Custom Printed Placemats UK for Restaurants, Cafés & Food Service
Custom printed placemats give restaurants, cafés, hotels, fast food businesses and hospitality brands a practical surface for presenting food, displaying branding and communicating directly with customers. Packonic's UK range combines printed placemats, paper table mats and custom tray liners in different paper weights, finishes, shapes and sizes for dine-in, counter-service and tray-based food service.
The current collection includes white and brown greaseproof tray liners, kraft paper, uncoated offset paper, matt and glossy finishes, rounded-edge designs and fully bespoke custom shapes. This means businesses can choose a branded placemat or printed tray liner according to the food, tray, table, artwork and service environment rather than using the same paper for every application.
Whether you need personalised placemats for a restaurant, placemats with logo for a café, fast food tray liners for a high-volume counter-service operation or custom printed table mats for multiple locations, the right choice starts with material, paper weight, size, finish and how the printed surface will actually be used.
Which Custom Printed Placemats & Tray Liners Are Available?
Packonic's current UK range covers several different paper placemat and tray liner formats. The main options differ by grease resistance, paper weight, surface finish and edge shape.
40 GSM White Greaseproof Tray Liners
40 GSM greaseproof tray liners are the lightest grease-resistant option in the current range. The white paper provides a clean background for logos, patterns and promotional artwork while helping reduce the transfer of oils and fats to the tray underneath.
The current white greaseproof tray liner is available in:
- 210 x 297 mm
- 280 x 380 mm
- 297 x 420 mm
Current specifications include 40 GSM white greaseproof paper, optional PFAS-free paper, soy-based ink, one-side offset printing and 1 colour, 2 colour or full-colour CMYK options.
This format is particularly suitable for restaurants, burger businesses, cafés, bakeries and fast food operations looking for custom food tray liners where grease resistance is more important than paper thickness.
40 GSM Brown Greaseproof Tray Liners
Brown greaseproof tray liners provide the same lightweight food-service concept with a natural brown-paper appearance. They are useful for businesses whose brand identity works better with kraft-style or natural-looking packaging and table presentation.
For food businesses serving burgers, sandwiches, pastries, fried foods and similar items, brown greaseproof paper can combine a branded surface with greater resistance to oils than ordinary uncoated paper.
70 GSM Kraft Paper Tray Liners
Kraft tray liners are available in 70 GSM paper and provide a heavier, more substantial brown-paper format than the 40 GSM greaseproof products.
The current 70 GSM kraft liner uses recyclable kraft paper with one-side offset printing, soy-based ink and 1 colour, 2 colour or CMYK printing. It is currently available in the same 210 x 297 mm, 280 x 380 mm and 297 x 420 mm formats.
This makes printed kraft placemats and tray liners particularly relevant to cafés, bakeries, casual restaurants and food brands that want the natural paper colour to become part of the design.
80 GSM Offset Paper Tray Liners
80 GSM offset tray liners provide an uncoated, non-reflective paper surface that is useful when text readability and writable areas are important.
The current product uses recyclable 80 GSM uncoated paper with soy-based ink and one-side offset printing. It supports 1 colour, 2 colour and CMYK artwork.
Because the surface is writable, this option can work particularly well for:
- Printed menus
- Children's activity placemats
- Colouring sections
- Promotional messages
- QR codes
- Table numbers or writable notes
- Restaurant branding
Businesses searching for printed paper placemats that combine branding with menu or activity content should consider the 80 GSM offset option.
90 GSM Matt Tray Liners
90 GSM matt placemats and tray liners provide a smoother and more substantial surface with a non-reflective finish. This helps text, logos and detailed branding remain easy to read under restaurant or café lighting.
The current 90 GSM matt product uses recyclable offset paper, soy-based ink, one-side offset printing and 1 colour, 2 colour or CMYK printing.
It is a useful middle ground for businesses that want more substance than lightweight paper without moving to the heavier 115 GSM format.
