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Food-Grade Clear Packaging: Safety and Compliance in Australia
When you’re packaging food, safety isn’t optional — it’s regulated. And in Australia, clear plastic packaging must meet strict standards to be deemed food-safe.
But that doesn’t mean you need to compromise on presentation.
Clear, food-grade packaging offers the best of both worlds: hygiene and visual appeal. It lets your customers see exactly what they’re buying — while protecting the product from contamination, moisture, and damage.
Here’s what you need to know when choosing clear packaging for food products in the Australian market.
What Is Food-Grade Packaging?
Food-grade packaging refers to any material that’s safe for direct contact with food — without leaching chemicals, odours, or affecting taste.
In Australia, this is governed by:
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- AS 2070:1999 – Plastic materials for food contact use
- Regulatory guidance from the ACCC and state health departments
Only plastics that pass these safety checks — such as PET and RPET — can be used to package edible goods.
Fast Definition
Food-grade packaging in Australia means materials that comply with FSANZ standards for safe contact with food. Clear options like PET and RPET are popular because they’re:
- Non-toxic and odourless
- Moisture- and tamper-resistant
- Fully recyclable in most councils
Why PET and RPET Are Ideal for Food Packaging
At Clear-Pak, we primarily use PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and RPET (Recycled PET) for food applications. Here’s why:
- Crystal clarity for showcasing contents
- Food-safe certification under AS 2070
- Lightweight yet strong – perfect for transport
- Moisture and odour barrier properties
- Recyclability – great for sustainability goals
Whether it’s a biscuit tube, a cupcake insert, or a confectionery tray — PET offers peace of mind for both producers and consumers.
Where Food-Grade Clear Packaging Works Best
Some of the most common applications include:
- Bakery and patisserie items – cupcakes, slices, biscuits
- Confectionery and chocolate – truffles, bars, seasonal packs
- Deli and ready-to-eat goods – smallgoods, antipasto, cheese
- Retail gift packs – where food is both a product and a presentation
In all cases, packaging plays a dual role: it protects the food and helps it sell.
Explore Clear Folding Boxes
View Food-Safe Cylinders and Inserts
Meeting Compliance Without Losing Aesthetic Appeal
Most people think food safety means boring packaging. But that’s not true.
We work with brands who want to balance compliance and creativity:
- Custom inserts for secure product spacing
- Hang tabs for supermarket display
- Branded sleeves or printed wraps for a premium finish
- Seasonal packaging for giftable food products
Your packaging can be food-safe and eye-catching — it just needs the right materials and a manufacturer who knows the rules.
Why Local Manufacturing Matters
When food safety is involved, control is everything.
Clear-Pak manufactures in Australia, giving you:
- Faster lead times for seasonal promotions
- Assurance of compliance with local food standards
- Clear traceability across the supply chain
- Responsive support if you need changes or advice
In short: you get food-safe packaging without the uncertainty of offshore sourcing.
Ready to Package Your Food Product Safely and Stylishly?
How would it feel to see your food products clearly presented — safely protected and instantly appealing?
Whether you’re in confectionery, bakery, or deli retail, we’ll help you design compliant, clear packaging that does your product justice.
Talk to our team about food-grade packaging options →