Choosing the right egg tray plays a major role in safe egg handling, transportation, and sales. Whether you run a poultry farm, retail shop, supermarket, or export business, the type of tray you use directly affects cost, storage, convenience, and product presentation.
In this guide, we compare 30-egg trays, 12-egg trays, and 6-egg trays based on differences, cost, usage, and which industry they suit best.
1. Overview: Types of Egg Trays
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30-Egg Tray (Standard Poultry Tray)
A flat, open tray designed to hold 30 eggs in rows of 6×5.
12-Egg Tray (Retail Egg Carton)
A closed or semi-closed carton used for selling one dozen eggs.
6-Egg Tray (Small Retail Pack)
Compact, attractive packaging used in premium stores for small quantities.
2. Differences Between 30, 12, and 6-Egg Trays
A. Size & Structure
| Tray Type | Capacity | Design | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Egg Tray | 30 eggs | Open flat tray | Poultry farms, wholesalers |
| 12-Egg Tray | 12 eggs | Closed carton with lid | Retailers, supermarkets |
| 6-Egg Tray | 6 eggs | Small carton | Premium retail, gifting, bakeries |
B. Material
- 30-egg trays: Usually paper pulp or plastic
- 12 & 6-egg trays: Mostly paper pulp, PET, or PP cartons
C. Purpose
- 30-egg: Bulk storage & transportation
- 12-egg: Retail selling
- 6-egg: Premium, small-quantity sales
3. Cost Comparison
30-Egg Trays
- Lowest cost per egg
- Ideal for large-scale handling
- Economical for farmers & wholesalers
- Price depends on thickness (800–1200 GSM for paper)
12-Egg Trays
- Moderate cost
- Higher per-egg packaging cost compared to 30-egg
- Suitable for branded retail packaging
6-Egg Trays
- Highest cost per egg
- Premium packaging
- Used where presentation matters more than bulk handling
Cost Comparison (General Trend):
30-Egg (Cheapest) < 12-Egg (Moderate) < 6-Egg (Highest)
4. Usage Comparison
30-Egg Tray – Bulk & Farm Operations
- Storage inside poultry farms
- During collection and grading
- Transportation to wholesalers
- Packing for large-order buyers
- Best for exporters when combined with master cartons
12-Egg Tray – Retail Packs
- Supermarkets
- Local shops
- Home deliveries
- Branding with stickers / labels
- Ideal for consumer-level buying
6-Egg Tray – Premium Retail
- Organic egg brands
- Brown egg marketing
- Bakeries and cafés
- Gifting during festivals
- High-value niche markets
5. Which Tray Suits Poultry Farms, Retailers & Exporters?
✔ For Poultry Farms
Best choice: 30-Egg Tray
Reasons:
- Easy stacking
- Low cost
- Fits farm crates
- Saves space
- Strong enough for daily handling
✔ For Retailers
Best choice: 12-Egg or 6-Egg Tray
- 12-egg trays for general sales
- 6-egg trays for premium or small-quantity customers
✔ For Exporters
Best choice: 30-Egg Tray (Paper Pulp)
- Strong, shock-absorbing material
- Fits international-standard cartons
- Maximizes volume in containers
6. Final Decision: Which Tray Is Best for You?
| Requirement | Recommended Tray | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk storage & farm use | 30-Egg Tray | Economical, stackable, durable |
| General retail sales | 12-Egg Tray | Convenient for consumers |
| Premium or specialty sales | 6-Egg Tray | Attractive, compact, high branding value |
| Exports | 30-Egg Paper Tray | Internationally preferred |
Conclusion
Each egg tray type has its own advantages.
- Choose 30-egg trays for poultry farms, wholesalers, and exporters.
- Use 12-egg trays for supermarkets and regular home consumers.
- Select 6-egg trays for premium, organic, or branded packaging.
The right tray ensures better protection, higher sales appeal, and lower costs depending on your business needs.