Molded Pulp Egg Trays FAQ

What is the difference between an egg tray and an egg carton?

An egg tray is the open molded pulp sheet that holds eggs in farm packs and transport — typically 30-egg flats for commercial shipping. A carton is the printed retail container holding 6 to 18 eggs for consumer shelves. Both are molded pulp, but each is engineered for a different job: trays for bulk cushioning, cartons for display and branding.

Is molded pulp safe for egg packaging?

Yes, when produced from compliant fiber and handled properly. Eggs are perishable food, so packers should confirm the fiber's food-contact status and keep packaging dry and clean. Damp or contaminated packaging can introduce moisture or contaminants, so dry storage and clean handling are part of the food-safety chain.

How many eggs fit in standard molded pulp trays?

Standard commercial trays hold 30 eggs, with 12-egg and 18-egg configurations common for retail cartons and smaller packs. The cell count and geometry must match the egg size grade — jumbo eggs need deeper, wider cells than medium eggs — so the tray is specified to the flock's actual grade, not a generic average.

Why do eggs break even in molded pulp trays?

Breakage usually means a geometry mismatch: cells molded for the wrong size grade, insufficient rib structure to spread shock, or stack loads resting on the eggs instead of the tray structure. The fix is re-engineering the cell depth and rib pattern to the actual egg, then validating with drop and stacking tests.

Can egg trays be made from recycled fiber?

Yes. Recycled fiber is common for transport trays, while retail cartons that carry printed branding may use virgin or blended fiber for surface quality and food-contact confidence. The choice balances cost, print appearance, and the compliance documentation the buyer requires.

What should a packer specify when buying egg trays?

Specify four things: cell geometry matched to the egg size grade, stack strength for the pallet load, food-contact compliance documentation, and moisture behavior for cold storage. Then trial the tray on the actual packing line — filling speed and breakage rate are proven on the line, not on the spec sheet.