90 GSM Glossy Tray Liners
Glossy tray liners use the same 90 GSM weight with a higher-shine surface intended to make graphics and colours appear more vivid.
This makes the glossy format more suitable where strong visual branding, photography, colourful promotions or campaign artwork are priorities.
Choose matt when glare-free reading and a restrained finish matter more; choose glossy when visual colour impact is the priority.
115 GSM Matt Tray Liners
115 GSM printed placemats provide one of the heaviest standard paper options in the current collection. The greater paper weight gives the liner a more substantial feel and makes it appropriate for restaurants, hotels, events and table settings where a very lightweight sheet would not provide the desired presentation.
The matt version combines 115 GSM offset paper with a non-reflective surface, one-side offset printing and 1 colour, 2 colour or full-colour CMYK artwork.
115 GSM Glossy Tray Liners
The 115 GSM glossy tray liner combines a heavier paper weight with a high-shine printed surface. It is particularly useful for promotional artwork, colourful restaurant branding and table presentation where a more visually prominent finish is preferred.
Businesses comparing premium custom table mats can therefore choose between matt and glossy 115 GSM finishes according to whether readability or visual impact is more important.
Rounded Edge Placemats & Tray Liners
Rounded edge tray liners provide the same core paper choices with curved corners instead of a standard rectangular cut. The current collection includes rounded-edge versions of white and brown 40 GSM greaseproof paper, 70 GSM kraft, 80 GSM offset paper and 90 GSM and 115 GSM matt or glossy paper.
Rounded corners can be useful where businesses want a softer visual shape or a liner that follows the appearance of a rounded serving tray more closely.
The current rounded-edge products also start from 250 pieces and offer the standard 210 x 297 mm, 280 x 380 mm and 297 x 420 mm size options.
Custom Shape Tray Liners for Bespoke Trays
Custom shape tray liners are the correct option when a standard rectangle or rounded rectangle does not match the tray, table or visual concept.
Packonic's bespoke product allows the liner to be die-cut around a specific shape or non-standard dimension. This can be used to match proprietary trays, unusual serving surfaces or a distinctive branded shape.
Unlike the fixed-size products, the custom shape option is built around the requirements of the individual project rather than a predefined size selector.
This makes it suitable for businesses looking for:
- Bespoke tray liners
- Custom size placemats
- Die-cut paper placemats
- Non-standard tray shapes
- Brand-shaped table or tray inserts
Placemats vs Tray Liners: What Is the Difference?
A placemat is primarily used on a table or dining surface, while a tray liner is cut or selected to sit inside a serving tray. The same printed paper product can sometimes perform either role when its material, size and intended use are suitable.
Choose paper placemats when:
- The sheet will sit directly on a restaurant or café table.
- You want to create a defined place setting.
- You want to display branding, menus or promotions in front of each customer.
- You need a disposable table mat for quick service or repeated table resets.
Choose tray liners when:
- The printed sheet will sit inside a food-service tray.
- You operate a fast food, food court or self-service environment.
- The tray dimensions determine the required paper size.
- You need branding directly beneath food packaging and drinks.
For this reason, searches for printed placemats, printed tray liners, paper table mats and tray mats can overlap even though the exact service application is different.
Which Placemat Paper Should I Choose?
Choose the paper according to grease exposure, print design, required rigidity and whether customers need to write on the surface.
- 40 GSM Greaseproof: choose for lightweight food service where oil and grease resistance are important.
- 70 GSM Kraft: choose for a natural brown-paper appearance with more substance than lightweight greaseproof paper.
- 80 GSM Offset: choose for menus, activity sheets and designs where a writable, non-reflective surface is useful.
- 90 GSM Matt: choose for a smooth, glare-free branded surface with more weight.
- 90 GSM Glossy: choose when stronger colour impact and a shinier presentation are preferred.
- 115 GSM Matt: choose for a heavier, premium-feeling non-reflective placemat.
- 115 GSM Glossy: choose for a heavier paper with a visually prominent glossy finish.
