When it comes to running a food business in Australia—whether it’s a café, takeaway joint, bakery, or grocery brand—packaging plays a bigger role than we realise. It’s not just about wrapping up your products nicely; it’s about keeping them safe, fresh, and hygienic until they reach your customers.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most trusted food-safe packaging materials used in Australia, the safety standards to follow, and how to choose the best options for your business, especially if you’re buying in wholesale food packaging.
Why Food-Safe Packaging Matters
You might be preparing the tastiest food or freshest produce, but if your packaging leaches chemicals, can’t keep out moisture, or breaks in transit, your product loses quality and customer trust.
💡 A study by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) showed that up to 60% of packaging complaints were related to contamination, incorrect material, or improper sealing. That’s a risk you don’t want to take.
What Is Food-Safe Packaging?
Food-safe packaging is made using materials that don’t react with or contaminate food. It is:
- Non-toxic
- BPA-free
- Tamper-evident
- Approved for direct food contact
Whether you’re selling hot meals, frozen goods, bakery items, or spices, it’s important that your packaging meets Australian regulations.
Australian Standards for Food Packaging
In Australia, food packaging materials must comply with:
- FSANZ Code (Standard 1.4.1) – Ensures materials don’t migrate harmful substances into food
- AS 2070 Certification – Covers plastic materials for food contact use
- FSC & ISO Standards – For paper-based and compostable packaging
If you’re working with a reliable wholesale packaging Australia supplier like Premium Packaging, always ask for compliance certificates when ordering in bulk.
Most Trusted Food-Safe Packaging Materials
Let’s explore the most popular and safe options used by Australian food businesses:
1. PET and HDPE Plastics
These are commonly used for cold drinks, containers, and salad boxes. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is recyclable and safe for chilled items, while HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) works well for milk bottles and dry goods.
✅ BPA-free
✅ Food-grade certified
✅ Recyclable
2. Compostable Sugarcane Bagasse
This is made from leftover sugarcane pulp and is a favourite among eco-conscious brands. It’s microwave safe, sturdy, and compostable within 60–90 days.
✅ Great for hot food and takeaways
✅ Suitable for council green bins
✅ No plastic lining required
3. Kraft Paper and Cardboard
Ideal for bakery boxes, food trays, sandwich wraps, and dry snacks. Ensure the paper is FSC-certified and food-safe lined if in direct contact with oily items.
✅ Natural look and feel
✅ Custom printable
✅ Available in wholesale food packaging quantities
4. PLA & CPLA Bioplastics
These plant-based materials are used in cups, cutlery, and lids. PLA is clear and works for cold items, while CPLA is heat-resistant and perfect for coffee cups or soup lids.
✅ Compostable
✅ Safe for food contact
✅ Gaining popularity in Australian markets
5. Glass and Aluminium
Used more for premium sauces, jams, and drinks, these materials are non-reactive, reusable, and 100% recyclable.
✅ Airtight
✅ High shelf appeal
✅ Safe for long-term storage
Matching Packaging to Your Food Category
Here’s a quick reference to help you choose the right packaging material:
| Food Type | Recommended Material |
| Hot Takeaway Meals | Bagasse containers, foil trays, CPLA lids |
| Bakery & Pastries | Kraft boxes, food-safe paper wrap |
| Cold Salads & Smoothies | PET containers, PLA cups |
| Dry Snacks & Spices | Zip-lock Kraft pouches, HDPE tubs |
| Frozen Goods | Insulated boxes, moisture-resistant wrap |
If you’re buying in wholesale food packaging, choose materials that serve multiple categories to save costs and reduce stock complexity.
Key Features to Look for in Food-Safe Packaging
- Leak-proof sealing – especially for curries, soups, and sauces
- Odour-free materials – to preserve the aroma and taste
- Temperature resistance – for hot/cold storage
- Tamper-evident design – builds trust with customers
- Microwave-safe & freezer-safe icons – for convenience
Dangers of Using Cheap or Non-Compliant Packaging
While low-cost packaging might look attractive initially, it can damage your brand in the long run. Non-compliant materials can:
- Leach chemicals into food
- Tear or melt during handling
- Fail safety inspections
- Result in costly recalls or fines
📢 According to a 2022 Choice Australia report, over 40% of food businesses that used non-compliant packaging received warnings or fines from local councils. Not worth the risk!
Eco-Friendly and Food-Safe: You Can Have Both
Many businesses think eco-friendly means fragile or expensive. But that’s not true anymore.
Modern wholesale packaging Australia suppliers like Premium Packaging offer sustainable options that are:
- Strong and durable
- Compostable or recyclable
- Certified food-safe
- Available at bulk prices
🌱 In fact, 67% of Aussie consumers prefer buying from businesses that use sustainable packaging (source: Planet Ark 2023).
Where to Get Trusted Wholesale Food Packaging in Australia
Whether you’re a small business, franchise, or nationwide food brand, it’s important to choose a packaging materials wholesale supplier that understands your industry.
At Premium Packaging, we supply:
- Certified food-grade materials
- Compostable, recyclable, and reusable options
- Custom branding and print-ready packaging
- Bulk discounts for wholesale food packaging
- Fast delivery across Australia
From burger boxes to bakery trays and salad bowls, we’ve got you covered.
Final Thoughts
Your packaging is more than just a container—it’s part of your brand, your hygiene, and your customer experience. Choosing food-safe, certified materials is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. And when you source it right—like from a trusted wholesale packaging Australia provider—it can be affordable too.
