Custom Packaging
in San Francisco
San Francisco has some of the strictest packaging rules in the US. It was the first US city to ban PFAS in compostable food service ware, and California's statewide PFAS and SB 54 laws build on that. For SF brands, a box that is recyclable or compostable is the starting point, not an upgrade.
Delivery to San Francisco
Packaging for San Francisco businesses
The city's mix of hardware startups, specialty food makers and licensed cannabis brands means very different packaging under one set of rules: protective boxes for devices, PFAS-free food packaging, and child-resistant packaging for cannabis.
San Francisco's Ferry Building marketplace and its neighbourhood bakeries and chocolatiers set a high bar for food packaging, and many of its companies run large employee-gifting programs at the holidays. Plastic-free, compostable-friendly materials are expected by most customers here.
Tech and hardware startups
Hardware and gadget companies need rigid boxes and fitted inserts for launches, plus software and accessory boxes, often in short runs for crowdfunding backers.
Specialty food and coffee
Bakeries, chocolatiers and coffee roasters need PFAS-free food boxes and compostable-compatible takeout packaging.
Cannabis
Licensed cannabis brands need child-resistant, opaque packaging for edibles and compliant packaging for flower and pre-rolls under California rules.
Packaging rules to know in San Francisco
San Francisco PFAS ban for compostable foodware
Since January 1, 2020, San Francisco prohibits the sale or distribution of compostable food service ware that contains fluorinated chemicals (PFAS), and bans plastic straws, stirrers and toothpicks, including compostable plastic versions.
Source: Packaging Law: San Francisco fluorinated chemical banCalifornia PFAS and SB 54
Statewide, California bans intentionally added PFAS in paper-based food packaging (since 2023) and, under SB 54, requires single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032.
Source: CalRecycle: SB 54 regulationsCalifornia cannabis packaging
The Department of Cannabis Control requires cannabis goods to be child-resistant, tamper-evident, resealable if they hold more than one serving, and opaque for edibles, and packaging must not resemble products marketed to children.
Source: California DCC: packaging requirementsRules change: confirm current requirements before you print.
Tips for San Francisco orders
- For anything food-related, specify PFAS-free board and coatings and keep the supplier documentation.
- Choose paper-based inserts (card or moulded pulp) over foam for hardware launches; they suit SF customers' expectations and SB 54.
- If you crowdfund a product, plan a small premium run for early backers and a larger run for retail.
Popular packaging for San Francisco businesses
FAQs — Custom Packaging in San Francisco
Is your food packaging PFAS-free for San Francisco?
Can you make plastic-free packaging for a hardware launch?
Do you make child-resistant packaging for California cannabis?
Do you make employee gift boxes for tech companies?
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