Top Eco Packaging Suppliers in the UK for Small Food Brands

Finding the right eco-friendly packaging for your small food business in the UK can feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options out there, it's hard to know where to start. But going green with your packaging isn't just a nice idea anymore; it's pretty important for the planet and for your customers. Luckily, there are some great UK suppliers who can help you make the switch. We've had a look at a few of them to give you a starting point.

Key Takeaways

• B&P Wholesale and Streetfood Packaging are good choices if you're looking for a wide range of compostable and sustainable packaging at decent prices.
• Enviropack Ltd and Green Man Packaging focus on providing a good selection of eco-conscious products.
• BioPak, Eco-craft Ltd, and GM Packaging (UK) Ltd are known for their innovative use of plant-based materials, recycling, and efforts to lower carbon footprints.
• Many suppliers offer services like custom branding and free delivery, which can be really helpful for small businesses.
• Choosing local suppliers can help reduce shipping emissions and support the UK economy.

1. B&P Wholesale

B&P Wholesale is a family-run business that's been around for over 40 years, supplying the catering industry with all sorts of disposable packaging and supplies. They're based in Sheffield and really focus on looking after their customers, which is always a good sign. What's great for small food brands is that they're always adding more biodegradable and compostable bits to their range. You can order just a few things or get them by the pallet, so they're pretty flexible.

They've got a decent selection of eco-friendly food packaging, including:

• Bagasse meal boxes and trays
• Compostable hot cups and lids
• Kraft boxes and bowls
• Disposable cutlery
• Biodegradable fruit punnets

It’s good to know they’re committed to sustainability and are expanding their green products. They even have a range called 'Infinity Range', which sounds promising for those looking for long-term eco solutions. If you're after something specific, like those 6" bagasse burger boxes, they're a solid place to start looking.

They seem to have a good balance of experience, customer focus, and a growing eco-friendly product line, making them a reliable choice for small businesses wanting to make a greener switch.

2. Streetfood Packaging

Streetfood Packaging really stands out for its personal touch in the eco-friendly packaging world. It started as a family business, and you can tell they've kept that focus on doing things right. They’ve shifted their whole mission to providing packaging that’s not only biodegradable but also good for the environment. It’s nice to see a company that cares about health and sustainability, not just making a sale.

They’ve got a pretty wide selection of disposable containers and supplies, all designed to be kind to the planet. What’s even better is that they seem to keep their prices competitive, which is a big deal for small businesses trying to watch their budget. Plus, they offer free shipping on orders over £70, and if you’re in the UK, they even do next-day delivery. That kind of service makes going green a lot easier.

Key Features

• Focus on Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Materials: They prioritise packaging that breaks down naturally and has a low environmental impact.
• Family-Owned Values: A commitment to healthier packaging options, stemming from their roots.
• Quality and Price: They aim to offer premium products without the premium price tag.
• Customer Service Perks: Free UK delivery on orders over £70 and next-day dispatch are real bonuses.

Product Range

Streetfood Packaging offers a variety of items, including:

• 100% Biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable food containers.
• Disposable containers suitable for food boxes, cups, and sandwich packaging.
• Various paper-based options for a lighter footprint.

Choosing the right packaging can feel like a big decision for a small food brand. It’s about balancing cost, practicality, and your brand’s commitment to the environment. Streetfood Packaging seems to hit a good sweet spot, making it simpler for businesses to make greener choices without breaking the bank. It’s good to know there are suppliers like Biopak out there making a difference.

They really do seem to have a good handle on what small food businesses need when they're trying to switch to more sustainable options. It’s not just about the products themselves, but the whole package of service and accessibility they provide.

3. Enviropack Ltd

Based in North West London, Enviropack Ltd has been a significant player in the eco-friendly packaging scene for over two decades. They really focus on products that are compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable, making sure everything they source is done ethically and sustainably. It’s not just about selling boxes and bags; it’s about offering solutions that help businesses, like schools, catering companies, and other firms, meet their environmental goals.

What sets Enviropack apart is their dedication to reducing carbon footprints. They’re not just ticking boxes; they’re actively trying to promote reusable items and cut down on waste. Plus, they offer a full custom branding service, which is brilliant for small food brands wanting their packaging to really reflect their own eco-conscious values. It means you can get your logo and branding on packaging that’s good for the planet. They’re one of Europe’s leading suppliers in this area, which is quite a claim.

Key Strengths

• Over 20 years of experience in supplying eco-friendly packaging across Europe.
• Offers a full custom branding and bespoke packaging service.
• Ensures ethical and sustainable sourcing for all their products.
• Products are designed to reduce carbon footprint and encourage recycling.

