Custom kraft food boxes and food packaging
Food packaging is the one category where the material spec is a compliance question, not a preference. Every food box we run uses a food-contact grade substrate and a PFAS-free grease barrier.
- Indicative price
- $0.45/unit
- Construction
- Food-grade kraft board, PFAS-free grease barrier
- Minimum order
- 50 units
Indicative only. Final price depends on dieline, board grade, print count and volume. See volume tiers
Kraft food boxes are food-contact grade kraft cartons finished with a grease-resistant barrier. Kraft Boxes supplies them with PFAS-free coatings, which matters because several US states now restrict intentionally added PFAS in food packaging.
PFAS-free is not optional any more
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were the standard grease barrier in kraft food packaging for decades. A growing list of US states now restricts intentionally added PFAS in food packaging, and the regulatory direction is one way.
We do not run PFAS-based barriers. The alternatives are a clay-based coating for light grease, a water-based dispersion barrier for most applications, or a PLA film lamination where the contents are wet as well as greasy.
Matching the barrier to the food
Dry baked goods need almost nothing. A clay coating stops surface transfer and keeps the box clean. Pastries, pizza and fried food need a water-based dispersion barrier that holds oil for the length of a delivery.
Anything wet, hot and greasy at once, such as saucy hot food, needs PLA lamination. PLA is compostable in commercial facilities but not in a home bin, and it does change how the box is disposed of. We say so plainly rather than calling the whole pack compostable.
Specification
What we can build, and the numbers you will be asked for by anyone comparing quotes.
- Substrate
- Food-contact grade virgin kraft board
- Barrier
- Clay coating, water-based dispersion, or PLA lamination
- PFAS
- No intentionally added PFAS on any food line
- Formats
- Tuck-top, auto-bottom, clamshell, sleeve, tray, pail
- Minimum order
- 50 units
- Soy-based inks, food-safe, non-migrating
- Production
- 14 business days after artwork approval
- Documentation
- Food-contact declaration supplied with every order
What brands use these for
Bakery and patisserie
Window cartons and cake boxes with a clay coating that stops butter marking the outside.
Takeout and delivery
Clamshells and tuck-top containers with a dispersion barrier rated for the length of a delivery run.
Sandwich and deli
Wedge and sleeve formats sized to standard sandwich cuts, printed on the panel that faces the chiller.
Meal kits and subscription food
Outer cartons with printed cook instructions and an insert holding components separately.
Print and finishing
Available on this format. Each addition changes unit price, and we quote them line by line rather than as a bundle.
- Clay-coated grease barrier
- Water-based dispersion barrier
- PLA lamination for wet and hot contents
- Soy-based food-safe inks
- Die-cut windows with PLA patch
- Vent holes for hot food
- Tamper-evident tear strip
Category-specific guidance
Food boxes questions
Are your kraft food boxes PFAS-free?
Yes. We do not run PFAS-based grease barriers on any food line. The barrier is clay, a water-based dispersion, or PLA lamination depending on how wet and greasy the contents are.
Are kraft food boxes compostable?
An uncoated or clay-coated kraft box is compostable and recyclable. A PLA-laminated box is compostable only in a commercial facility, not a home bin, and it should not go into paper recycling. We tell you which category your spec falls into rather than labelling everything compostable.
Can you supply food-contact documentation?
Yes. A food-contact declaration covering the substrate, barrier and inks is supplied with every food packaging order.
Can kraft food boxes go in a microwave?
Uncoated and clay-coated boxes generally can. PLA-laminated boxes should not, because the lamination softens. Confirm the intended use with us at quote stage and we will specify accordingly.
Get pricing on food boxes
Send your dimensions and volume. Pricing and a free structural dieline back within one business day.