How to Choose Sustainable Food Packaging for Your Café in Australia

Switching to sustainable food packaging is one of the most visible ways a café can show its commitment to the environment. But with so many options — compostable, recyclable, biodegradable, aqueous coated — it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down simply so you can make the right choice for your business.

Step 1: Understand What the Labels Actually Mean

• Compostable: Breaks down in commercial composting conditions within 90 days. Look for aqueous (water-based) coatings rather than plastic linings.

• Recyclable: Can go in kerbside recycling. Paper-based packaging without plastic linings is generally recyclable.

• Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally. All compostable items are biodegradable — but not all biodegradable items are compostable.

• Aqueous coated: A water-based coating replaces traditional plastic linings in coffee cups — much easier to recycle and compost.

Step 2: Match Packaging to Your Menu

Penny University chose custom-branded 8oz and 12oz cups — Equosafe connected them with the right packaging and distributor.

• Coffee & hot drinks: Single wall aqueous coated cups in 8oz, 12oz or 16oz

• Chips & hot snacks: Grease-resistant chips boxes (medium or large)

• Burgers & sandwiches: Cardboard burger boxes or snack boxes

• Takeaway orders: SOS kraft paper bags in appropriate sizes

• Table service: Recycled paper napkins

Step 3: Buy in Bulk to Keep Costs Down

Sustainable packaging doesn't have to cost more than conventional options — especially when you buy in bulk. Equosafe's distributor network supplies all packaging in carton quantities (typically 200–1000 units per carton), which brings the per-unit cost down significantly.

Step 4: Get the Right Distributor for Your Area

Equosafe doesn't operate as a single direct supplier — instead, we match your business with the right local distributor for your state and postcode. This means faster delivery, local account support, and a supplier who understands your market.

It's the smarter way to buy eco-friendly packaging in Australia.

Reach out at info@equosafe.com.au to get matched with a distributor serving your area today.