Custom Takeout Boxes & Takeout Packaging
Takeout used to mean a five minute walk home. Now it means a rider bag, a stack of other orders and thirty minutes before anybody opens anything. The box does far more work than it used to, and most kitchens are still using containers designed for the old scenario. We produce a lot of takeout packaging at ZEE Packaging and the journey is what we design for now.
The Journey Got Longer
A takeout box faces conditions it never used to.
- Thirty minutes in a warm insulated bag is the realistic case
- Steam builds up and softens whatever was crisp
- Sauce moves constantly on a bike or in a car
- Boxes get stacked, so the lid carries weight from above
- Tamper evident sealing is now expected on most platforms
- A flat rigid base, since a bowed container tips in a bag
Most complaints a kitchen receives about delivery quality come down to takeout packaging rather than the cooking.
Separation Beats Everything
The simplest improvement most operators can make.
- Wet and dry components should never share a compartment
- Sauce packed apart from anything crisp
- Salad and dressing kept separate until eating
- Hot and cold items in different containers entirely
- Garnish in its own well so it stays fresh
- A compartment format costs slightly more and prevents refunds
- Compartment box the standard takeout box for a full meal
- Deep container with a lid curries, stews and saucy dishes
- Clamshell burgers, wraps and handheld items
- Folded pail noodles, rice and wet dishes
- Sauce pot dips and dressings kept separate
- Carrier tray multi container takeout packaging
Sizes We Print Regular
Every takeout box is built to your menu, though these run often:
- 7" x 5" x 2" for a standard main
- 9" x 6" x 2.5" for a large portion
- 8" x 6" x 2" with three compartments
- 6" x 6" x 3" deep for saucy dishes
- 4" x 4" x 1.5" for a side or sauce
- 12" x 9" x 4" for a four container carrier
Measure the loaded portion rather than the empty container, since a full dish sits taller than expected.
Board And Food Safety
- Food grade certified stock, always, without exception
- Grease and moisture resistant coating as standard
- Kraft board, which suits most casual dining positioning
- White SBS where you want vivid brand print
- 22pt to 24pt, since a loaded container carries real weight
- Corrugated E flute for carriers and larger formats
Printing takeout packaging reaches further than most operators think. It sits in front of somebody who may never have visited your restaurant.
Kinder Material Choices
- Grease resistant coating instead of a poly lining
- Recycled board where food grade permits it
- FSC certified stock, certificate available on request
- Soy based ink through the whole run
- Board replacing plastic and polystyrene containers
- Right sized takeout packaging so portions match the box
How An Order Runs With Us
- 100 unit minimum, so a single site can order properly
- Free 3D mockup and flat proof before anything prints
- Free dieline drawn by our own designer
- Physical sample on request to test with a real dish
- Urgent turnaround at 5 to 8 business days
- Free shipping worldwide with nothing hidden
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we stop food going soggy?
Venting plus separation. Steam needs an escape and anything crisp should never sit next to something wet in the same well.
Will sauce leak in a rider bag?
Not with a proper closure and a coated inner face. A lid that only half seats is the cause of nearly every leak we hear about.
Do we need tamper sealing?
Most platforms expect it now. We leave a flat area on the closure so a sticker seal applies cleanly.
Are compartment boxes worth it?
Almost always. The extra few cents costs far less than a single refunded order.
Do they stack in a bag?
We design them to. Consistent dimensions mean a stack sits square instead of sliding on a corner.
How much is a takeout box?
Rough estimate is $0.20 to $0.60 per unit for a standard container, $0.35 to $0.95 for a compartment format and $0.90 to $2.20 for a carrier at moderate quantity. Coating and size move it. Shipping is included in our price. This is estimate only, so ask our team for a exact quote.
Is the board food safe?
Always. We only run food grade certified stock for anything holding food.