Product Range Highlights

• Compostable catering disposables
• Biodegradable food containers
• Recyclable packaging solutions

Enviropack's commitment to quality products and flexible volume options means they can cater to businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to larger catering operations. Their customer service is also frequently praised, which is always a bonus when you're trying to get things right for your brand.

They’ve got a good range of items, including things like compostable side order boxes that are perfect for fries or other snacks. It’s these kinds of practical, eco-friendly items that make a real difference for food businesses looking to go greener.

4. Green Man Packaging

Green Man Packaging has been around since 2009, and they've really carved out a niche for themselves as specialists in compostable packaging. What sets them apart is their absolute commitment to being 100% certified compostable and plant-based. Seriously, they don't do single-use plastic at all, which is pretty refreshing. They've got a massive range, over 400 different items, all certified compostable. This means you're getting good quality stuff that actually breaks down properly. They source from top manufacturers, so you know the products are reliable.

Key Products

• Compostable catering disposables
• Plant-based items made from corn, sugarcane, and potatoes

They focus on providing packaging that's genuinely good for the environment, cutting out plastic entirely. It's a clear stance that small food brands looking to be truly green will appreciate.

If you're after packaging that aligns with a strong eco-message, Green Man Packaging is definitely worth a look. They make it easy to switch away from plastics and embrace materials that are better for the planet. It’s a good way to show your customers you care about more than just the food you serve. You can find out more about their commitment to sustainable practices on their website, which is a good resource for understanding what 'certified compostable' really means for your business and for proper waste disposal.

5. BioPak

BioPak is an Australian company that started back in 2006, and they've become a pretty big deal globally when it comes to compostable food packaging for businesses that serve food. They really focus on sustainable options, which is great to see.

What sets them apart is their commitment to using plant-based materials. Think sugarcane pulp and bioplastics – much better than traditional plastic, right? They also put their money where their mouth is, donating 5% of their profits to environmental causes. That’s a nice touch.

Their products are designed with the circular economy in mind, meaning they're industrially compostable and meet European standards like EN13432. This helps cut down on greenhouse gases, which is obviously a good thing for the planet.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Sustainable takeaway containers: Perfect for cafes and restaurants.
• Compostable food containers and packaging supplies: A wide variety for different food types.
• Plant-based materials: Made from responsibly sourced sugarcane and bioplastics.

They really emphasize that how you dispose of their products matters for the environment. So, make sure you know your local composting facilities!

If you're looking for packaging that's good for the environment and your brand, BioPak is definitely worth checking out. They even offer free next working day delivery on orders over £75, which is handy for small businesses needing quick turnaround. You can find out more about their sustainable takeaway containers.

6. Eco-craft Ltd

Eco-craft Ltd has been championing eco-friendly packaging since way back in 1991. They really focus on using recycled paper and card for their products, which is a great way to help conserve our planet's natural resources. It’s good to know that their items have a low carbon footprint because they source materials from both the UK and the EU. Plus, they're committed to treating their employees and suppliers fairly, which is always a nice touch.

They offer a range of recycled paper and card products, alongside other eco-friendly packaging and craft supplies. It’s worth checking out their selection if you’re a small food brand looking for packaging that aligns with your green values. They're a family-run business, and you can find out more about their sustainable solutions at Packaging Environmental.

• Focus on recycled materials
• Low carbon footprint sourcing
• Commitment to fair treatment

They've been around for a long time, which suggests they know what they're doing when it comes to sustainable packaging. It’s not just about the planet; it’s about having reliable products too.

7. GM Packaging (UK) Ltd

GM Packaging (UK) Ltd, based in Seaham, North East England, is a well-established player in the food packaging sector with over two decades of experience. They offer a wide array of packaging solutions, with a particular focus on environmentally friendly options. They pride themselves on providing fast and efficient service across the UK, often with a 24-hour dispatch.

Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their range of biodegradable and compostable packaging. Beyond just products, GM Packaging also gets involved in community initiatives, showing a broader sense of social responsibility. If you're looking for custom branding, they offer a bespoke service to get your logo or design onto your packaging.

Key Products

• Takeaway and delivery food packaging supplies
• Eco-friendly paper cups
• Compostable food containers

Unique Selling Points

• Over 20 years of experience in food packaging
• Fast, efficient service with 24-hour dispatch
• Environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and compostable products
• Bespoke service for custom branding on packaging

GM Packaging aims to cater to various sectors, making their eco-friendly options accessible for different types of food businesses. Their focus on biodegradable and compostable materials aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices in the food industry.

