What is the Best Paper for Food Packaging?

This quick guide explores popular paper packaging options, highlights their key applications and advantages, and shares tips on choosing the best one.
 

ALT: Different Types of Paper Based Food Packaging
Choosing the right paper for food packaging isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety, functionality, and sustainability. From greaseproof sheets to sturdy kraft paper, each type offers unique benefits suited to different foods and purposes.
In this article, we explore popular paper options, highlight their key applications and advantages, and share practical tips on choosing the best one.

 

8 Types of Paper Used for Food Packaging

Let's take a quick look at the eight best paper options for food packaging. These are all widely available materials that each serve a unique purpose. 
 

1. Kraft Paper

 

Kraft paper is a strong and resilient brown sheet, made from chemically-processed wood pulp. It has a porous structure, resulting in high elasticity and tear resistance. It's one of the most versatile food packaging materials and is commonly used in takeaway packaging.
The paper gets its name from the German word "Kraft", meaning strength. It refers to the excellent mechanical strength of the kraft paper. In fact, the paper manufacturing process is called kraft processing. 
Kraft paper starts as wood chips simmering in a hot water solution containing sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide. Once the wood breaks down into raw fibers, it's mechanically processed into sheets.
In terms of properties, kraft paper is produced with various thicknesses. Thin kraft paper food packaging is commonly used for wrapping dry foods like bread and sandwiches. Thicker sheets are widely used as construction materials for custom paper packaging, takeaway boxes, and disposable paper tableware.

Table 1 - Advantages and applications of using Kraft Paper for food packaging

 

2. Greaseproof Paper (Glassine Paper)

Greaseproof paper refers to a special type of paper designed to resist oil and grease absorption. It has a unique transparent look, similar to frosted glass. Hence, it's commonly known as glassine paper. 
It's made by processing regular paper stock, so it has a low porosity (minimum internal air pockets). Afterwards, the paper is stretched between multiple rollers in a process called supercalendering. 
As the paper passes through multiple rollers, it becomes denser and its fibers start to align. Additionally, glassine paper packaging can be coated with silicone to make it non-stick.
Unlike other clear paper packaging materials, glassine doesn't use any chemicals during the manufacturing process, and the silicone coating is completely optional.
Greaseproof paper is commonly used for packaging oily and fatty foods, such as cheese, pastries, and chocolates. 
Table 2 - Advantages and applications of using Greaseproof Paper for food packaging

 

3. Parchment Paper (Baking Paper)

Parchment paper is similar to greaseproof paper, except it uses a thin coating of food-grade silicone to achieve grease resistance. 
A standard roll of parchment paper boasts a heat tolerance of up to 450°F. Due to its high resistance, it's most commonly used for baking applications. 
In order to make parchment paper, manufacturers produce an ultra-thin sheet of paper that gets coated in silicone. The silicone provides the paper with additional strength, compensating for the lower thickness.
Parchment paper is incredibly versatile. Despite being marketed as a baking essential, it can be used for any number of applications, including wrapping hot foods and packaging greasy products like fries and fried chicken. 
Table 3 - Advantages and applications of using Parchment Paper for food packaging

 

4. Wax Paper

Wax paper or paraffin paper is a thin sheet of paper coated in a natural wax, making it moisture-proof and grease-proof. 
Wax paper is made by soaking paper stock in melted beeswax. As the wax enters the tiny holes in the paper, the paper becomes translucent. The type of wax can often vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Other sources of wax include oil inside sperm whales, fats in sheep's wool, some plant extracts, and a petroleum derivative called paraffin. All of these wax bases are food safe, although many consumers prefer beeswax-coated paper as it is more environmentally friendly and ethical. 
It's an alternative to parchment paper and is used for almost the same applications. 
Table 4 - Advantages and applications of using Wax Paper for food packaging

 

5. Butcher Paper

Butcher paper is a specialized cooking tool for wrapping and smoking meat. It's a type of kraft paper that is specially designed to be tear-resistant and leak-proof. 
The high density of butcher paper means it can absorb liquids and fat and prevent leakage. Butchers commonly use it for wrapping meat. As the paper is breathable, it allows fresh air to pass through the meat while preventing moisture and blood from leaking out. 
Today, it is also used for cooking meat. As the meat is wrapped in butcher paper, it spreads out the heat evenly and prevents moisture loss.
Commercially, there are several varieties of butcher paper, sold under various marketing terms.
Brown butcher paper is the most natural and least processed type.
White butcher paper is made from bleached paper stock. 
Pink butcher paper uses color additives to mask the red meat juice and blood.
Steak paper is the same as pink butcher paper but marketed to steak aficionados.

