The UK takeaway industry is evolving fast. Customer expectations, sustainability laws, delivery platforms, and food quality standards have changed dramatically in the last few years. Yet, many takeaways are still using outdated packaging that hurts food quality, increases costs, and quietly drives customers away.
If you run a takeaway, café, cloud kitchen, or restaurant offering delivery in the UK, this guide will help you identify packaging items you should urgently replace—and what you should use instead to stay compliant, profitable, and customer-approved.
Paper containers
Why Packaging Matters More Than Ever in the UK
Packaging is no longer just a container. In the UK, it directly affects:
Customer reviews on Deliveroo, Uber Eats & Just Eat
Repeat orders
Compliance with UK plastic regulations
Brand perception
Food quality during delivery
Long-term costs
A poor packaging choice can undo all your effort in food quality and service.
1. Plastic Takeaway Containers (Especially Black Plastic)
Why They Need Replacing
Many UK takeaways still use black plastic or low-grade plastic containers, assuming they are cheap and convenient. In reality, they cause multiple issues:
❌ Not easily recyclable in UK waste streams
❌ Increasingly disliked by eco-conscious customers
❌ Poor heat retention for delivery
❌ Can leak oils and sauces
❌ May soon face tighter regulations
Customers are actively avoiding businesses that still use excessive plastic packaging.
What to Use Instead
✅ Paper-based takeaway containers
✅ Bagasse (sugarcane pulp) containers
✅ PE-lined or water-based coated paper containers
Benefits:
Better insulation
UK-compliant
Better brand perception
Easier disposal for customers
2. Thin Plastic Curry & Sauce Containers
Why They Need Replacing
These are among the biggest complaint generators in UK takeaway reviews.
Common issues:
Spillage during delivery
Lids popping open
Oil leakage
Messy bags
Angry customers 😤
One leaked curry can result in:
Refunds
Negative reviews
Loss of repeat customers
What to Use Instead
✅ Paper sauce containers with secure lids
✅ Moulded fibre containers
✅ Thicker, reinforced paper cups
Pro tip:
Always choose containers tested for oily and liquid foods, especially for Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
3. Polystyrene (Foam) Food Boxes
3. Polystyrene (Foam) Food Boxes
Why They Need Replacing
Polystyrene packaging is rapidly becoming unacceptable in the UK.
Problems include:
❌ Very poor environmental image
❌ Not recyclable
❌ Holds odours
❌ Can affect food taste
❌ Seen as “cheap” packaging by customers
Many customers associate foam boxes with low-quality takeaways, regardless of food quality.
What to Use Instead
✅ Bagasse clamshells
✅ Paperboard meal boxes
✅ Microwavable paper containers
These alternatives:
Keep food warm
Look premium
Are widely accepted across the UK
4. Plastic Cutlery Sets
Why They Need Replacing
Since the UK’s single-use plastic restrictions, plastic cutlery has become a red flag.
Even when allowed in limited cases, customers increasingly complain about:
Cheap feel
Breaking easily
Environmental guilt
Many customers now expect no cutlery by default unless requested.
What to Use Instead
✅ Wooden cutlery
✅ Paper-wrapped wooden forks & spoons
✅ Offer cutlery only on request
This small change:
Reduces costs
Improves sustainability score
Aligns with delivery platform best practices
5. Plastic Drinking Cups & Lids
Why They Need Replacing
Plastic cold drink cups:
Are difficult to recycle
Crack easily
Create condensation mess
Look low-value
Customers increasingly prefer paper cups, even for cold drinks.
What to Use Instead
✅ Double-wall paper cups
✅ PLA-lined cold drink cups
✅ Paper lids or recyclable lids
For bubble tea, juices, lassis, and smoothies, paper cups now perform just as well as plastic—with better branding potential.
6. Low-Quality Paper Bags Without Handles
Why They Need Replacing
Many takeaways underestimate the importance of delivery bags.
Problems:
Bags tear due to steam
Oil seeps through
No handles = difficult delivery
Poor customer experience
Your food might be great—but if the bag breaks at the doorstep, that’s what the customer remembers.
What to Use Instead
✅ Strong kraft paper bags
✅ Grease-resistant paper bags
✅ Flat or twisted handle bags
High-quality bags:
Reduce delivery issues
Improve brand image
Prevent refunds due to spillage
7. Non-Branded, Generic Packaging
Why They Need Replacing
Unbranded packaging is a missed marketing opportunity.
In a competitive UK market:
Customers forget where they ordered from
Your brand disappears once the food is eaten
No recall for repeat orders
What to Use Instead
✅ Custom-printed paper containers
✅ Branded bags & cups
✅ Minimal logo + website printing
Even subtle branding can:
Increase repeat orders
Improve brand recall
Make your takeaway look more premium
UK Regulations You Must Keep in Mind
When replacing packaging, UK takeaways should ensure:
Compliance with UK plastic packaging tax
Materials suitable for UK recycling streams
Clear labelling where required
Safe for hot, oily, and liquid foods
Choosing the wrong packaging today can become a legal or cost issue tomorrow.
Final Thoughts: Packaging Is an Investment, Not an Expense
Replacing outdated packaging may feel like an extra cost—but in reality, it helps you:
Reduce refunds
Improve reviews
Attract eco-conscious UK customers
Stay compliant
Build a stronger brand
In the UK takeaway market, packaging is part of your product.
If your food has improved over the years, your packaging should reflect that growth too.
