Eco Packaging for Takeaways Ireland: How to Switch to Sustainable Food Packaging
A 2024 Bord Bia survey found that 68% of Irish consumers say sustainability influences their food purchasing decisions. For takeaways and restaurants, that is a statistic that translates directly into repeat business — or lost trade. The good news is that switching to eco packaging for your takeaway in Ireland is more affordable and practical than it was even two years ago.
This guide covers the most practical eco-friendly packaging options available to Irish food businesses today — from bagasse burger boxes to plain napkins wholesale — with honest advice on cost, switching strategy, and what to look for when comparing suppliers.
Irish Law Update
Under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (transposed into Irish law in 2021–2022), plastic cutlery, plastic straws, expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers, and plastic plates are banned. If your takeaway still uses EPS burger boxes or polystyrene cups, switching to compliant packaging is no longer optional.
The Best Eco-Friendly Takeaway Packaging Options in Ireland
1. Bagasse Burger Boxes & Food Containers
Bagasse is the fibrous pulp left over after sugarcane juice is extracted — a by-product that would otherwise be waste. Pressed into moulds, it becomes an excellent food container: naturally grease-resistant, microwave-safe to 220°C, and home-compostable within 60–90 days.
For Irish takeaways, bagasse burger boxes are the most popular eco product we sell. They perform at least as well as their polystyrene equivalents — and look considerably more premium on the customer's table.
2. Kraft Paper Bags & SOS Grab Bags
Paper bags are the most straightforward swap for plastic carrier bags. For Irish takeaways, there are three main styles:
- →SOS grab bags — gusseted paper bags with a flat base, ideal for carrying multiple food containers. The most common takeaway bag format in Ireland.
- →Flat handle paper bags — flat paper handles, smart presentation for deli and café orders.
- →Twisted handle bags — rope-style handles, more premium feel for restaurant collection orders and retail gifting.
3. Plain Napkins Wholesale Ireland
One of the most overlooked eco swaps for Irish food businesses is the humble napkin. Plastic-free, paper napkins are already the eco-compliant choice — but there is a big difference in quality between a thin single-ply napkin and a premium linen-feel napkin.
Plain napkins wholesale in Ireland are available in a range of grades:
| Type | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single-ply paper | Fast food, high-volume takeaways | Lowest |
| 2-ply paper | Cafés, casual dining, delis | Low–Medium |
| Linen-feel (airlaid) | Restaurants, events, premium takeaways | Medium |
How to Switch Without Blowing Your Budget
The biggest barrier Irish food businesses cite when considering eco packaging is cost. Here is a practical framework for making the switch in stages:
Audit your current packaging spend
List every packaging item you currently buy: boxes, bags, napkins, cups, lids, cutlery. Note the monthly spend and supplier. This gives you a baseline to compare like-for-like.
Identify the easy swaps first
Plastic straws → paper straws. Polystyrene cups → kraft paper cups. Plastic cutlery → compostable CPLA cutlery. These swaps are typically low-cost and require no process changes.
Switch containers progressively
Bagasse burger boxes cost a little more per unit than cheap EPS, but buying in bulk closes the gap. Start with your highest-volume container (e.g., burger box or main meal tray) and switch that first.
Tell your customers
Print a small "eco packaging" badge on your menu or add a note to your delivery app listing. Irish consumers actively reward businesses that communicate their sustainability efforts.
What to Look for in an Eco Packaging Supplier in Ireland
Not all "eco" packaging is created equal. When evaluating suppliers for sustainable packaging in Ireland, ask these questions:
- →Certifications: Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification on paper products and TÜV or DIN CERTCO certification on compostable items — these confirm the packaging meets genuine compostability standards.
- →Irish stock vs. imports: Suppliers with Irish-held stock can fulfil orders in days rather than weeks. This matters when you run low unexpectedly during a busy period.
- →Minimum order quantities: Eco packaging is typically cheaper per unit in bulk, but high MOQs can tie up cash flow for smaller businesses. Look for suppliers offering low MOQs on core lines.
- →Custom printing availability: If you want branded eco packaging — a custom-printed bagasse box or a paper bag with your logo — confirm your supplier can print on eco materials without requiring massive minimum runs.
Eco Packaging for Specific Irish Food Businesses
Chipper & traditional takeaway
The priority is grease resistance and heat retention. Bagasse trays and boxes are the best eco alternative to polystyrene. Pair with a kraft SOS grab bag and paper straws for a fully compliant, low-plastic setup.
Café & deli
Focus on cups, lids, and sandwich packaging. FSC-certified kraft paper bags and plain napkins wholesale in 2-ply or linen-feel are the most visible eco signals to café customers. A branded paper cup makes the biggest difference to customer perception.
Pizza takeaway
Pizza boxes are already paper-based, so the eco upgrade is relatively simple: switch from bleached white board to unbleached or recycled-content board, and ensure your box is printed with water-based inks. Pair with a kraft handle bag for collection orders. See our guide on pizza box sizes in Ireland for more on choosing the right size for your menu.
Restaurant & catering
Catering operators tend to use high volumes of plain packaging — trays, lids, napkins, and containers — where plain packaging wholesale pricing makes the eco switch affordable even at scale. Premium linen-feel napkins are a popular upgrade for sit-down events that want to avoid single-use plastic-coated paper alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bagasse packaging?
Bagasse is the fibrous pulp left over after sugarcane juice is extracted. It is pressed and moulded into food containers, burger boxes, and plates. Bagasse packaging is fully compostable, microwave-safe, and naturally grease-resistant.
Where can I buy plain napkins wholesale in Ireland?
PrintNPack supplies plain napkins wholesale across Ireland — including unprinted paper napkins and premium linen-feel napkins in bulk quantities, with competitive case pricing and fast nationwide delivery.
Is eco-friendly packaging more expensive than standard packaging?
It can cost marginally more per unit, but the gap has narrowed significantly. Ordering in bulk, choosing bagasse over bioplastics, and focusing on 2–3 core eco products keeps costs competitive. Customer loyalty improvements often offset the price difference.
Is eco packaging mandatory in Ireland?
Ireland has banned certain single-use plastics including plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) food containers. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives is legally required for many product types.
Ready to switch to eco-friendly packaging?
From bagasse burger boxes to plain napkins wholesale — PrintNPack supplies sustainable packaging to food businesses across Ireland. Low MOQs, fast delivery.
