Plain Packaging Wholesale Ireland: How to Buy Catering Supplies in Bulk
Plain packaging is the backbone of the Irish food service industry. Every takeaway, restaurant, café, and catering operation uses it daily — and the difference between a well-managed wholesale account and an ad-hoc approach to buying supplies can add up to thousands of euro per year in unnecessary costs.
This guide covers what plain packaging wholesale in Ireland actually means, which products are worth buying in bulk, and how to evaluate a supplier so you are not caught short during your busiest service.
Plain Packaging vs. Custom Printed: When Does Each Make Sense?
The decision between plain and branded packaging is not all-or-nothing. Most successful Irish food businesses use both — strategically.
Plain packaging makes sense for:
- →High-volume, low-visibility items (napkins, plain trays, inner liners)
- →Back-of-house supplies customers never see directly
- →Businesses still refining their brand identity
- →Cost-sensitive operations at high volume
- →Seasonal or one-off catering events
Custom printing makes sense for:
- →High-visibility packaging customers take away (pizza boxes, bags)
- →Items photographed and shared on social media
- →Restaurants and cafés building a recognisable brand
- →Delivery orders where packaging is the first impression
- →Premium products where packaging signals quality
The Core Plain Packaging Products Every Irish Food Business Needs
Plain Napkins Wholesale Ireland
Napkins are the highest-volume disposable for most food businesses, yet one of the most commonly under-optimised purchases. Buying plain napkins wholesale in Ireland in case quantities (typically 2,000–4,000 napkins per case) dramatically reduces per-unit cost compared to buying in smaller packs.
Key considerations:
- →Ply: Single-ply for high-volume fast food, 2-ply for sit-down casual dining, linen-feel for premium settings.
- →Fold: 1-fold (cocktail), 4-fold, and quarter-fold are the most common for Irish food service.
- →Size: 30×30cm and 33×33cm are the standard for table service; 24×24cm for counter/takeaway.
Plain Food Containers & Trays
For most Irish takeaways and caterers, the core container range includes:
| Container Type | Common Use in Ireland | Eco Option |
|---|---|---|
| Burger / clam shell box | Burgers, wraps, hot sandwiches | Bagasse |
| Food tray (rectangular) | Chips, sides, catering portions | Bagasse / cardboard |
| Soup / noodle container | Soups, noodle boxes, curries | Paper / bagasse |
| Foil container | Hot meals, roast portions, Indian/Chinese | Recyclable foil |
| Clear salad / deli tub | Salads, cold deli items | rPET (recycled) |
| Pizza box | Pizza, flatbreads | Unbleached board |
Plain Paper Bags (SOS / Carry Bags)
Plain brown kraft SOS bags are the standard carry bag for Irish takeaways. Ordering in case quantities (typically 250–500 per case) offers the best wholesale price. If your volume justifies it, custom print runs on SOS bags start at surprisingly low quantities and the unit price uplift for a 1-colour logo is relatively small.
Disposable Cups & Lids
For cafés, delis, and catering operations, disposable cups are one of the highest-volume lines. Ordering cups and matching lids in case quantities keeps cost per serve low. Available in white, kraft, and compostable options.
How to Evaluate a Plain Packaging Supplier in Ireland
Not all wholesale packaging suppliers are equal. Here is what to check before you commit to a supplier relationship:
Irish stock availability
The most important factor for most Irish businesses. A supplier importing to order from Asia will have 8–12 week lead times. An Irish-held stock supplier can fulfil most orders in days. Ask explicitly: "Is this product held in stock in Ireland or sourced to order?"
Consistent product quality
Packaging sourced from multiple manufacturers in different regions can vary run-to-run in dimensions, material weight, and colour. Ask for samples from the specific batch you would be ordering from, not a showcase sample.
Minimum order quantities and pricing tiers
Good wholesale suppliers publish clear price breaks by quantity. Request a tiered price list for your core products and model your actual usage against it to identify the most cost-effective order frequency.
Eco-compliance documentation
With Irish single-use plastics regulations in force, confirm that any packaging labelled as compostable or biodegradable comes with TÜV, DIN CERTCO, or equivalent certification — not just a marketing claim.
Account credit terms
Established wholesale suppliers typically offer 30-day credit terms to trade customers. This improves cash flow considerably compared to paying per-order upfront.
How to Reduce Your Plain Packaging Cost Per Unit
- →Audit your full packaging range quarterly. Most food businesses find 2–3 products where they are over-ordering slow-moving lines and under-ordering fast movers. A simple usage review every quarter saves money and prevents stock-outs.
- →Consolidate your supplier list. Buying your napkins, bags, and containers from one supplier often unlocks better pricing, simplifies invoicing, and builds a relationship that can flex in your favour during busy periods.
- →Switch to case ordering, not pallet ordering, for slow movers. Ordering a pallet of an item you use slowly ties up cash and storage space. Stick to case quantities for anything you use less than weekly.
- →Time your bulk orders around supplier promotions. Most Irish packaging wholesalers run seasonal promotions — particularly pre-Christmas and pre-summer. Stocking up during these periods can reduce costs by 10–15%.
Browse our plain packaging range
Napkins, food containers, SOS bags, burger boxes, trays — all available at wholesale prices with fast Irish delivery.
View Plain Packaging Wholesale →Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy plain packaging wholesale in Ireland?
PrintNPack supplies plain packaging wholesale across Ireland — food containers, catering trays, plain napkins, paper bags, and disposable packaging — with competitive case pricing and fast nationwide delivery.
What is the difference between plain packaging and custom printed packaging?
Plain packaging is unprinted — standard white, brown, or clear packaging with no branding. Custom printed packaging has your logo and artwork on it. Plain is cheaper per unit; custom printed improves brand visibility.
Can I mix plain and branded packaging for my business?
Yes — many Irish businesses use plain packaging for high-volume operational items and invest in custom printing only for their highest-visibility packaging like pizza boxes or branded carry bags.
What catering supplies can I buy wholesale in Ireland?
Common wholesale catering supplies include food containers (foil, bagasse, cardboard), napkins (single-ply, 2-ply, linen-feel), SOS grab bags, pizza boxes, burger boxes, wooden cutlery, paper straws, and disposable cups and lids.
