If you've ever wondered why European microgreen growers seem to use an array of tray sizes while the U.S. market sticks mostly to the familiar 10x20, it’s not just a matter of preference.
There's a clear reason behind these sizing differences. Much of it comes down to logistics, packaging needs, and how growers align with their local distribution systems.
Understanding how tray sizing varies internationally isn’t just trivia. It’s a practical advantage. Whether you’re shipping microgreens to restaurants, packing them into CSAs, or optimizing your space, your tray size can shape everything from your efficiency to your profit margins.
Let’s take a deeper look at why tray sizing in Europe is more diverse, how it compares to the U.S., and what global growers are doing differently.
The U.S. Standard: 10x20 Trays
In the United States, the 10x20 tray has become the industry standard. It fits most grow racks, humidity domes, and propagation stations. Because of its size and availability, everything from grow mats to shelving systems is designed around this footprint.
It’s cost-effective, easy to source, and great for small-scale and commercial growers alike. However, this uniformity doesn’t always suit operations that require custom outputs, retail-ready formats, or more precise logistics.
We’ve covered it in detail before. Explore our previous blog: "Why 10x20 Trays Are the Standard in the Microgreen Industry
Why Europe Uses Many Tray Sizes
In Europe, agricultural systems are often designed around logistical compatibility and efficiency. Many growers operate on standardized Euro pallet systems, where 60×40 cm trays (and their half-sized variants) make stacking, storing, and transporting much easier.
These sizes are also better aligned with food service and wholesale needs. For example:
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60×40 cm trays fit neatly into rolling racks and refrigerated shelves.
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Half trays (30×40 cm) are often used by growers with limited space or niche production cycles.
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Punnets (typically 10×15 cm to 12×18 cm) are seeded and grown to deliver—ideal for chefs and kitchen prep areas.
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NFT channels (nutrient film technique systems) are adapted in some high-efficiency setups for baby leaf and microgreen varieties.
The goal? Maximize output while minimizing waste, transplanting, and handling. Instead of growing in bulk and harvesting into separate containers, many European growers simply seed directly into the final retail tray.
Comparison: U.S. vs. Europe
Here’s a practical breakdown of how the markets differ:
U.S. Microgreen Tray Sizing
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Standard Size: 10×20 inch trays (approx. 25×50 cm)
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Why It’s Used: Readily available, compatible with racks, lighting systems, and shelving.
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Best For: Indoor farms, hobbyists, and commercial microgreen growers
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Used By: Most US commercial and small farms
European Microgreen Tray Sizing
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Standard Size: 60×40 cm trays, plus half-sizes (30×40 cm) and smaller punnets
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Why It’s Used: Compatible with Euro pallet systems; easier transport and refrigeration
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Best For: Commercial farms, restaurants, and wholesale systems
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Used By: Most EU microgreen farms
Why the 60×40 cm Tray Is a Staple in Europe
The 60×40 cm tray is common in Europe not just for convenience, but because it's designed to work perfectly within the Euro pallet system—the standardized format used across supply chains and distribution hubs.
This compatibility streamlines everything:
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Trays stack evenly on standard pallets
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Shelving units and refrigeration racks are often built around this format
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Transport is more efficient, reducing breakage and handling costs
If you’re exporting microgreens or selling to buyers who expect this format, adapting your system can give you an edge.
Punnet Trays (10×15 to 12×18 cm)
Small-format punnet trays are a staple in many European microgreen operations, especially those supplying chefs, grocers, or direct-to-consumer boxes. These punnets are typically seeded and grown directly to harvest, and are not transplanted or handled post-growth—this allows the greens to remain in the same tray from germination to delivery.
One of the key reasons punnet trays are preferred is to minimize handling and maximize shelf life. By eliminating the need to harvest, repackage, or disturb the product, growers can maintain the integrity of the microgreens, delivering them fresh, rooted, and ready to snip.
This format also reduces the risk of contamination and extends freshness, since the greens continue to grow or hold moisture within the punnet right up until consumption.
For chefs, the convenience is significant: they can receive a tray with a mix of varieties, place it directly in the kitchen, and trim as needed—no waste, no prep. Retailers benefit from reduced shrinkage, while consumers enjoy the visual appeal and extended life of a living product.
