A moulded tray is the primary packaging that eggs sit in directly: a formed tray, usually of moulded paper pulp, with 30 individual pockets that cushion each egg and keep them separated. Pulp trays are favoured for export because the material absorbs shock and some moisture, which helps reduce breakage over long, multi-leg journeys. Plastic trays are used where a buyer prefers them.
Trays are the building block of the pack hierarchy: 12 moulded trays of 30 eggs make up one 360-egg master carton, and the cartons in turn fill the reefer. Because the tray is in direct contact with the product, its quality and fit matter for both protection and presentation, and retail packs of 6, 10 or 12 can be printed with buyer artwork where required. Robust trays and cartons together are what keep breakage within tolerance on lanes with onward inland or island distribution.