Transparent Packaging Cartons, safe for food, made to show it off
Bespoke clear cartons in RPET, PET and acetate, made as direct food contact packaging to the BRC/IOP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials.
Clear cartons that keep food safe and on show
1st Packaging supplies bespoke and varied transparent packaging cartons made from RPET, PET and acetate as direct food contact packaging, manufactured to the BRC/IOP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials.
That means your food can go straight into the carton, with no extra wrapping or liner, while customers see exactly what they're buying. Bakery treats, chocolates, confectionery and fresh produce all look their best behind crystal-clear material.
With many years' experience across a wide range of food products, we know how to balance hygiene, protection and presentation, and we design every carton around the product it holds.
Who we supply
Food packaging for retail, catering and manufacturing
Retail
Shelf-ready cartons that let shoppers see freshness and quality at a glance, with space for branding, ingredients and product information.
Catering
Hygienic, presentable packaging for cafés, bakeries and caterers serving food to go, events and grab-and-go counters.
Manufacturing
Consistent, reliable cartons for food producers, made to your specification and suited to your packing process.
Three clear materials, one high standard
Not sure which to choose? We'll recommend the right material for your product and sustainability goals.
RPET
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate
PET from a recycled, pre-existing source. It offers the same clarity and strength with a smaller environmental footprint.
PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Strong, durable, lightweight and non-toxic: the food and drink industry's packaging material of choice.
Acetate
Clear film
A clear material option for transparent cartons. Ask our team whether acetate is the right fit for your product.
What is the difference between PET and RPET?
In short: they're the same material. The difference is where it comes from.
What is PET?
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a strong, durable, clear material used to produce items such as sparkling drinks bottles, water bottles, food jars and clear plastic cartons.
PET is a thermoplastic, which means it can be easily moulded into shape when heated, then keeps its strength when it cools. It's lightweight, non-toxic and highly durable, which is why it's the food and drink industry's packaging of choice.
Strong & durable
Lightweight
Non-toxic
Recyclable
What is RPET?
RPET is the short name for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate. When you see "RPET", it simply means the PET in the product has come from a recycled, pre-existing source, such as used drinks bottles, rather than being made from new raw material.
PET is one of the world's most common plastic resins, so there's plenty of it to recycle. RPET gives that material a second life while keeping the clarity and performance that makes PET so useful for food packaging.
Recycled source
Same clarity
Less energy to make
Food packaging we've made
Direct food contact cartons
Food goes straight into the pack.
Confectionery & gifting
Clear cartons that make treats irresistible.
Branded chocolate packaging
Clarity and branding, side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't see what you need to know? Call 01844 273663 or email our team directly.
What does "direct food contact" mean?
It means the food touches the packaging itself. That's why food-contact cartons need to be made to recognised standards, and why we work to the BRC/IOP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials.
Can I use recycled material for food packaging?
Yes. PET and RPET are suitable for direct food contact, and our RPET is fully recyclable after use.
Which of your materials is best for my product?
It depends on your product, your budget and the look you want. We'll recommend the most cost-effective and visually appealing option from PET, RPET and acetate once we know what you're packing.
I only need a small quantity. Can you still help?
Yes. Our sampling facilities are set up for a rapid service even on small run orders. Tell us your quantities and we'll advise.
What's the quickest way to get started?
Email sales@1st-packaging.co.uk or call 01844 273663 and tell us about your product.
Get a quote
Every product is different, so tell us about yours - dimensions, quantities, food contact requirements, and any locking style you have in mind, and we'll recommend the best carton construction for the job.
Related packaging ranges
Cartons
Clear Plastic Cartons
Manufactured in PVC / P.E.T / Polypropylene
Plastic Windowed Cartons
Pick & place R.P.E.T Window Carton
Printed cardboard carton with R.P.E.T pick & place window
Tubes
Clear P.E.T tubes - PET / PVC / Acetate
Clear P.E.T tubes with a clear lid and cardboard base
Transparent Packaging
Transparent Packaging
Transparent boxes and cartons made from RPET / PET / ACETATE