Kebabs are a staple of the food service industry worldwide. In the bustling world of culinary delights, few takeaway foods are as universally loved and culturally diverse as kebabs.

Around 20,000 kebab shops in the UK serve millions of customers every week. That’s a lot of food and plenty of takeaway boxes and bags, too, so what makes the packaging for kebabs? 

With changing legislation around plastic-based packaging, let’s look at some eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Related: A Complete Guide to Burger Packaging

Getting Started with Kebab Packaging 

The food service industry is as competitive as ever (just check out the Kebab Awards 2023). Sustainability is a growing focus within the sector as restaurants, kebab houses, stalls, and shops try to capture the imagination of conscious consumers.

The government has taken this a step further, and from 1st October 2023, polystyrene containers are banned in England, including trays, plates, clamshell containers and plastic cutlery. 

The lure of convenience that previously led to traditional packaging choices has been replaced by the necessity for eco-friendly packaging for businesses operating in the industry.

Challenges in Packaging for Kebabs

The sizzle of kebabs on a grill can delight everyone from late-night revellers to diehard food enthusiasts, but the harmony of flavours and textures can only be fully appreciated if the packaging does these delectable delights justice.

Packaging for kebabs may seem straightforward, but it presents a medley of challenges that demand attention and innovation:

1. Heat Retention

Kebabs are best enjoyed piping hot. Packaging must retain the heat to keep kebabs fresh and delicious in quick-service and food-for-delivery settings. 

2. Preventing Leaks

Juicy meats, succulent vegetables, and flavourful marinades make kebabs delectable but often lead to the risk of leakage. This can compromise both the presentation and the convenience of kebabs.

3. Visual Appeal

Kebabs are a feast for the eyes as much as they are for the palate. Packaging should enhance the presentation, displaying the glorious aspects of a chicken shish or lamb skewer, tantalising customers before the first bite.

4. Sustainability 

The environmental impact of kebab packaging is a crucial consideration, especially since traditional packaging materials like polystyrene trays won’t be available from October 2023. 

5. Future-proofing and Scalability

Plastic-based packaging contributes to non-biodegradable waste and pollution, so biodegradable and plant-based packaging alternatives will be a mainstay, protecting your business from future changes in legislation and protecting the environment.

Discover more eco-friendly packaging in our online shop.

Is Aluminium Foil Good for Wrapping Kebabs?

While foil-wrapping kebabs might seem cost-effective and convenient, it’s less practical than using greaseproof paper or a clamshell container. Despite its heat retention properties, aluminium foil comes with some drawbacks.

Aluminium is recyclable, but it’s often spoiled when used to wrap food, so its recyclable potential goes to waste. It’s non-biodegradable, too, so when it’s sent to landfill sites, it stays there for up to hundreds of years. Plus, the production of the metal is environmentally taxing, demanding substantial energy and creating pollution.

From a presentation perspective, it does nothing to enhance the visual appeal of kebabs (or other food items like burgers and burritos). Foil wrapping isn’t practical for the customer, impacting the overall dining experience.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Kebabs

Since polystyrene packaging isn’t a long-term option for serving kebabs, and foil wrapping isn’t a great idea, what are some viable and sustainable packaging solutions? 

Franchise owners, small businesses and food entrepreneurs can rejoice as we’ve got several eco-friendly packaging options that are even better than their plastic-based predecessors:

	Bagasse Containers Derived from sugarcane pulp, bagasse containers have impressive heat resistance. They’re 100% commercially and domestically compostable and offer identical performance to polystyrene clamshells, only without the traditional environmental drawbacks of plastic-based packaging. We stock bagasse compartment containers for individual orders and compartment meal boxes for platters and sharing dishes.
	Printed Paper Bags For lighter orders, paper bags offer a convenient solution for quick-service restaurants where efficiency is key. Simply by printing your brand name or artwork on your packaging, you can transform the customer experience and make your food the envy of your rivals.  We strictly use water and vegetable-based inks to print our packaging so that it’s 100% safe for use with food.  We also stock paper carrier bags in various sizes and styles for an eco-friendly takeaway experience.
	Kraft Food Packaging Kraft packaging is naturally renewable and offers versatility for any food service business. It has excellent oil and grease resistance thanks to the clever manufacturing process — natural fibres are tightly woven together to create tear-proof packaging. Kraft trays can be used to serve skewers and sides, while food-grade pizza boxes are an excellent eco-friendly choice for sharing platters. It’s also 100% recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.
	Greaseproof Paper Greaseproof paper is impermeable to oil, grease and moisture, making it a great addition to other packaging items like boxes and trays. It can also be used to wrap doner or shish kebabs for over-the-counter service.  Our greaseproof paper is fully recyclable and made without a silicone coating. Instead, our greaseproof paper is made from tightly compacted, 100% virgin pulp fibres and engineered with a specialised oil protection system, keeping it compostable and biodegradable. Opt for custom printed greaseproof paper to show off your logo, artwork and branding!
	Biodegradable Cutlery The single-use plastic ban covers all kinds of packaging, including disposable cutlery. Fortunately, we’ve got several plastic-free options available to help you give your customers everything they need to enjoy their kebabs, sides and desserts. Wooden cutlery and biodegradable cutlery are both compostable and biodegradable since they’re made from natural resources. They’re much more sturdy than plastic cutlery, too, which has a habit of breaking right when your customers need it the most.

Packaging Best Practices: Kebab Boxes, Bags and More

It can be difficult for kebab shop owners, restaurants, and food stall managers to strike a delicate balance of functionality, sustainability and affordability. Often, it comes down to the needs of each business, but here are a few best practices for packaging consider:

• Size
• Type
• Materials
• Disposal.

Size

Different kebab varieties have unique characteristics. Meat skewers and shish kebabs will need different packaging to mixed platters and salads, so take into account the function of the packaging and how it will preserve the qualities of each food item on your menu. 

Minimising packaging waste should always be a priority — not just to protect the environment but also to save on packaging costs. 

Type

If your business sells many different food items, you need a variety of packaging to give your customers a memorable experience for all the right reasons. But you don’t have to spend a lot to get the packaging you need. We offer packaging that’s versatile and suitable for use with hot and cold food.

For example, disposable pots and bowls are ideal for hot and cold sides, fresh salads and sauces, while our Kraft food packaging is ideal for kebabs, skewers and other mains — even desserts!

Materials

Choose packaging materials that align with your sustainability goals. Biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable options are great for helping your business appeal to eco-conscious customers. 

Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality. Bagasse clamshell packaging retains heat, prevents leaks, and makes your food products visually appealing. 

Disposal

Once your packaging has been used, it should be disposed of responsibly. You can help your customers do this by selecting packaging that’s easy to dispose of without harming the environment. 

Unfortunately, fast food packaging waste is commonly littered. Engage your customers and show them where bins and waste receptacles are to minimise irresponsible behaviours.

Order Your Kebab Packaging with Takeaway Packaging!

At Takeaway Packaging, we help food service businesses — including kebab shop owners and restaurateurs — find packaging that complements their culinary creations and sustainability aspirations. We supply innovative packaging products that offer a pathway towards a greener future, one takeaway kebab at a time.

Get a FREE quote for branded packaging from our team today. Let us help you find the best packaging for your kebabs!