The Ultimate Guide to Macaron Packaging: Trays and Liners
Technical Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Macaron Packaging: Trays and Liners

📅 Apr 20, 2026 👤 Cody Kang

Macarons are notoriously delicate confections, requiring precise environmental controls and structural support to survive transport from the bakery to the consumer. Effective macaron packaging is not merely about visual aesthetics; it is a critical structural challenge. The iconic crisp shell and soft ganache interior are highly susceptible to crushing, moisture damage, and sticking. To combat these issues, the industry gold standard relies on a specialized combination: rigid compartment trays paired with moisture-proof, anti-stick liner papers.

1. The Core of Macaron Packaging: PET vs. PVC Compartment Trays

The structural foundation of any reliable pastry box is the internal tray. Because macarons are round and fragile, they require individual cavities to prevent them from colliding during transit.

When selecting materials for these compartment trays, manufacturers generally choose between two types of plastics: PET and PVC.

  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): This is the superior choice for food contact. is highly transparent, durable, and most importantly, universally recognized as food-safe and fully recyclable. It does not leach harmful chemicals into high-fat or high-sugar foods like macaron ganache.
  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): While historically used due to its lower cost and ease of thermoforming, PVC is increasingly being phased out of direct food contact packaging. It can release toxic compounds over time and poses significant environmental recycling challenges. For premium brands, PVC is strongly discouraged.
Close up of thermoformed plastic trays used for safe macaron packaging.