The word Pizza instantly draws happiness and indulgent foodie memories. Everyone loves to eat pizza. In several regions of the world, it is popular & liked. It does not need any promotion or publicity stunts because everyone eats pizza. But to attract food lovers in the competitive food industry, there must be something special. And the pizza packaging is what makes the difference. In addition, cardboard pizza boxes are also essential to keep your pizza protected, fresh, and of high quality.
Further, effective packaging relies on high-quality materials. Imagine walking into a grocery or pizza hub, only to find your delicious pizza wrapped in a variety of materials. So, are you aware which material is good for pizza packaging or which one should be avoided? Let’s discuss different material choices in custom pizza boxes what to use and What to avoid.
Materials Commonly Used In Pizza Boxes
1. Corrugated Cardboard
You can use this common material in your pizza packaging, It has vast benefits.
- Corrugated cardboard boxes are light in weight that’s why these boxes can easily ship and fetch.
- If you go with a sandwich structure, your pizza remains hot and fresh inside this corrugated packaging.
- These boxes act as a barrier against strong pressure. Protect your pizza shape from distorting while shipping.
- Looking for large-scale production? These boxes are cost-effective.
- Corrugated pizza boxes come in multiple layers.
- Single corrugated cardboard: Best for small pizza boxes
- Double corrugated cardboard: Ideal for large pizza boxes
- These boxes are recyclable. Become user-friendly when coated with eco-friendly inks.
2. Kraft Paperboard
The usage of kraft paperboard is very popular among high-end pizza restaurants to prepare their pizza wrapping. Let’s explore its features:
- It is strong & long-lasting.
- With a natural brown colour, the kraft paperboard shows a luxurious feeling.
- Protect your snacks from environmental factors.
- If you are looking for the best take-out food packaging, then choose Kraft paperboard boxes. Kraft paperboard wrapping is oil-resistant.
- In addition, this material is biodegradable and recyclable because its manufacturing source is recycled fibers.
3. Food-Grade Cardboard
- The cardboard is specially designed for direct contact with food. Thus, get safety plus quality with cardboard.
- Plant-based coatings give waterproof and oil-proof qualities to cardboard packaging. This wrapping keeps the pizza’s bottom from getting overly soggy.
- Cardboard complies with food safety regulations. Additionally, it keeps dangerous materials from getting into the food.
- Eco-friendly coatings improve the environmental protection efficiency of cardboard.
4. Recyclable Plastic
Many businesses use recyclable plastic to pack their frozen pizza. These plastic pizza boxes also have numerous advantages including:
- These boxes have outstanding oil-proof and waterproof properties.
- You can utilise these boxes multiple times
- The overall trend of plastic use is declining. If the plastic is recyclable, then negative ecological effects are negligible.
5. Wax-Coated or Laminated Paperboard
If you have particular pizza box requirements like long-distance shipping or your pizza is heavy in fat, this time, waxing or laminating features come.
- Wax-coated or laminated paperboard is oil-resistant or water-resistant.
- Ideal for high-fat or wet pizza
- Wax-coated pizza boxes are difficult to recycle & have certain effects on the environment.
6. Biodegradable or Compostable Materials
Some high-end pizza restaurants utilise compostable materials. In addition, eco-friendly brands also prioritise biodegradable pizza boxes.
- These materials are crafted from plant fibers like sugarcane bagasse & bamboo fiber.
- These materials fully meet environmental protection standards. So, these are completely biodegradable packaging.
- This biodegradable pizza packaging is expensive.
- Unsuitable for your large-scale orders.
- Additionally, these boxes are not as strong as compared to corrugated cardboard.
6. Food Grade Inks
Some food grade inks are utilised in packaging to provide protection and maximise the allure of the bespoke pizza boxes. These coatings are strictly follow food safety regulations, are non-toxic, and safe for direct and indirect contact with food.
- Eco-Friendly Water-Based Inkjet Ink
- UV Inkjet Inks
- Electron Beam Inkjet Inks
- Low-Migration UV/LED Inkjet Inks
Harmful Materials To Avoid In Pizza Packaging

PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances)
- Role In Packaging
A variety of packaging applications. Mostly utilised in the paper as a grease-proofing agent. In the manufacturing of plastic packaging, it is directly employed as a processing aid. Also, utlilised in epoxy and inks. In addition, to generate fluorination of PP and PE containers, PFAS used as well.
- Health Concerns
Bioaccumulation, persistence, and developmental toxicity.
Ortho-phthalates
- Role In Packaging
Utilised mostly in plastic, but it has several applications, including inks. high concern about paper and virgin plastic.
- Health Concerns
Reproductive toxicity, developmental toxicity, and endocrine disruption
Benzophenone
- Role In Packaging
Used in inks for plastic packaging and paper printing. Its many applications include: Paper and certain polymers including PE, PP, acrylics, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Health Concerns
Carcinogenicity
Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Role In Packaging
Reproductive toxicity, developmental disturbance, and endocrine disruption
- Health Concerns
Used in the production of melamine resins, adhesives, inks, paper/board, epoxy lining for metal cans, and polycarbonate plastic.
Toluene
- Role In Packaging
The solvent is frequently used in adhesives, epoxy, and inks. Used in paper and certain polymers, such as acrylics, PVC, PLA, nylon, PE, and polyamide.
- Health Concerns
Reproductive and developmental toxicity
Key FDA Requirements For Food Boxes Materials

After exploring material choices in custom pizza boxes: What to use and What to avoid. Now, let’s understand some FDA requirements for pizza box materials. The Product Boxes UK always comply with these FDA rules and regulations in manufacturing their pizza wrapping.
Migration Challenges
The main issue is the movement of materials from the pizza box to the pizza itself. The chemicals used in boxes manufacturing, The FDA imposed strict migration limitations for those chemicals. Materials including coatings, adhesives, and inks must be properly controlled to prevent them from leaking into the food.
Utilise Recycled Paper
As part of sustainability initiatives, pizza boxes often originate from recycled paper. The FDA permits the use of recycled paper but it must adhere to stringent hygiene guidelines. Eliminate dangerous pollutants from any recycled material to ensure it is safe for food contact.
Greaseproof Pizza Box Materials
Pizza is notoriously greasy. That’s why it’s significant to consider the ability of pizza box materials to withstand oil. Utilise greaseproof materials to prevent pizza oil from defilement and eroding inside the box. Although the FDA does not directly regulate greaseproof qualities, it does mandate that the materials used prevent defilement from the bundling fabric.
Avoid Using Hazardous Chemicals
It is against the law to use several chemicals in products that come into touch with food. This includes materials that might pose health risks if they find their way into food, such as lead, heavy metals, and some types of plasticiser. Manufacturers must ensure that their packaging materials don’t include any of these dangerous substances.
Coatings and Added substances
To prevent spillage, many pizza boxes have greaseproof coatings. The coatings that apply to the inside of pizza boxes must be FDA-approved. It’s necessary that they don’t release harmful chemicals into the food. FDA regulations allow the use of coatings that are safe for food contact in the creation of pizza boxes.
Biodegradable and Compostable Pizza Boxes
As sustainability becomes a growing priority, several manufacturers are using disposable pizza boxes. These materials must adhere to the same food-contact security regulations as traditional materials. Although biodegradable pizza boxes are a green option, manufacturers need to ensure that the materials used in these boxes are safe and don’t deteriorate in a way that might harm the food.
Key Factors In Choosing the Right Food Packaging Materials

- What type of food do you want to pack, store, and ship? Pick material according to the quality of your food.
- Choose wrapping that offers maximum protection. The material that increases the shelf life of your product.
- To reduce the pollution & environmental impact go with biodegradable or recyclable material.
- Choose material that must be comply with food safety rules and non-reactive.
- Your selected material should be user-friendly plus assist you in increasing your brand image.
Wrapping-Up
To acquire food safety, freshness, and eco-sustainability, picking the right material is crucial for custom pizza boxes. Corrugated cardboard, kraft paperboard, & food-grade are the best eco-friendly, grease-resistant, and durable materials that you can use in pizza manufacturing.
Avoid Toluene, BPA, and PEAS, to prevent health diseases. Custom pizza box manufacturers should follow FDA regulations. Pick biodegradable packaging boxes to protect the environment. You can trust The Product Boxes for getting premium, safe, and eco-conscious pizza packaging.