LeapFood&Agricultural Packaging FAQ — Manufacturing, Materials, Ordering
Ordering & MOQ
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ varies by product type. Paper cups: 50,000 pcs. Paper bowls: 30,000 pcs. Paper boxes/trays: 10,000 pcs. Plastic cake boxes: 5,000–10,000 pcs. Plastic food trays: 5,000–10,000 pcs. Molded pulp trays: 5,000–10,000 pcs. Kraft bags: 20,000 pcs. For first orders, you can often negotiate 20–30% lower MOQ by accepting slightly higher unit pricing or longer lead times.
How long does production take?
Standard production: 15–25 working days after sample approval. Custom print adds 5–7 days. New mold tooling adds 18–22 days (PET) or 28–32 days (RPET). Rush orders: 10–12 days with 15–20% surcharge. Plan for 60–90 days total for first-time custom-tooled orders.
What payment terms do you accept?
T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment — standard for first orders. L/C at sight for orders over $50,000. Net 30 terms available after 6+ successful orders. Tooling fees can be amortized across first 2–3 orders; fully credited on cumulative orders exceeding $100,000.
Materials & Compliance
Are your products FDA and EU approved?
Yes. All food-contact packaging complies with FDA 21 CFR and EU Regulation 10/2011. We hold ISO 22000, BRC, FSC, and GRS certifications. Full Declaration of Conformity provided with every shipment — batch-level test data, not just certificates. Third-party audited by SGS.
PE vs PLA vs Aqueous coating — which should I choose?
PE (8–30 GSM): Most economical, best water/grease barrier. Choose for hot drinks, soup, general takeaway. PLA (15–25 GSM): Industrially compostable (EN 13432). Best for cold drinks and eco-branded lines. Costs 30–50% more than PE. Aqueous (absorbed into fiber): Fully repulpable, compostable, 23% less material than PE. Best for hot food trays and EU markets where PPWR compliance matters. Detailed coating comparison →
Are your products PFAS-free?
Our bagasse and aqueous-coated products contain no intentionally added PFAS and are verified non-detect by ISO 17025-accredited third-party lab testing. All products meet EU PPWR 2026 PFAS limits (≤25 ppb individual for food-contact). We provide batch-level test reports upon request.
Customization & Branding
Can you print our logo on packaging?
Yes. Flexographic printing up to 6 colors with Pantone matching. Accept artwork: AI, PDF, EPS at 300 DPI with 3mm bleed. Full 360° wrap printing on cups: only 8–12% more than standard placement but ~3× brand visibility. Digital flexo for short runs under 30K units — no plate fees. Full custom process →
Do you provide free samples?
Stock samples: free, ship in 1–2 working days. Custom samples: $50–200 (fully credited against production order), 7–10 working days. Express shipping worldwide: 3–5 days.
Shipping & Factory Visits
What shipping methods and transit times?
FOB Qingdao — our standard. Sea freight: 20–35 days (EU 28–32, US West 18–22, Middle East 20–25, SE Asia 7–12). Air freight: 5–7 days. Express (DHL/FedEx/UPS): 3–5 days. Full export documentation provided. Regional import guide →
Can I visit the factory?
Yes — in-person or virtual. We're 40 minutes from Qingdao Airport, 30 minutes from Qingdao Port. Virtual audits: live video walkthrough of your production line with real-time Q&A. Third-party audits (SGS, BV, your inspector) accommodated on your schedule without notice. Budget 2–3 hours. Factory details →
What does FOB Qingdao mean for my order?
It means we deliver your goods on board the vessel at Qingdao Port and clear them for export — from that point ocean freight, insurance and destination costs are the buyer's. Our FOB Qingdao guide explains the split in detail.
Ready to discuss your packaging project?
Send us your requirements — we provide a custom solution and quote within 24 hours.
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