[FR] Doggy bag packaging: what does the law say? How do you choose?

In 2022, France produced around 9.4 million tonnes of food waste, of which around 4 million tonnes was still edible, according to Ademe. A large proportion of this waste comes from mass catering.

Faced with this challenge, it has been possible for several years to offer a simple and effective alternative to waste: the doggy bag. It’s a responsible solution, encouraged by regulations and increasingly popular with customers, which not only extends the pleasure of a meal at home, but also helps to protect the planet. The doggy bag ticks all the boxes of common sense!

In this article, we have selected a range of practical and attractive doggy bag packaging designed to enhance your brand image and customer satisfaction.

What does the packaging law say about doggy bags?

From 1ᵉʳ July 2021, the Agriculture and Food Law (EGalim) lays down the obligation for commercial restaurateurs to offer their customers containers so that they can take away the leftovers from their meals. This type of food packaging is known as “doggy bags” or “gourmet bags”.

The aim of this legislation is to limit food waste, as part of a zero-waste policy.

Note that this legal provision does not apply to containers subject to a deposit system, or to restaurants offering an all-you-can-eat offer.

This packaging is usually offered to customers as a gift, but may be charged in addition to the price of the meal. If there is a charge for the packaging, this must be made clear to the consumer.

Another point mentioned in the law is that customers can also bring their own containers and ask for their leftovers to be served in them.

Legislation stipulating that restaurant owners must pack leftovers for customers who wish to do so requires all establishments to have food packaging – even if some do not offer takeaway sales.

How do you choose your doggy bag packaging?

Here are a few criteria for choosing the right doggy bag packaging. They must be :

Suitable for food contact, of course, to ensure consumer safety. The law requires you to do this, so remember to check with your supplier or distributor that their product is certified.
Easy to transport, with a closing system that allows customers to carry their leftover food in complete safety, in the same way as takeaway packaging.
Eco-responsible – by choosing doggy bags that incorporate responsible criteria. There are many such criteria – for example, reusable, recyclable packaging, packaging made from recycled or bio-sourced materials such as corn starch or sugar cane.

Keep these few criteria in mind, and start looking for the ideal doggy bag packaging for your business!

20+ doggy bag packaging solutions to enhance your business

In cardboard, plastic or sugar cane pulp, there’s a wide range of doggy bag packaging. Take a look at the following selection to make the best choice for your restaurant.

Cardboard and kraft food packaging

Recyclable cardboard food packaging has the advantage of being clearly eco-responsible. They can also be customised with the colours of your establishment, to add even more value to your brand.

	The recyclable pizza is a takeaway packaging classic that can also be used to take away leftover pizzas in a doggy bag.
	The cross-lock carton insulates foodstuffs securely, and is safe thanks to its ingenious closure system.
	The micro-flute cardboard clamshell box keeps food warm. Ideal for burger doggy bags.
	The fresh cardboard box with window is great for packaging leftovers in a way that’s both elegant and eco-responsible.
	The cross-lock carton can be microwaved, and is suitable for both hot and cold foods.
	The round cardboard box has a modern, eye-catching design, while its RPET plastic lid makes it safe to transport your food.
	The cardboard pot can be used to safely pack soups, salads and other food preparations. It also keeps food hot or cold for over 15 minutes.
	The Luxifood® cardboard box has 8 closing clips, making it completely watertight.
	The cardboard lunch box is ideal for hot meal doggy bags, and is very strong.
	The Ovenbag®bag, made from greaseproof and waterproof paper, lets you offer your leftover sandwiches hot or cold.

Biosourced and recyclable doggy bag packaging

Biosourced food packaging is generally made from sugar cane pulp. What are their advantages? They are visibly eco-responsible.

	The square sugar cane salad bowl and its transparent RPET plastic lid are both recyclable. The bowl itself is also domestically compostable.
	The sugar cane box is rigid and resistant to water and grease. It can be hot-filled and is recyclable.
	The recyclable sugar cane box with compartments can be recycled and are highly functional, allowing you to separate preparations while showcasing your dishes.
	The sugar cane tray can be recycled and composted domestically. Ideal as doggy bag packaging for your dishes.
	The recyclable sugar cane can be recycled and domestically composted. Ideal as packaging for your doggy bags.
	The sugar cane box and its simple design make your doggy bags attractive and safe to transport.

Recyclable plastic food containers

If you choose this type of packaging for your doggy bag, make sure it displays the logos that highlight its recyclable nature (such as the Triman logo, for example).

	The plastic microwave pot made from recyclable PP plastic is perfectly leakproof, thanks to its independent lid that clips on simply by pressing.
	The Optipack® is made from PET plastic and is recyclable after sorting and collection at the company. Transparent, this packaging makes it easy to show off your products to their best advantage.
	Marmipack® black plastic food packaging is recyclable, and gives an elegant look to your doggy bags thanks to its black base and independent translucent lid.
	The Prestipack® is also recyclable, made from PP plastic. Its wide base makes it easy to fill, and allows customers to carry a large volume of food leftovers.
	The plastic dessert jar with its crystal clear finish is very attractive. The dessert cup and lid are made from 100% recyclable PET plastic.

Bags to carry your doggy bags

Don’t leave without some sturdy bags so that your customers can carry their doggy bags in comfort. Once again, think eco-responsibly by choosing kraft paper bagspaper bags, which are both hard-wearing and attractive.

The little extra? You can also personalise them in a simple way, so that your customers remember you and your responsible approach when they get home.

	Kraft bags with flat handlesThis recyclable bag, available in brown or white, is designed to make it easy to transport even large food packaging. The bottom keeps products flat and the handles are ultra-strong.
	The handleless kraft bag is both easy to fill and totally suitable for takeaway sales or doggy bags. It’s also totally recyclable.

Reusable packaging for your doggy bags

As the law stipulates, you can also opt for reusable packaging for your doggy bags.

These are strong enough for your customers to use again later. A great way to stay top of mind with them, even after they’ve visited your establishment!

	The reusable plastic salad bowl is made from tough, hermetically sealed PP plastic with a lid. It’s ideal for your hot and cold dishes. It can be recycled.
	The reusable plastic chip pot is both practical and elegant, and can be reheated in the microwave. Its PP plastic is thick and recyclable, making it durable doggy bag packaging.
	The reusable plastic starter and dessert pot is stylish and functional. Its acrylic plastic is recyclable and reusable.
	The round reusable plastic box is perfect for your customers to take away their leftover pizzas. Made from PE plastic, it is reusable, dishwasher safe and closes securely with its sliding clips.
	The glass FOODBOX is a practical reusable food packaging for your doggy bags. Its toughened glass makes it extra-resistant, and its airtight seal keeps food safe.
	The SO URBAN glass salad bowl is both light and very strong. It makes the most of your customers’ leftovers, and protects them during transport.