Table 5 - Advantages and applications of using Butcher Paper for food packaging

6. Recycled Paper

Virgin paper is made from processing wood pulp, while recycled paper is made from processing used paper products. 
Recyclers shred paper products such as packaging, newspapers, cardboard, books, and magazines into smaller pieces. The paper pieces are then mixed with water into a pulp. Then, as the pulp goes through filters, any contaminants like plastic coatings or staple pins are removed.
Next, the paper pulp is cleaned using soap and a chemical bath to remove ink and other contaminants.
Finally, the clean paper pulp is pressed between heated rollers to form a new sheet of recycled paper. The final recycled paper has a grey color, so it's bleached to give it a fresh white look.
Recycled paper food packaging is completely safe to use. It's commonly used as a wrap for dry goods and construction material for paper bags. 
The biggest benefit of recycled paper is its eco-friendliness. Research shows consumers are willing to pay extra for more sustainable paper packaging. 
Table 6 - Advantages and applications of using Recycled Paper for food packaging

 

7. Printed Paper (Deli Paper)

Printed deli paper is made from bleached kraft paper with outside printed branding. Its only standout feature is easy customization for deli and restaurant food packaging.
It boosts your product presentation and increases the dining experience of customers. 
Most deli papers are uncoated. However, some businesses use a coated variety for their greasy foods. 
Brand recognition is everything in the food service industry. Iconic packaging results in increased customer attention over your competitors. 
Table 7- Advantages and applications of using Printed Paper for food packaging

 

8. Food Safe Cardboard

 
Food-safe cardboard is another type of kraft paper. It is commonly made from folding thick sheets of kraft paper into trays, boxes, and other containers. 
You have probably seen Chinese takeout containers that are made from folded cardboard. These are low-cost packaging solutions that use eco-friendly and biodegradable cardboard. 
Cardboards are best suited for large portions of food that are too heavy to package in paper. Additionally, it is used as secondary packaging for frozen foods and shelf-safe products like pasta or cereals.

Table 8 - Advantages and applications of using Food Safe Cardboard for food packaging

Comparing the Different Paper Options for  Food Packaging 

If we compare each of the above-mentioned paper options, some interesting patterns start to emerge.
Glassine, parchment, and wax paper are advertised as non-stick. However, any paper or cardboard option can be coated in silicon or PET plastic and converted to non-stick.
Parchment paper is by far the best option for cooking in an oven as it has the highest heat resistance. Wax paper is more likely to burn at high temperatures.
Butcher paper is more breathable and therefore better for smoking and grilling.

Table 9 - Highlighting the advantages and applications of using Kraft paper for food packaging

How to Choose the Right Paper Packaging?

Choosing the right paper packaging for your food products is an easy process. Go through the following steps and identify the type of paper that’s best suited for your needs. 
1. Durability & Application - Heavier and larger portion foods require more durable packaging, such as thick kraft paper or cardboard. 
2. Moisture & Grease Resistance - Fried foods, sauced foods, pastries, and other baked goods need moisture-resistant paper to prevent the juices from leaking out.
3. Environmental Factors - Uncoated, unbleached, and unprinted paper has the least environmental impact. 
4. Health and Safety - Paper that is coated in PET plastic and exposed to high heat can result in microplastics leaching into your food.
5. Customization Options - White bleached paper is best suited to color printing and branding. 
6. Overall Cost - Your cost estimation should be relative to the products you sell. No point in getting expensive cardboard packaging for a low-cost sandwich.

 

Conclusion

Paper is a versatile material and can be customized to fit different applications. Choose from any of the eight packaging solutions mentioned above. Each material is the best in class for its dedicated application. However, we generally recommend against using parchment or butcher paper for packaging, as they are better suited to cooking applications.

Get High-Quality Customizable Paper Packaging from Ancheng! 

Ancheng is the premier manufacturer of natural and environmentally friendly food packaging and tableware. We specialize in ethically sourced all all-natural, and food-safe materials that produce high-quality paper cups, bowls, boxes, and bags at competitive prices. 
We also offer full customization options so you can boost your brand recognition with printed logos and colorful designs. 
Elevate your products with custom paper packaging from Ancheng. Contact us now!