Paper Plates
Printed paper plates with your logo or party design, for street food, fairs and celebrations. Choose size and material. Free artwork set-up.
- No design yet? We set up the artwork free of charge when we print the job.
- Tight deadline? Same-day printing is possible on many jobs if your file is ready early. Call to check first.
- Can't get here? Collect from Gatton Road, or have it delivered in the UK for a quoted charge.
Plates that do more than hold food
Printed paper plates add a personal touch to a party or a branded feel to a food stall. Street food traders, school fairs, corporate family days and children's parties all use them, and a logo on a plate is seen by everyone at a table. They can also be a cost-effective way of making a large event feel put together.
Types and sizes
- Standard round paper plates, usually about 18 to 23 cm, are good for snacks and buffets.
- Heavy-duty or laminated plates hold wet or heavier food.
- Bowls are suited to curry, rice and street food.
- Bagasse (sugarcane) plates are a natural-fibre alternative, often with limited printing options.
- Divided plates or food trays help with street food and school events.
Choose a size that fits the food you are serving, and test the strength with a real serving if you can. A plate that bends under hot, wet food will not leave a good impression.
Food safety
Inks and materials that touch food need to be suitable for food contact. Printing usually sits on the rim or uses food-safe ink. If you are serving food commercially, ask for the supplier's food-contact statement for your records, and check with your local Environmental Health Officer if you are unsure. Hot or oily foods can cause cheap coatings to break down, which is one more reason to test a sample.
What works on a plate
A rim design is the most practical, because the centre will be covered with food. Your logo, a repeating pattern or a simple line such as "Happy 40th, Sam" is enough. Bright colours work well, but keep the design simple, as the curve of the rim can distort fine detail.
Quantities and alternatives
Printed plates are normally made to order, often with a minimum quantity, because the plate is pressed after printing. For a small party, plain plates in a matching colour together with printed napkins and a banner may give you the same effect at a lower cost. Stickers can work on plate packs and boxes, but they are not suitable for the eating surface.
Sustainability
If you want to avoid single-use plastics, check the current rules, as many single-use plastic plates are banned in England. Paper plates with a plastic coating may also be affected, so check the specification carefully. Compostable items only make sense if there is a suitable waste route, so check that too.
Ordering
Tell us how many you need, the size, your date and your budget. Artwork is set up free of charge when we print the job, and we will send you a proof. Please allow several weeks for fully printed plates, and get in touch early if your event has a firm date.
Questions we hear about paper plates
What is the minimum order for printed paper plates?
There is usually a minimum because they are made to order. Tell us your quantity and we will check the options.
Are printed plates food safe?
They should use food-safe materials and inks. For commercial use, ask for the food-contact statement for your records.
Are single-use plates legal in England?
Many single-use plastic plates are banned, and plastic-coated paper may be included. Check the latest rules for your business.
Can you print a birthday design on plates?
Yes, subject to the minimum order. For small parties, printed napkins and a banner may be better value.