How to use this hub
Pick a topic below. Each group collects our guides, buying comparisons and spec references, then points you to the commercial page and a quote. Use the quick jump to go straight to a category.
Paper Napkin Guides
Sizing, ply, GSM and bulk-buy decisions for disposable paper napkins.
Airlaid Napkin Guides
The linen-like disposable material — what it is and how to specify it.
Custom Printed Napkins
Printing methods, MOQ, artwork and branding for printed napkins.
Private Label & OEM
Put your own brand on napkins and packaging — program and process.
Buying Guides — Manufacturer & Procurement
Supplier selection, auditing, pricing and import logistics.
Comparisons
Side-by-side decisions — ply, type and material — to brief suppliers fast.
Sizes & Specifications
Charts and definitions you can drop straight into an RFQ.
Industry Solutions
Procurement-focused pages by venue — with industry-specific quotes.
Catering & Events
Hospitality & Foodservice
Transport & Care
Quick reference toolkit
- Size by use: dinner 16×16–22×22 in, cocktail 10×10–12×12 in, guest/luncheon ~12×12 in, dispenser towels 1-ply folded.
- Material: paper = lowest cost; airlaid = linen-like premium at disposable cost; cloth = reusable/washable.
- Ply: 1-ply (towels), 2-ply (standard table/cocktail), 3-ply (premium).
- Custom printing: MOQ 5,000 pcs/design; sample 5–7 days; bulk 10–15 days.
- Compliance: food-contact-safe low-migration inks, responsible fibre sourcing, ISO-aligned quality control; certificates arranged via upstream partners on request.
- RFQ essentials: size + ply + material + print file + quantity + packaging + destination.
Napkin size & ply reference
| Type | Common size | Ply | Typical material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner napkin | 16×16 – 20×20 in | 2–3 | Paper / Airlaid | Restaurant mains, banquet, hotel |
| Cloth dinner | 20×20 – 22×22 in | — | Cotton / Polyester-linen | Reusable upscale service |
| Cocktail napkin | 10×10 – 12×12 in | 2 | Paper / Airlaid | Bar, drinks, appetisers |
| Guest / Luncheon | 12×12 in | 2–3 | Paper / Airlaid | Restroom, lobby, events |
| Dispenser towel | 1/3-fold, 1/6-fold, c-fold, z-fold | 1 | Paper (white) | Kitchen, restroom, C-fold dispensers |
| Foodservice roll towel | Roll / interleaved | 1 | Paper (lint-free options) | Commercial kitchen hand-dry |
See the full napkin size & ply guide for fold types and regional conventions.
RFQ checklist (send this to suppliers)
- Size & shape: e.g. 12×12 in cocktail, 20×20 in dinner, or folded towel format.
- Material & ply: paper 2-ply, airlaid, or cotton cloth.
- Print: artwork/file, colours, placement (all-over, border, logo corner).
- Quantity & MOQ: per design minimum is 5,000 pcs; state total volume.
- Packaging: bulk pack, retail banding, or custom private-label wrap.
- Certifications: list any required (FSC, BSCI, FDA, food-contact).
- Destination & Incoterms: port/country and preferred shipping terms.
Compliance & certification reference
Buyers commonly request the following certificate types for their target market (we arrange documentation through our upstream partners on request — we do not publish certificate images):
FSC® — responsible fibre sourcing BSCI — social compliance audit FDA — food-contact status (US) GS — safety certified ISO — quality management systems
Request the specific certificate relevant to your market when you enquiry. Our Yiwu factory ships to restaurants, hotels, distributors and promo resellers across North America, Europe and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
What size napkin do restaurants use?
Restaurants typically use dinner napkins 16×16–20×20 in (paper/airlaid) or 20×20–22×22 in (cloth), cocktail napkins 10×10–12×12 in, and guest/luncheon napkins around 12×12 in.
How many plies should a foodservice napkin have?
1-ply suits dispenser towels and high-volume use; 2-ply is the standard for table and cocktail napkins; 3-ply adds absorbency and a more premium feel for upscale service.
What is the MOQ for custom printed napkins?
Our custom printing minimum is 5,000 pieces per design. Sampling takes 5–7 days and bulk production 10–15 days from artwork approval.
Are your napkins certified (FSC/BSCI/FDA/ISO)?
Production uses food-contact-safe low-migration inks and responsible-fibre sourcing, with ISO-aligned quality control. We can arrange the relevant certificate documentation through our upstream partners on request.
Paper, airlaid or cloth — which should I choose?
Paper for low-cost disposable service, airlaid for a linen-like premium look at disposable cost, and cloth for reusable/washable service where laundry is manageable.
Can I get a free sample before ordering?
Yes — sample lead time is 5–7 days. Share your size, ply, material and print requirements and we will prepare a sample for evaluation.
Manufacturer & supplier programs
Go straight to the supply program that matches how you buy — stock wholesale, custom printing, private label or a mixed container.
Get a quote within hours
Tell us the napkin type, quantity, sizes and destination. Our export team replies within hours with EXW and FOB pricing.