Custom Paper Plates Are Food-Contact Products
Custom paper plates combine paperboard selection, coating, printing, die-cutting, forming, and food-contact compliance. A good manufacturer should provide dielines, samples, and material documentation.
Sizes and Shapes
Common party plate sizes include 7-inch dessert plates, 9-inch dinner plates, and larger serving plates. Round, square, scalloped, and themed shapes are possible; custom shapes require tooling.
Materials and Coatings
Paperboard thickness affects stiffness, cost, and carton volume. Coatings may be PE, water-based, or PLA depending on food-contact and eco positioning. Compostable claims should be supported by documentation.
Printing and QC
Offset printing supports full-color designs, while simpler patterns may use flexographic printing. Check rim distortion, print registration, plate stiffness, oil resistance, pack count, and barcode accuracy before shipment.