Legal
Terms & Conditions
Last updated August 28, 2026
These terms apply to quotations, orders and supply of custom packaging by The Food Trays. They are written for the specific realities of made-to-order packaging, where tooling, artwork approval and production runs all behave differently from stock goods.
1. Quotations
A quotation is based on the specification supplied at the time. If the specification changes — dimensions, board, treatment, colour count, quantity, packing format or delivery address — the price may change, and we will reissue rather than absorb it silently. Quotations are valid for the period stated on them; material prices move, and a quotation from six months ago is not a commitment.
2. Specifications and samples
Where you supply a physical sample for us to match, we work to the internal dimensions of that sample unless you tell us otherwise. Where you supply dimensions, we work to those dimensions and not to an inferred intent. If your measurement and your sample disagree, we will ask before proceeding.
3. Artwork and approval
We supply a dieline before artwork begins. You are responsible for the content of the artwork you supply, including spelling, contact details, legal and allergen information, barcodes and any certification marks. We check that artwork is technically printable; we do not verify the accuracy or legality of its content.
Approval of a proof is the point at which the artwork becomes final. Changes after approval require new plates and a new schedule position, and are chargeable. We strongly recommend a second reader on every proof.
4. Colour
Board is a natural substrate and colour reproduction on it is not identical to a screen, a coated paper proof, or a previous run on a different board. Spot colours on bleached board reproduce closely; on natural kraft the brown substrate shifts every ink and an exact match is not physically achievable. Where exact colour is critical, request a physical proof on the actual board before production.
Kraft liner shade varies slightly between mill batches. Printed areas remain consistent to the approved proof; exposed board may vary a shade between runs.
5. Tooling
Cutting dies and moulds produced for your order are made to your specification and retained on file against your account for repeat orders. Tooling charges, where they apply, are itemised separately on the quotation.
6. Quantity tolerance
Custom print and converting runs are subject to a normal manufacturing tolerance on delivered quantity. Where a tolerance applies to your order, it is stated on the quotation. If you require an exact minimum quantity, tell us at quote stage so the run can be planned for it.
7. Lead times and delivery
Production dates are confirmed on the order acknowledgement, not on the quotation. Delivery dates are estimates based on the carrier’s service; freight, customs and weather are outside our control. We will tell you promptly if a date is at risk rather than letting it pass silently.
8. Inspection and claims
Please inspect goods on delivery and tell us about shortages, damage or quality issues promptly, with photographs where relevant. We will replace or credit goods that do not match the approved specification. We cannot accept claims for goods that have been used, printed on, or altered after delivery.
9. Suitability for your food
We supply the material specification, including any food-contact treatment, in writing. Whether a given specification is suitable for your specific product, process, temperature and shelf life is a judgement only you can make, because only you know the product. We will advise, and we will tell you when we think a specification will not hold — but final responsibility for suitability rests with the person putting food in the packaging.
10. Claims and certifications
We state the feedstock, the manufacturing process, any barrier applied, and any certification the specific material holds and in which market. We do not authorise the use of certification marks, compostability logos or recycling claims on packaging unless the material ordered genuinely carries that certification in the market of sale. Responsibility for claims printed on your packaging rests with you.
11. Intellectual property
You retain ownership of your artwork and brand assets. You confirm that you have the right to use the artwork you supply. We retain ownership of structural designs, dielines and drawings we originate, while granting you the right to use them for packaging produced by us.
12. Cancellation
Because goods are made to your specification, an order cannot be cancelled without cost once tooling, plates or production have begun. If you need to cancel, tell us immediately — the earlier the stage, the lower the cost.
13. Payment
Payment terms are stated on the quotation and the order acknowledgement. For first orders and for bespoke tooling, payment terms may differ from repeat business; this will always be set out before you commit.
14. Liability
Our liability in respect of any order is limited to the value of the goods supplied. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited by the law applicable to the supply.
15. Questions
If anything here is unclear, or if your procurement process requires different terms, ask before you order: info@thefoodtrays.com. It is far easier to agree terms in advance than to resolve them after a production run.