A customer could not tell three days later which of two identical food trucks they ate from, as one wrapped up sandwiches in plain deli paper. Most of the small guys take custom printing to be a cost of a large chain: a minimum order that they never reach and thousands of dollars to be part of the equation. For printed deli paper, the minimum is no longer required; however, digital printing has reduced the minimum to one food truck or one location sandwich shop that can afford a standard supply order.

The actual nature of the printed deli paper

Printed deli paper is the same greaseproof sheet elsewhere covered, or wax, PE, or uncoated stock rated for grease and moisture at about 200-220°F, but which has a logo printed on the non-food contact side, so that the logo never comes in contact with the sandwich. Deli sandwich paper refers to a paper that is the correct size and weight to wrap a sandwich, not a tray or basket, and is typically slightly smaller and lighter than burger or fry liners since it only needs to wrap around one item.

Why branded food paper is the cheapest marketing a small operator can buy?

The cheapest real branding a food truck or small food shop can purchase is branded food paper, because the paper will be shipped whether or not you’re a customer; it will be seen by every customer who is unwrapping their order, and there will be no additional printing costs. A restaurant wrapping paper with a logo can serve as a sign in places where a sign can’t reach: a common table, a co-worker's desk, an opened delivery package at an office. Digital printing maintains the minimum order small enough to try a design out for a market before a full flexo run is made later in the order when the volume is high enough to support the plate cost. That’s more important here than at a chain that begins at high volume.

The key specifications to consider in a sandwich wrap.

Paper used for typical deli sandwich wrap is between 28 and 45 GSM, which is lighter than the 45 and above GSM typically used for fried or heavily sauced food. Depending on grease level, the finishes include wax, PE, or uncoated. Standard sheets are smaller than a burger wrap, typically 12x12 or smaller. Digital printing carries the advantage of printing full-color logos at low minimums, which can be helpful when the design is not finished yet, flexographic printing is print-based, offering a lower cost per sheet after the order reaches about a few thousand units. Printing is done with food-safe, soy- or water-based ink, on the non-food-contact side.

Who else is printing a wrap this size? 

The key customers here are food trucks and single-location sandwich shops, whose customer base is accustomed to the digital printing’s low minimum. It is also a simple addition to the stock of small cafes, without having to significantly change their packaging budget. Because there’s no storefront to do the job, Ghost Kitchens and Delivery, Only custom food wrapping paper brands use the wrap as their branding. Mini-chains are right on the cusp of starting to save real money when it comes to switching from digital to flexo printing.

Why Small Operators Buy from The Deli Paper?

Whether it’s a food truck testing its first logo or a company with five different locations reordering by the pallet, The Deli Paper will offer them a competitive price that fits their orders. MOQs begin at a low enough level for one truck; quality control checks GSM and grease resistance on each run, and custom food wrapping paper, whether wax-lined, parchment, or butcher, is made in the same US production.

FAQs

Q: Is there a minimum order for a single food truck or a large one?

A: A minimum is still available with digital printing, one truck or shop. The benefits of flexo only become apparent once volume reaches the thousands.

Q: What should be the GSM for a sandwich shop as compared to a hamburger shop? 

A: Sandwich wrap has a lighter weight, ranging from 28 to 45 GSM. Heavily sauced or fried foods require 45 GSM or higher.

Conclusion

Rather than ordering a chain’s minimum order, ask for a free quote on the printed branded food paper that is sized right for a sandwich shop or food truck order. Please call 832-900-9245 or email sales@thedelipaper.com for a design test on digital printing!