8. Glopack

Glopack is a supplier that really focuses on making things easy for small food businesses wanting to go green. They've got a good range of stuff, from bottles for fresh juices to fancy paper wrapping sheets. It feels like they've thought about what different types of food businesses might need, which is handy when you're just starting out and don't have a massive budget or a dedicated packaging buyer.

They also mention custom printing, which is a big plus for small brands. Getting your logo and eco-message on your packaging can really help you stand out and show customers you care about the planet. It's a simple way to build your brand identity while also being environmentally responsible.

Key Product Areas

• Juice bottles
• Paper wrapping sheets
• Other food-grade packaging solutions

Why Glopack?

• Tailored solutions for various food businesses.
• Custom printing options available.
• Focus on making eco-friendly choices accessible.

Choosing packaging that's not only good for the environment but also fits your specific product and brand image is key. Glopack seems to aim for that balance, offering practical options that don't compromise on presentation.

9. Packaging Environmental

Packaging Environmental, established in London back in 2007, really set out with a clear vision: to offer businesses sustainable, top-quality, and reasonably priced packaging. They focus on materials that are either compostable or recyclable, which is a big plus for small food brands wanting to be greener. They're all about spreading eco-friendly attitudes and helping protect the planet for the future.

They’ve got a good range of products, and what’s really helpful is that they can brand most of their packaging. So, if you’ve got a specific design in mind, they can help bring it to life on your packaging. They also offer storage and distribution, which can be a real lifesaver for smaller operations that don’t have a lot of space.

They also have a dedicated section on their website to help you understand how to dispose of your food packaging correctly, which is super useful given how confusing waste streams can be.

If you’re not sure about committing, they offer a free sample request, so you can test their products before placing a larger order. They also keep an eye on packaging legislation, which is good to know they’re keeping up with the rules. You might even snag a bargain on their sale and clearance page, with discounts sometimes going up to 50%.

Key Offerings

• Sustainable Materials: Products made from renewable resources.
• Custom Branding: Bespoke design services for your packaging.
• Storage & Distribution: Solutions to manage your packaging inventory.
• Educational Resources: Guidance on proper packaging disposal and legislation.
• Free Samples: Try before you buy to ensure suitability.

Why Choose Packaging Environmental?

Packaging Environmental works closely with their clients, offering friendly and efficient service. They pride themselves on adapting to customer needs, whether it’s a custom design or sourcing specific items. They’ve even helped companies like Neat Burger and Roasting Plant UK find practical, eco-friendly solutions that match their brand ethos. It’s clear they’re committed to supporting businesses in their sustainability journey, making them a solid choice for small food brands looking for a partner in eco-friendly packaging. You can even get a quote for their services directly through their website, which is handy. They also offer a 15% discount on first orders for new customers, similar to Wellcatered.

Thinking about how our packaging affects the planet? It's a big deal! We've got some really neat ways to pack things that are much kinder to the Earth. Want to see how we're making a difference? Pop over to our website to find out more about our eco-friendly choices.

Making the Switch to Greener Packaging

So, there you have it. Finding the right eco-friendly packaging for your small food business in the UK might seem like a big task, but as we've seen, there are some brilliant suppliers out there ready to help. Whether you're after compostable containers, recycled materials, or just want to reduce your plastic use, these companies offer great options. Making this change isn't just good for the planet; it shows your customers you care about more than just the bottom line. It’s a positive step that can really make your brand stand out. Give it a go – your customers, and the environment, will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of eco-friendly materials are used in food packaging?

Many UK suppliers offer packaging made from plants, like sugarcane or corn. These materials can often be composted, meaning they break down naturally without harming the environment. Look for products labelled as 'compostable' or 'biodegradable'.

How do packaging suppliers help the environment?

Some companies give a portion of their profits to environmental causes. Others focus on using recycled materials or making products that have a low carbon footprint. It's great to support businesses that are actively trying to help the planet.

Can I get my company logo printed on eco-friendly packaging?

Yes, many suppliers offer custom printing so you can put your brand's logo or design on the packaging. This is a fantastic way to show customers that your business cares about being green.

How should I dispose of compostable food packaging?

It's best to check the specific disposal instructions for each product. Some items can go in your home compost bin, while others need to be sent to an industrial composting facility. Proper disposal helps make sure the packaging breaks down correctly.

Do any suppliers offer free or fast delivery?

Yes, several suppliers offer free delivery if you spend a certain amount, often around £70 or £75. Some also provide next-day delivery, which is handy for busy businesses.

What should I consider when choosing packaging for my food business?

When choosing packaging, think about what kind of food you'll be serving. You'll need containers that can handle hot or cold food, and won't leak. Also, consider how the packaging looks and if it's easy for customers to use.