A grease stain that has spread across the takeout bag- the first impression your customer gets before opening the box is not a good one, especially if it took twenty minutes for your order to be delivered. Thin or uncoated sheets allow oil to seep right through and onto the bag, counter, or back seat of a delivery driver, and that is a grievance that finds its way to a review before it gets to the kitchen. The solution is bulk greaseproof paper, provided that the grammage and coating are truly greaseproof and not just food-safe.

What is the source of the paper’s greaseproofness?

Custom food wrapping paper won’t be oily; it simply repels oil. Some grades make it by using tightly refined, densely calendered fibers alone; most of the commercial sheets have a light coating of some wax or PE on top for added hold-out of the hot, oily food. Either way, it is grease- and moisture-proof at serving temperatures of up to about 200-220°F, and it is not for use in an oven like parchment is.

Why do greaseproof paper sheets pay for themselves?

Grease resistant paper not only preserves food, but also the wrapping material surrounding it. A sheet that lines a burger box or fry basket, for instance, prevents oil from damaging the box and ensures that the word on the box does not become translucent and the shape of the box remains intact. Custom-printed sheets can serve as a branding opportunity that customers will see as soon as they open the bag, which is something they won’t see with a plain wrapper, and thus encourages repeat orders. Any kitchen that uses paper food service supplies on a weekly basis, rather than monthly, can save money by purchasing these materials wholesale. From wax to PE to uncoated, an operator can select the most appropriate level of grease resistance for the menu offered, rather than the one they think it requires and overpay for.

Important specs to consider when ordering bulk greaseproof paper

As well as by coating, grease-resistant paper is also graded by GSM. Commercial greaseproof sheets are available in wax, PE, or uncoated finishes with a GSM of approximately 28- 65. Sheet sizes range from small liner size to full sandwich size, and roll widths are available for high-volume cutting. Make sure that the supplier has been approved by the FDA for food contact and preferably is ISO 22000 or SGS certified; not all suppliers are certified for both. Printing is done on soy- or water-based ink, which can be used for food safety when there is light grease seepage.

Besides takeout chains, who else is buying it?

The biggest offenders are takeout and fast casual chains that use so many boxes and baskets for every fried and sauced dish. It is used by delis and sandwich shops as a wrap and counter liner, respectively, as the name implies. Bakeries grab it when making pastries, as it takes up more paper than they need for a full parchment sheet. Just like restaurants, caterers line their trays and platters to keep grease from getting on the food below. Distributors carry the complete GSM line, because it is unlikely that one grade will satisfy all of their accounts.

The costliest kitchen buying error, by far

The problem is, it assumes that all food service paper is equal and you’ll save money on buying the lowest possible GSM. A thin sheet under a fried order wets through in minutes, and the grease gets in the box anyway. Match the grammage to the level of grease: lighter for baked goods, heavier or waxed for fried foods or sauced sandwiches. Request a sample of your actual menu items, not a sample or demo.

FAQs

Q: What is the lowest quantity of bulk greaseproof paper? 

A: Generally, most kitchens begin with one case. There is typically a minimum from there with custom printing; make sure to ask the current MOQs when quoting.

Q: Can greaseproof paper be used in the oven as parchment? 

A: Not reliably. It has a grease and moisture temperature of about 200-220°F, not baking. Anything that goes in the oven: use parchment.

Conclusion

The Deli Paper is named for its bulk greaseproof paper, which are produced without any reseller mark-up from the mill to kitchen. Contact sales at The Deli Paper, 832-900-9245 or sales@thedelipaper.com and request samples in several GSM grades of grease resistance.