental concerns continue to grow and consumers increasingly choose brands that reflect their values, packaging must do more than protect products. It must minimise environmental impact, support recycling and waste-reduction goals, and align with modern sustainable packaging expectations. 

At SystemPAK, we recognise this shift and have made sustainability central to our packaging solutions and long-term strategy. From offering innovative eco-friendly products to reducing our own carbon footprint, our approach supports businesses looking to reduce waste, enhance brand reputation and meet evolving regulatory demands. 

What We Do: Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Every Business

SystemPAK offers a growing suite of packaging products designed with sustainability in mind, helping businesses transition to greener packaging without compromising performance:

EcoPAK Range – Low-Impact, High-Performance Trays
Our EcoPAK tray range features top-seal containers made from materials that are up to 90% plastic-free. Constructed from pure cellulose fibre and lined with a thin film for strength and barrier performance, these trays are ideal for ready meals, chilled foods and other applications where sustainability and reliability are both priorities. 

Key advantages include:

• Significantly reduced plastic content
• Microwave and oven compatibility (enhancing flexibility)
• Excellent durability and resistance to grease and oils
• Custom print options for stronger branding
• Compatibility with manual and semi-automatic sealing systems 

Cardboard Top-Seal & Compostable Options
We also offer cardboard top-seal trays lined with PLA (Polylactic Acid), a fully compostable solution that supports businesses aiming for packaging that returns to the environment responsibly. These trays are practical for both chilled and heated foods, and are part of our commitment to expand biodegradable options for our customers. 

Recyclable Plastics and Durable Formats
While we offer sustainable alternatives, we also ensure our existing lines are as eco-responsible as possible. All standard injection-moulded containers we supply are 100% recyclable and certified to recognised standards such as ISO and BRC, helping to keep materials in circulation rather than landfill. 

How We Do It: Responsible Practices and Innovation

Sustainability at SystemPAK goes beyond product specifications, it’s integrated into how we operate:

1. Material Innovation & Recycled Content
We’re actively incorporating post-consumer recycled plastics and biodegradable materials where possible to reduce dependence on virgin plastics and lower carbon emissions. 

2. Energy-Efficient Production
Our manufacturing partners are using energy-efficient processes and machinery to reduce power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production, which contributes to a lower overall environmental footprint. 

3. Sustainable Supply Chain
SystemPAK works with suppliers who share our sustainability commitments, focusing on ethical sourcing and optimised logistics to reduce environmental impact throughout the supply chain. 

4. Minimising Waste
We design packaging to be lightweight yet robust, reducing material usage and waste without sacrificing performance. We also encourage closed-loop recycling, ensuring that plastic products are repurposed rather than discarded. 

Why It Matters: The Impact of Sustainable Packaging

Adopting sustainable packaging is about more than ticking a box, it delivers real benefits for businesses, customers and the planet:

Environmental Protection
Traditional single-use plastics contribute significantly to pollution and waste. By choosing materials that are recyclable, compostable or made from recycled content, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint and help protect natural ecosystems. 

Consumer Trust & Brand Loyalty
Today’s consumers are increasingly eco-aware and favour brands that take measurable steps towards sustainability. Packaging that aligns with these values can enhance trust, increase repeat purchases and strengthen brand loyalty. 

Regulatory Readiness
With legislation such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other packaging waste regulations gaining traction, sustainable packaging helps businesses stay compliant and future-ready. 

Long-Term Efficiency
Sustainable packaging doesn’t need to compromise performance. Many eco-friendly materials deliver the same hygiene, strength and protection standards as traditional formats and innovations continue to increase functionality without environmental cost. 

A Collaborative Path Forward

SystemPAK doesn’t merely sell packaging, we support businesses in their sustainability journeys. By combining innovative product design, responsible sourcing and practical deployment advice, we help organisations reduce waste, lower environmental impact and meet consumer and regulatory expectations.

Whether you’re exploring eco-conscious tray formats, fully compostable solutions, or recyclable food containers, SystemPAK offers a range of options to suit your sustainability goals. Selecting packaging that aligns with your environmental strategy is one of the most effective steps you can take, for your brand, your customers and the planet.

Explore our full range of sustainable packaging solutions and discover how your business can package more responsibly in 2026 and beyond.

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