This selection method is more useful than choosing a personalised placemat by appearance alone because paper weight and surface characteristics affect how it performs during service.
Greaseproof Placemat or Standard Paper Placemat?
Choose a greaseproof tray liner when food oils or grease may come into direct contact with the paper. Choose standard offset, matt or glossy paper when the liner is primarily being used as a table or tray presentation surface.
Packonic's 40 GSM white greaseproof liner is specifically designed as an oil-resistant paper and lists optional PFAS-free paper. The heavier kraft, offset, matt and glossy products serve different presentation and printing requirements.
If food will sit directly on the paper, the specification of the selected product should always be checked rather than assuming every paper placemat in the collection has the same grease-resistant properties.
Matt or Glossy Printed Placemats: Which Is Better?
Matt placemats are better when readability and low glare are the priority; glossy placemats are better when colour intensity and visual impact are more important.
Choose Matt Placemats If:
- Your design contains menus or significant amounts of text.
- The table or tray is under strong overhead lighting.
- You want a more understated finish.
- You want logos and text to remain easy to read from different angles.
Choose Glossy Placemats If:
- Your artwork relies on bright colours.
- You are using promotional graphics or photography.
- You want a more reflective printed surface.
- The liner is intended to make branding visually prominent.
Packonic currently offers both matt and glossy options in 90 GSM and 115 GSM paper weights.
Which Placemat Size Should I Choose?
Most current standard Packonic tray liners are available in three sizes:
- 210 x 297 mm – equivalent to A4 dimensions
- 280 x 380 mm – a wider rectangular tray-liner format
- 297 x 420 mm – equivalent to A3 dimensions
Choose the size according to the usable surface of your tray or table setting, not simply the largest option available.
For tray service, measure the flat internal area where the paper will sit. A liner that is too large may curl at the edges, while one that is too small may leave unnecessary areas of the tray exposed.
If none of the standard dimensions fit, use the custom shape option for a bespoke size or cut.
Custom Placemats With Logo & Full-Colour Printing
Custom placemats with logo give customers a branded surface that remains visible throughout a meal rather than disappearing immediately after the food is served.
Current standard tray-liner products offer:
- 1 colour printing
- 2 colour printing
- Full-colour CMYK printing
- One-side offset printing
- Soy-based ink on the inspected standard products
This gives businesses flexibility to create simple logo placemats or more detailed full-colour designs.
Artwork can include:
- Restaurant or café logos
- Brand colours and patterns
- Menu highlights
- Seasonal promotions
- QR codes
- Website and social media details
- Loyalty campaigns
- Product launches
- Event branding
- Children's activities on suitable writable paper
Can Printed Placemats Be Used as Menus?
Yes. Printed placemats can also carry menu information, promotions or QR codes when the selected size, paper and artwork make the content easy to read.
The 80 GSM uncoated offset paper is particularly useful for menu-style printed table mats because its non-reflective surface is suitable for detailed text and is also writable.
A placemat menu can be used for:
- Breakfast menus
- Lunch specials
- Kids' menus
- Dessert promotions
- Drinks offers
- QR menu access
- Limited-time campaigns
If menu information changes frequently, businesses should consider the print quantity carefully so large stocks do not contain outdated prices or offers.
Kids' Activity Placemats & Colouring Table Mats
Paper placemats can be used as children's activity sheets when a writable paper surface is selected. The current 80 GSM offset liner has an uncoated surface designed to be written on, making it the most relevant option in the current range for colouring areas, puzzles or children's menus.
A kids' activity placemat can combine:
- Colouring illustrations
- Mazes
- Simple games
- Children's menus
- Brand characters
- Restaurant logos
This gives family restaurants and cafés a functional printed paper placemat rather than adding a separate activity sheet to the table.
Restaurant Placemats & Table Mats
Restaurant placemats provide a repeatable branded surface for casual dining, fast-casual restaurants and other businesses where disposable paper table presentation fits the service model.
They can be used to display a logo alone or combine branding with menu information, QR codes and promotional messaging.