This format is popular in urban farms or distribution models where packaging needs to be space-efficient, low-touch, and visually appealing. Growers like Profarms (Belgium) use punnets for both functionality and brand presentation.
With Vegbed’s bamboo mats, punnets can be easily lined with pre-cut substrate squares, supporting clean germination, consistent root structure, and zero mess at delivery.
How NFT Channels Fit into Modern Microgreen Systems
You may be wondering why nutrient film technique (NFT) systems are included in a discussion about microgreen tray sizes. While NFT channels are more commonly associated with leafy greens, some commercial microgreen farms, especially in Europe, are adapting this method for specific crops that benefit from continuous water flow and minimal substrate use.
This approach offers scalability, cleanliness, and water efficiency, making it a viable system for certain high-volume microgreen varieties.
NFT systems use shallow, continuously flowing water enriched with nutrients. In traditional hydroponic farming, they are known for supporting crops like lettuce or basil. However, some innovative growers now use these channels to grow microgreens such as watercress, radish, mustard, and even pea shoots. These crops tend to have stronger stems that tolerate the constant flow well.
This setup works best in operations where:
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Automation is a priority
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There is access to consistent, high-quality water
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Labor efficiency is essential
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Substrate waste needs to be reduced
Instead of using seedling trays, the seeds are sown directly on mesh netting or removable supports placed within the channel. Once roots develop, they draw nutrients from the flowing solution below, eliminating the need for grow mats or soil alternatives.
Growy (Netherlands) has explored NFT methods for crops like watercress, radish, mustard greens, and microgreens. The system supports high-volume output with minimal inputs, ideal for tech-forward or space-constrained farms.
While NFT isn’t suited for every variety, especially those requiring blackout or weighted phases, it remains a powerful option in data-driven operations.
👉 Learn more about why commercial farms are adding microgreens to their products: Why Commercial Farms Are Adding Microgreens to Their Harvests
Which Tray Size Should You Use?
The answer depends on your business model:
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Farmers markets or CSA boxes: Punnets or 10×10 trays offer convenience and allow for smaller batch control
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Wholesale to chefs: Punnets or 60×40 trays reduce handling and allow delivery of live greens
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Export or large-scale distribution: 60×40 trays match logistic systems, reduce breakage, and stack efficiently
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High-efficiency hydroponic systems: Consider trialing NFT channels for fast-turnover crops in enclosed systems
Tray Size Should Match Your Substrate, Too
Regardless of size, substrate performance is crucial. Bamboo fiber mats from Vegbed can be easily trimmed or purchased in compatible sizes, ensuring uniform moisture, easy harvesting, and a clean growing environment. Whether you’re working with a punnet or a Euro tray, pre-cut mats reduce labor and support food safety standards.
Vegbed can also cater to customized sizing for bulk orders: https://www.vegbed.com/pages/order-form
What This Means for Your Operation
Whether you’re exporting or selling locally, tray sizing impacts your workflow. If you’re based in the U.S. and looking to scale internationally or improve efficiency, it may be worth exploring other tray sizes. Especially for:
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Live microgreens for restaurant accounts
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Subscription boxes with pre-sized portions
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Reducing waste during harvest and transport
Pairing your tray format with a clean, flexible substrate like Vegbed’s bamboo fiber mats makes it easier to test new formats without overhauling your system. Our mats can be cut to size and work with any tray, from standard 1020s to 60x40 European crates.
Interested in how other farms are customizing their setups? Read our related blog post on Why 10x20 Trays Are the Standard in the Microgreen Industry
Final Thoughts
Tray sizing isn’t just about what fits on your rack; it’s about what fits your operation, your market, and your long-term strategy. European growers have leaned into standardized, pallet-compatible trays because of how it aligns with distribution, automation, and buyer expectations.
In contrast, U.S. growers benefit from the simplicity of the 10x20-inch system, but there’s still room for flexible formats like punnets and half trays when targeting specific buyers like chefs or grocers.
For those running hydroponic systems already, exploring NFT-compatible microgreen channels could open up space- and resource-saving opportunities.
Whatever tray size you choose, pairing it with a clean, biodegradable mat like Vegbed’s bamboo fiber substrate can streamline your workflow and help you meet food safety and sustainability goals with ease.