Choosing a pack

Plastic or paper egg trays: which is better?

Short answer

It depends on the job. Paper (moulded fibre) trays are low-cost, absorb moisture and are compostable, but they are opaque, weaken when wet and are single-use. Plastic PET trays are clear, stronger, moisture-proof and can be washed, and they recycle in the PET stream. AVI makes rPET egg trays for 6 to 30 eggs; the 30-egg tray measures 290 × 242 × 65 mm and weighs 100 g.

Based on AVI Global Plast's own catalogue and production data · Reviewed by AVI technical team · Updated

Part of the guide: Egg, mushroom and vegetable packaging guide

AVI's rPET egg trays

PackTypeSize (L × W × H)Empty weightHoldsPer carton
6 EGG TRAY Open tray 148 × 103.5 mm 14 g — 1,000
10 EGG TRAY Open tray 242 × 104 × 65 mm 24 g — 600
12 EGG TRAY Open tray 196 × 149 × 65 mm 26 g — 600
15 EGG TRAY Open tray 240 × 149.5 × 65 mm 34.5 g — 600
30 EGG TRAY Open tray 290 × 242 × 65 mm 100 g — 200
12 QUAIL EGG TRAY Open tray 298 × 103.5 × 35 mm 9.5 g — 400

All packs are rPET. Figures from AVI's catalogue; tolerances and fill depend on the produce, so samples are the final check.

AVI products for this

Compared

Plastic (PET / rPET) Paper (moulded fibre)
Shows the eggs Yes, clear No
Strength when wet Unaffected Weakens
Washable Yes No
End of life Recycled with PET Composted or recycled with paper
Typical use Retail display, export, premium and quail eggs Bulk farm trays, low-cost retail

When plastic wins

Retail packs where shoppers want to see the eggs, cold or humid supply chains, export shipments and premium ranges. Clear rPET also takes a printed label or sleeve well.

Related questions

Are plastic egg trays recyclable?

PET egg trays are resin code 1 and recycle in the PET stream where trays are collected.

Are paper egg trays biodegradable?

Moulded-fibre trays are made from recycled paper and can be composted or recycled with paper.

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