For restaurant use, the most suitable paper depends on the application:
- Greaseproof paper: where food and oils may contact the liner.
- 80 GSM offset: where menus or writable areas are required.
- Matt paper: for readable, glare-free table branding.
- Glossy paper: for higher-impact promotional graphics.
- 115 GSM: when a heavier table mat is preferred.
Café & Coffee Shop Placemats
Café placemats and coffee shop table mats can support breakfast, lunch, bakery and drinks service while keeping the café's visual identity present on each table or tray.
A café can use printed placemats for:
- Breakfast service
- Coffee and cake
- Sandwiches and toasties
- Seasonal drinks promotions
- Loyalty QR codes
- Menu highlights
For a coordinated drinks setup, Custom Printed Paper Cups can carry the same branding used on the placemat or tray liner.
Fast Food Tray Liners for Counter & Self-Service Restaurants
Fast food tray liners are designed around tray-based service rather than traditional table settings. They sit beneath food packaging and drinks while providing a large visible area for branding, promotions and customer information.
This format is particularly relevant to:
- Burger restaurants
- Fast food chains
- Food courts
- Self-service restaurants
- Cafeterias
- Shopping-centre food operators
- High-volume takeaway businesses with dine-in seating
For food likely to release grease, a greaseproof tray liner is usually more appropriate than an ordinary paper liner.
Hotel & Room Service Tray Liners
Hotel tray liners can be used for breakfast trays, room service, lounge service and casual dining areas where a printed sheet helps create a consistent presentation.
Depending on the hotel's service style, a liner may carry only the hotel logo or include:
- Breakfast information
- Room-service menus
- QR codes
- Restaurant opening times
- Guest-service messaging
- Promotional offers
A heavier matt or glossy format may suit presentation-led hotel service, while lighter papers can be more appropriate for higher-volume applications.
Catering & Event Placemats
Catering placemats and event placemats allow large numbers of tables or trays to follow the same visual identity without requiring permanent tableware.
They can be designed around:
- Corporate events
- Brand launches
- Conferences
- Catered receptions
- Hospitality events
- Large private functions
Event-specific personalised placemats can include the event identity, sponsors, programme information, QR codes or branded artwork where appropriate.
Disposable Placemats for High-Turnover Service
Disposable placemats are useful where businesses want a fresh printed sheet for each table or tray setup without washing or storing reusable table mats.
They can also reduce the amount of cleaning required directly on the tray by catching crumbs and light spills during normal service.
For high-turnover restaurants, cafés and food courts, printed disposable placemats combine this operational role with a repeated branding opportunity.
The selected paper should still match the application. Greaseproof, kraft, uncoated, matt and glossy papers perform differently and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Tray Liners for Burgers, Fries & Takeaway Food
Food tray liners can sit beneath burger boxes, fries, sandwiches, pastries and other takeaway products served on trays. The liner does not replace the primary food packaging; it provides the tray or presentation layer underneath it.
For direct wrapping or food-contact sheets rather than tray lining, use Custom Printed Greaseproof Paper.
This distinction is important:
- Tray liner: primarily lines a serving tray or works as a placemat.
- Greaseproof wrapping paper: designed for wrapping food or lining baskets and food packaging.
Keeping those roles separate helps the custom printed placemats page remain focused on table and tray presentation rather than competing with Packonic's dedicated greaseproof paper category.
Are Packonic Placemats & Tray Liners Recyclable?
The current standard tray-liner product specifications inspected across the range list the paper as recyclable. This includes the 40 GSM greaseproof, 70 GSM kraft, 80 GSM offset and 90/115 GSM matt products.
However, the recyclability of a used paper liner can depend on food contamination, grease and local waste-collection rules. A product being made from recyclable paper does not necessarily mean every used liner will be accepted in every local recycling stream.
Businesses should therefore distinguish between the material specification and the disposal condition after service.
Custom Printed Placemats Wholesale UK: MOQ & Delivery
Packonic's standard custom printed placemats and tray liners currently start from 250 pieces. This lower starting quantity allows restaurants, cafés and food businesses to test a design or campaign without immediately committing to very large production volumes.
