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Disposable Napkins

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A disposable napkin has two jobs depending on where it sits. On a dine-in table it is part of the setting, which is where decorative paper napkins earn their place. On a takeaway counter it is a consumable, and absorbency and dispenser fit matter more than the look.

Disposable napkins are bought on size and ply and judged on whether one is enough. A napkin that needs doubling up costs twice as much as the better one, so the cheapest line on the shelf rarely wins.

Napkins pair with the way they are presented: napkin dispensers on a counter, cutlery storage and condiment sets on a table. The rest of the kitchen disposables range sits alongside.

Deciding which two sizes to hold? The price guide prices the dinner, lunch and cocktail sizes by the carton.

These are the top FAQs for Disposable Napkins

What napkin size suits which service?

Cocktail size is for drinks and canapes, lunch size is the everyday workhorse for cafes and counters, and dinner size is for a set table where the napkin is part of the cover.

Most venues hold two: the everyday size and one either side of it for drinks or for a full service. Match the dinner size to your dinnerware plates rather than buying the largest available.

Does ply actually make a difference?

Yes, and it is the main thing separating a napkin that works from one that gets doubled. More plies means more absorbency and more bulk in the hand, which also means fewer napkins per sleeve.

A single-ply napkin on a burger service is false economy. On a drinks tray it is exactly right.

What is the difference between a quarter fold and an interfold napkin?

A quarter fold is the square, pre-folded napkin you put on a table or in a basket. An interfold is designed so pulling one presents the next, which is what a counter dispenser needs.

The fold decides the dispenser, not the other way around, so check the two together. See napkin dispensers for which folds each takes.

Do decorative paper napkins work for everyday service?

They work where the napkin is seen as part of the setting — a cafe table, a function, a bar with food. For a takeaway counter they are wasted, because the napkin is in use within seconds.

Keeping one decorative line for functions and one plain line for volume is cheaper than compromising on a single napkin for both. The buffet and table service range covers the rest of the table.

Do dispensers cut usage?

In a self-service venue, noticeably. An open basket invites a handful; a dispenser that presents one at a time changes the behaviour without anyone being asked to.

In a table-service venue it makes little difference, because staff control how many go out, and the argument for a dispenser there is tidiness rather than cost. Site it with the disposable cutlery so the customer makes one stop.

Are disposable napkins compostable?

Plain, unprinted paper napkins generally go into organic waste streams, and heavily printed or coated ones are a different question answered on the product page.

If you are separating organics, a used napkin is one of the easier wins — provided the bins make it obvious. See rubbish bins and the eco friendly disposables range.

How should napkins be stored?

Sealed, dry and off the floor. Paper takes up moisture and a damp napkin feels cheap even if it is not, so an opened sleeve in a wet prep area is the thing to avoid.

Keep bulk stock on modular shelving away from the wash-up, and bring out one sleeve at a time to the counter.