What Are Tray Packs and How Do They Work?

In this article, you will be introduces to tray packs. You are likely familiar with them and may have utilized them in the past. Yet, if you have not taken a moment to note the ways they can enhance your workflow, you are about to engage in a brief yet valuable exploration.

So, What Exactly Are Tray Packs?

In simple terms, tray packs are flat-bottomed containers with short walls, used to hold, store, or ship grouped items.

They're often made from sturdy cardboard, molded pulp, or plastic, and they’re shaped to fit the products inside perfectly, reducing wiggle room and protecting the goods from damage. Tray packs are especially common in food and beverage industries, but you'll also spot them in retail, healthcare, and logistics operations.

Basically, if something small and important needs to stay put during shipping, it’s probably sitting in a tray pack.

How Do Tray Packs Work?

At first glance, it’s just a tray. But the magic is in the design and function.

Here’s how they do their job:

• Containment: Tray packs help group similar items together whether it's soda cans, lab tubes, or tiny electronics.

• Protection: The snug design means fewer chances for items to shift, crack, or break. You’re not dealing with the mess of broken glass or dented cans.

• Stackability: Most tray packs are designed to be stackable. That means they can go from the production line to the warehouse shelf (and even onto delivery trucks) without fuss.

• Display-Ready: Some tray packs double as retail displays. Tear off the top or front, and boom your products are shelf-ready. No extra labor needed.

• Eco-Friendly Options: Many tray packs are recyclable or compostable, especially those made of molded pulp or paperboard, making them a smart choice for sustainability-focused businesses.

Why Are Tray Packs Popular?

1. Cost-Effective

Tray packs cut down on packaging waste and reduce the need for extra materials like bubble wrap or plastic fillers. Less material = less money spent.

2. Time-Saving

In fast-paced environments like food service or pharmaceuticals, you don’t want to spend ages unpacking or repacking. Tray packs are easy to load, unload, and restock.

3. Better Inventory Management

Because tray packs keep items neatly grouped, you can count inventory faster and reduce the risk of missing or misplaced products.

4. Branding Opportunities

Some tray packs can be custom printed with your branding, logo, or product information. That’s built-in advertising without paying extra for labels or packaging.

Where Do You Find Tray Packs in Action?

Here’s a quick snapshot of where they shine:

• Grocery stores: Holding water bottles, soda cans, yogurt cups

• Pharmacies and labs: Organizing medical vials, test tubes, and ampoules

• Electronics: Protecting small parts or batteries

• Retail: Serving as a shipping solution that turns into a retail shelf display

• Restaurants and food service: Transporting sauces, spices, and take-out condiments

Explore our tray packs, retail-ready trays, and other packaging solutions on POSPaper. We’ve got high-quality options that’ll fit your product—and your budget.