Current standard products generally offer quantity tiers from:
- 250 pieces
- 500 pieces
- 1,000 pieces
- 2,000–10,000 pieces
- 15,000 pieces
- 20,000 pieces
The inspected standard rectangular and rounded-edge products currently list:
- Standard delivery: 14–21 business days
- Express delivery: 5–10 business days
The fully bespoke custom-shape product is handled separately because its dimensions and cutting requirements depend on the project.
Quantities, specifications and delivery times can change, so the selected live product page should always be checked before placing a final order.
How to Order Custom Printed Placemats & Tray Liners
Packonic's online ordering process lets businesses select the paper specification and submit artwork before production:
- Select the Material: choose greaseproof, kraft, offset, matt or glossy paper according to the intended use.
- Select the Size: choose 210 x 297 mm, 280 x 380 mm or 297 x 420 mm where available.
- Choose the Shape: select standard rectangular, rounded edge or request a custom shape.
- Select Print Colours: choose 1 colour, 2 colours or CMYK full colour where available.
- Select Quantity: standard products currently start from 250 pieces.
- Design Online or Upload Artwork: use Packonic's online design tool or upload an existing design file.
- Checkout & Design Approval: complete the order and review the final artwork proof before production begins.
This gives businesses a direct route from selecting custom printed table mats or tray liners to approving the finished branded artwork.
How to Choose the Right Placemat for Your Business
The easiest way to choose a custom placemat is to start with how the paper will be used, then choose the material and design.
- Will food touch the paper? Consider a greaseproof option where oil resistance is required.
- Is it for a table or tray? Measure the actual usable surface before choosing the sheet size.
- Will customers write on it? Consider 80 GSM uncoated offset paper.
- Does the design contain lots of text? A matt or uncoated surface can improve readability.
- Do you want strong colour impact? Compare the glossy options.
- Do you want a natural look? Choose kraft or brown paper.
- Do you need more paper weight? Compare the 90 GSM and 115 GSM options.
- Does a standard rectangle fit? If not, choose rounded edges or request a custom shape.
This decision process is more reliable than selecting branded placemats purely according to appearance.
How to Build a Complete Branded Table & Tray Service
Printed placemats and tray liners can form one part of a wider restaurant or café branding system.
- Start with the table or tray: choose the placemat or liner according to paper type, size and food service.
- Add branded napkins: use Custom Printed Napkins to carry the same identity through table and takeaway service.
- Add printed drink packaging: use Custom Printed Paper Cups where hot drinks are part of the service.
- Add food wrapping where required: use Custom Printed Greaseproof Paper for direct food wrapping, basket lining and branded food presentation.
- Keep the artwork consistent: maintain the same logo, colours and visual language across the full service.
This creates a consistent branded customer experience without making the placemats category compete with dedicated napkin, cup or greaseproof-paper pages.
Which Printed Paper Product Should I Choose?
Choose the product according to the job it needs to perform:
This keeps the custom printed placemats UK page focused on table mats and tray liners while directing wrapping, napkin, cup and broader food-packaging searches to the correct dedicated collections.
Custom Printed Placemats & Tray Liners for UK Businesses
Packonic's custom printed placemats UK range gives restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, hotels, fast food businesses, food courts, catering companies and multi-site hospitality brands a broad choice of printed paper surfaces for tables and serving trays.
Choose lightweight 40 GSM greaseproof paper where oil resistance is important, 70 GSM kraft for a natural brown-paper appearance, 80 GSM offset for writable menu or activity designs, 90 GSM paper for a balanced presentation or 115 GSM matt and glossy options where a heavier placemat is preferred.
Whether you need personalised placemats for a restaurant, branded table mats for a café, custom tray liners with logo for fast food service, restaurant tray liners for everyday dining or printed placemats wholesale for multiple locations, the correct choice starts with material, size, finish, shape, print design and service environment.
