Corrugated Trays

Corrugated Trays for Produce, Display and Distribution

Corrugated trays combine easy product access with genuine stacking strength, serving fresh produce, retail-ready display and bulk distribution alike. Because the die-cut format can be tailored precisely to the goods it carries, a well-designed tray protects stock in transit, presents it cleanly on the shelf and stacks safely on a pallet, all from a single flat-packed blank.

Die-Cut Tray Construction

Most corrugated trays are die-cut from a single blank so the base, low side walls and corner posts all form in one folding action, with no separate parts to assemble. Tray styles in the FEFCO 0400 series lock at the corners to build rigidity without glue, or can be glued and stitched where extra strength is needed. The open top gives quick access and clear product visibility, which is why trays are favoured wherever staff or shoppers need to reach stock easily. The folded corner posts are the key structural feature, carrying the compression load when trays are stacked directly on top of one another.

Strength and Stacking

Because trays are stacked directly rather than boxed inside a shipper, corner strength and board grade matter as much as flat crush resistance. B flute suits lighter retail trays and produce, while BC double wall supports heavy produce, canned goods, jars or several stacked layers on a pallet. We reinforce the corner posts and specify the Edge Crush Test rating so a tall stack holds its shape without collapsing onto the goods below. This protects delicate fruit and vegetables and neatly packed retail units alike, and keeps the stack stable during forklift handling and transport.

• Reinforced corner posts
• B or BC flute grades
• Rated for pallet stacking

Ventilation and Custom Features

Die-cutting allows features that a stock box simply cannot offer. Ventilation holes let fresh produce breathe and let field heat escape, which extends shelf life through the cold chain, while hand slots make trays easier and safer to lift when full. Stacking tabs and matching recesses align trays securely so a column cannot slip or lean. Each cut-out is positioned to suit the specific product, its weight and the conditions it will pass through, from chilled distribution to a warm retail floor. Finger holes, thumb notches and product-shaped recesses can also be die-cut so items are held in position and removed cleanly, which keeps the display tidy as stock is picked. Because every feature is cut in the same pass as the blank, these details add no assembly time on your line.

Retail-Ready and Display Use

Trays move straight from delivery vehicle to shelf as retail-ready packaging, cutting the labour of unpacking and merchandising individual items. Printed with branding, product information and pricing, they act as display units in grocery, hardware, garden centre and convenience settings while still protecting stock in transit. This shelf-ready approach speeds replenishment, keeps facings tidy and gives brands a presence at the point of sale without a separate display unit, which is why so many suppliers now ship in printed trays. Retailers value the labour saving too, since a full tray can be sited in seconds rather than unpacked and merchandised piece by piece.

Printing and Finishing

White top liner brightens CMYK graphics for strong shelf impact, while kraft keeps a natural, economical look for backroom or transit-only trays. Flexo printing suits bold branding, logos and price flashes, and litho lamination handles finer detail and photography. Moisture-resistant coatings or wax-free water-repellent treatments can be added for chilled, fresh or damp produce, so the tray keeps its strength and appearance even in a humid cold chain.

• White or kraft liner
• Flexo or litho print
• Moisture-resistant coatings

Sustainability and Ordering

Corrugated trays are recyclable and made largely from recovered fibre, and their flat delivery cuts the transport volume and emissions of shipping empty packaging. We help you specify the lightest grade that still supports your stack height and product weight, avoiding wasted board while keeping produce and retail stock properly protected from field to shelf.

Order corrugated trays wholesale from 100 units, with pricing that improves at volume, fast turnaround and a free mockup on every order. They ship flat, nesting for compact storage and folding into shape quickly at your packing or display point.