In the UK takeaway and catering industry, aluminium foil containers are widely classified by standard numbers such as NO1, NO2, NO6, NO6a, and NO9. These numbers do not refer to a single brand or product, but to widely accepted industry specifications used across food packaging suppliers.
Among these standard sizes, the No.2 aluminium foil container is one of the most popular choices in the UK market due to its balanced capacity and versatility in different food applications.
What Is a No.2 Aluminium Foil Container?
A No.2 aluminium foil container refers to a standard-sized food packaging tray widely used in the UK foodservice industry. It is typically designed for single-meal portions and is suitable for both hot and cold food.
Product Features:
Capacity: 450ml – ideal for single-portion meals
Size: 150×120mm (top) / 105×80mm (bottom) / 50mm (height)
Thickness: 0.065mm
Weight: 5.7g
Material: High-quality food-grade aluminum foil
Lid Options: Compatible with paper lid and plastic lid
Packing: 1000 pcs per carton (Carton size: 500×310×305mm)
Although exact dimensions may vary slightly between manufacturers, No.2 containers generally offer a medium capacity that fits most takeaway meal combinations.
This standardization allows restaurants, catering companies, and packaging wholesalers to use a unified size system for easier storage, transportation, and packaging efficiency.
Why No.2 Foil Containers Are So Popular in the UK
The popularity of No.2 aluminium foil containers in the UK takeaway market comes from several practical factors:
1. Ideal portion size for takeaway meals
No.2 containers are widely used for standard single-meal servings such as:
- Rice and curry dishes
- Chinese takeaway meals
- Indian cuisine portions
- Pasta and rice-based dishes
The size is considered “just right” for average adult meal portions.
2. Compatible with food delivery systems
With the rapid growth of food delivery platforms such as restaurant takeaway services, standard container sizes like No.2 are widely adopted to ensure packaging consistency and stacking efficiency during delivery.
3. Cost-efficient for wholesalers and restaurants
For catering businesses and food packaging wholesalers, No.2 containers provide a balance between material usage and serving capacity, helping control packaging costs while maintaining practicality.
4. Suitable for heating and storage
Aluminium foil containers are widely used because they are:
- Oven-safe
- Freezer-friendly
- Stackable for storage and transport
This makes No.2 containers especially convenient in commercial kitchens.
Comparison of Common UK Foil Container Sizes
To better understand the position of No.2 containers, here is a simple comparison:
No.1 Aluminium Foil Container: Smaller portion size, suitable for snacks or side dishes
No.2 Aluminium Foil Container: Standard meal portion, most widely used in the takeaway industry
No.9 Round Aluminium Foil Container: for pie and pizza baking use
Among these, No.2 is often considered the “standard choice” for everyday takeaway packaging.
Applications in the Food Packaging Industry
No.2 aluminium foil containers are widely used across various sectors:
- Takeaway restaurants
- Catering services
- Meal preparation factories
- Airline and institutional food service
- Food delivery packaging suppliers
Their versatility makes them one of the most frequently ordered sizes in wholesale packaging markets.
Conclusion
The No.2 aluminium foil container plays an important role in the UK food packaging industry as a standard, versatile, and cost-effective solution for takeaway and catering businesses.
Understanding these standard sizes helps food service providers choose the right packaging for efficiency, customer satisfaction, and operational consistency.
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