Cardboard trays

A kraft (brown) cardboard tray with black print

A cardboard tray with a stacking corner feature and hand-holes

Nesting cardboard trays with a water resistant coating applied

Custom designed cardboard trays with breather holes for fresh produce

A Correx (corrugated plastic) tray in black material

Cardboard tray boxes

Produce trays suitable for various handling applications

Cardboard trays are ideal for handling and delivering fresh products and foods. These produce trays are suitable for display in-store too. However, corrugated trays are also appropriate for handling parts and components in manufacturing applications. So if you are a packaging buyer for a food distributor or an industrial manufacturer, cardboard trays are a surprisingly versatile option.

Your trays are manufactured in bespoke sizes and materials, providing optimum strength/suitability. You can also specify numerous options, including water-resistant coating, print, and hand holes. Read More

Available colours:

No obligation (and no pressure) quotes for any packaging.
Free and impartial advice from UK based experts.
Competitive pricing and full customisation options.

This product
can be
FSC® certified
on request

Description

Cardboard trays overview

Cardboard trays enable the transport and display of fresh produce. However, this form of packaging is also popular in industrial applications. This includes the movement of parts and products within a production environment. Cardboard trays can be manufactured in bespoke sizes and strengths. Trays can also include dividers and other inserts.

More information on cardboard hamper trays

Supermarkets and retailers traditionally used cardboard trays for displaying fresh produce. However, the last few years have seen growth in food subscription services and eCommerce deliveries. As such, cardboard produce trays used for fresh produce and similar goods are increasing in popularity.

Cardboard tray boxes are simple to load due to their open tops. They are also easy to handle, notably when including (optional) integrated hand holes. Efficient transit/storage is also possible thanks to the inherent stacking features.

Rather than stock sizes, bespoke manufacturing allows your hamper trays to any size you require. Custom sizing ensures these trays meet your own or your customers’ specific requirements. Suitable material grades are chosen based on your application. This careful material selection allows optimum strength and protection in transit, when stacked in storage, or when displayed in-store.

This approach also means that your business can use your corrugated trays over multiple trips/journeys. This reusability, in turn, further enhances your environmental credentials. The cardboard material used for manufacturing your trays is fully recyclable as well. And all cardboard trays can use FSC certified material too.

Large or small, cardboard trays can have longevity and performance enhanced further. For example, using specialist coatings can add water resistance or all-over colours. It is, of course, possible to add a wide range of print as well. Options here include logos, branding, handling instructions and other graphics.

Trays supplied by GWP are suitable only for items washed, peeled or shelled before use. Pre-packaged products are fine too.

Alternative uses for cardboard trays

Stacking cardboard trays provide excellent versatility. It means they are suitable for several applications beyond the transit/delivery of fresh items.

Their ability to be quickly loaded, stacked and handled means corrugated trays are perfect for several industrial packaging applications.

Industrial trays are suited to moving parts, components, tools, and entirely manufactured products around production areas in various industries.

This type of application also benefits from using the water-resistant Liquiguard coating. Adding this coating to industrial handling trays enables the movement of greased / oiled parts (in addition to water resistance). The application of anti-scuff coating also protects from surface blemishes and marks. This enhancement protects products or components that feature painted or highly polished surfaces).

A further option is the inclusion of inserts, dividers sets, and even foam (creating a composite pack). Inserts of this type improve handling efficiency, separate parts, and provide enhanced protection.

So regardless of your intended application or industry, cardboard trays are a genuinely versatile packaging solution.

Main benefits of cardboard handling trays at a glance

The following is a list of specific benefits provided by cardboard trays.

Widely used for fresh produce (items shelled, peeled, or washed before use only).
Perfect for home deliveries of fruit, vegetables, and flowers.
Also suitable for transport to and display in-store.
Widely used for handling of parts/products in industrial applications.
Easy to handle, with optional hand holes.
Trays are safely stackable due to tailored material strength and corner features.
Water-resistant coating provides for further improved performance.
External print option to carry product names, part numbers, branding, instructions and other text/graphics.
Fully recyclable and biodegradable.
Suitable for multiple uses.

FAQs

Questions about cardboard produce trays

The suitability of cardboard produce trays for numerous applications surprises many businesses. This little know versatility raises several questions; the most common of these (plus answers) are detailed here.

Are you struggling to find the info you need? Then please call 01793 754 444 or email packaging@gwp.co.uk for further assistance.

What are cardboard trays?

Cardboard trays are effectively an open-topped box allowing quick loading/unloading of items. Their typical use is for the transit and display of fresh produce (e.g., fruit, veg, flowers). Trays are supplied fully built or flat for easy assembly with no glue or taping required.

Can cardboard trays be safely stacked?

The design of most cardboard trays means that they incorporate sturdy sides and integral stacking corners. Trays offer excellent stacking strength and performance with the correct material grade.

Are your produce trays food grade certified?

Cardboard produce trays GWP manufacture are not food grade certified (i.e. for direct food contact). However, their use is widespread for foods peeled, shelled or washed before use (e.g. bananas, potatoes). Pre-packaged products are OK too.

Can I use these for eCommerce deliveries?

Cardboard packaging and trays are increasingly popular for home delivery of fresh produce. Their use is commonplace with meal kits and food subscription businesses. They are ideal for delivering flowers too. These and cardboard hamper trays have become more popular with the advent of increasing online purchases.

Can cardboard trays be used for handling industrial parts?

Many businesses are unaware that cardboard tray boxes are an excellent option for handling and moving components. Corrugated trays frequently move items around manufacturing facilities or as part of broader supply chains. Such packaging is a low-cost alternative to returnable packaging options. Their inherent ability for stacking and easy handling/movement is another crucial benefit.

What weight can corrugated trays take?

GWP can design and manufacture cardboard trays providing the optimum strength/cost balance. Custom trays offer performance tailored for your particular products or requirements. The design can involve using single or double-walled materials in various grades or including structural elements to improve performance.

Tailored pricing/specification

Source corrugated trays for your business

GWP allows you to source all of your packaging from a single supplier, whether you are a food producer, wholesaler, online business, or even a manufacturer. Products available include corrugated boxes (from transit packaging to eCommerce and retail boxes), foam, protective cases, picking bins, Correx® totes, and even anti-static packaging.

This single sourcing option ultimately reduces your costs and admin.

Several unique services are available too. Among these are a full VMI (vendor managed inventory), whereby GWP hold your stock and delivers it just in time. Ultimately, your business can realise improvements in efficiency, productivity and long term costs.

As well as all of this, you can also get free, genuinely impartial advice. You can also benefit from no obligation quotes for any packaging requirement.

Custom cardboard trays

Options for enhancing your corrugated trays

There are many ways to enhance any cardboard packaging trays you use at your business. These options are applicable regardless of your intended application.