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Food Packaging Paper

Science and Application of Food Packaging Paper

In the vast arena of the modern food industry, packaging is not only an obscure background role, it bears the important task of protecting food from external contamination, but also an indispensable part of the marketing strategy. In particular, food wrapping paper, a material in direct contact with food, has become the focus of public attention for its safety, functionality and environmental friendliness.

In this paper, we will take an in-depth look at several common food wrapping papers, including grease-proof paper, paraffin paper, silicone paper, sulfuric acid paper, and other common PE laminating papers, and analyze in detail their temperature resistance, production processes, characteristics, and common scenarios.

Grease-proof paper(OIL-proof Paper)

As a widely used packaging material in the fast food industry, grease-proof paper seems to be a revolution in the kitchen. Made from virgin wood pulp, grease-proof paper is coated with a special layer of grease-proof agent, and this unique design makes it effective in preventing greasy food from penetrating the wrapping paper.
The production process of grease-proof paper includes the preparation of raw paper, the preparation of dip-coating glue, coating and drying and calendering, etc. Its characteristics are reflected in the grease-proof, environmental protection, mechanical strength and other aspects. The oil proof grade of this paper is usually classified according to the resistance to oil and grease penetration. The heat resistance can withstand a certain range of high temperatures, and the application scenarios include food packaging, industrial use and so on.
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    Production process:

    Raw paper preparation: The first step in the production of grease-proof paper is the preparation of raw paper. This step involves the raw material (e.g. wood pulp) being processed through high pulping degree to form pulp, which is further processed into paper substrate. This stage ensures the basic physical properties of the grease-proof paper, such as strength and thickness.


    Impregnating solution preparation: In this step, impregnating solutions are prepared to enhance the oil repellent properties of the paper. Common dip-coat compositions include waterborne acrylics and other synthetic resins that form a stable and continuous oil-resistant layer after drying.

    Coating step: The prepared adhesive is uniformly applied to the base paper using an extrusion applicator or similar equipment. This process requires a high degree of precision in controlling the thickness and uniformity of the coating to ensure optimum oil resistance.

    Drying and calendering: The coated raw paper is dried in an oven and calendered in a soft calender. Drying and calendering not only cures the anti-oil coating, but also improves the overall gloss and flatness of the paper.

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    Characteristics:

    Oil resistance: The core characteristic of oil-resistant paper is its excellent oil resistance, which can effectively block the penetration of oil and grease. This is mainly attributed to its surface covered with chemical coatings, such as water-based acrylic coating, which dries to form a thin film that can effectively isolate grease stains. In the packaging of fried foods such as fried chicken and burgers, grease-proof paper demonstrates its temperature resistance of 100°C to 120°C, ensuring that the food retains its optimum flavor.


    Environmentally friendly: Modern grease-proof paper production tends to use environmentally friendly materials, such as water-based acrylics instead of traditional oil-based chemicals, which not only reduces the impact on the environment, but also ensures the safety of the product in use.

    Mechanical strength: Despite special chemical treatment, grease-proof paper still needs to maintain good mechanical strength, including tear and breakage resistance, in order to adapt to a variety of physical requirements for packaging and use.

    Versatility: In addition to the basic oil-proof function, some grease-proof paper products can also have waterproof or other barrier properties, which is particularly important in dealing with oily and other liquid mixtures in the product packaging.

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    Oil-resistant grade:

    Oil-resistant grades are usually graded according to the ability of the paper to prevent penetration of oil and grease.


    The higher the grade, the better the paper's oil resistance.

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    Heat resistance:

    Temperature range: Grease-proof paper is usually able to maintain a stable grease-proof effect within a certain temperature range ( below 120°C), and will not be damaged or lose its grease-proof function due to high temperature. For specific applications, such as cooking papers, this ensures safety at high temperatures.


    Material stability: Heat resistance depends not only on the coating itself, but also on the stability of the paper substrate. High-quality base paper and effective coating formulations work together to stabilize the paper's thermal stability and keep it functioning when it comes into contact with hot food or grease.

  • 05

    Application Scenario:

    Food Packaging: Grease-proof paper is widely used to package foods containing grease, such as fast food, baked goods and fried foods. This kind of packaging not only prevents grease from getting through, but also maintains the freshness and flavor of the food.


    Industrial use: In the industrial field, grease-proof paper is used to package and protect all kinds of mechanical and electronic components to prevent the leakage or penetration of oil and lubricant, especially during transportation and storage.

Paraffin Paper (Wax Paper)

Paraffin paper brings a new dimension to food packaging with its excellent moisture and stain resistance properties. By coating one or both sides of the paper with food-grade paraffin wax, paraffin paper not only ensures the freshness of the food, but also enhances the overall appearance of the package.
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    Production Process

    Raw material selection: The production of paraffin paper begins with the selection of a suitable base paper, usually parchment or high-quality paper is used as the substrate. The base paper must be dry enough to ensure uniform penetration of the wax solution in the subsequent steps.


    Paraffin wax preparation: Paraffin wax is extracted from crude oil, and pure wax paste is obtained through solvent refining and dewaxing process, and then flaky or needle-like crystals are obtained through oil removal and additional refining.

    Coating method: Before coating, the raw paper needs to be kept dry enough to ensure the wax solution is impregnated. Paraffin paper is generally coated by melt impregnation, but can also be solvent coated or slot coated. In some production processes, the coating is also carried out in the drying section of the paper machine or in the calender.

  • 02

    Characteristics

    Moisture resistance: By coating or impregnating the paper with paraffin wax, paraffin paper acquires a very high resistance to moisture and water. This property makes paraffin paper ideal for wrapping items to prevent moisture intrusion.


    The inherent properties of paraffin wax create a protective layer on the surface of the paper, effectively blocking moisture from air and water from coming into direct contact with the paper.

    Grease resistance: In addition to moisture,
     paraffin paper shows excellent resistance to grease penetration. This allows it to keep the contents clean and hygienic when packaging oily or greasy foods.This property is especially important for maintaining freshness and preventing outside contamination.

    Environmentally degradable:One of the outstanding advantages of paper-based paraffin paper is its environmental degradability. In the current context of high global concern for environmental protection, this material offers a sustainable option.

    Translucency: Paraffin-treated paper has a certain translucency effect, which is aesthetically pleasing and makes it easy to inspect the contents of the package.

  • 03

    Oil-resistant grade

    Paraffin paper usually has a high oil resistance rating because the paraffin wax layer on its surface is very effective in blocking oils and grease. The specific grade depends on the thickness and uniformity of the wax coating.

  • 04

    Heat resistance

    Temperature range: Paraffin paper is resistant to temperatures between approximately 60°C and 80°C because paraffin wax softens and may melt at high temperatures. This limits its use in high temperature scenarios.


    Material stability: Although the heat resistance is not very high, the oil and moisture resistance of paraffin paper remains stable under normal conditions of use and storage.

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    Application Scenarios

    Food packaging: Mainly used for packaging candy, bread, sandwiches, cookies and packaging cold food and other meat products.

    The moisture-proof and grease-proof properties of paraffin paper ensure the dryness and cleanliness of food during storage and transportation.

    Pharmaceutical packaging: Due to its moisture-proof properties, paraffin paper is also widely used in pharmaceutical packaging. It can effectively protect medicines from moisture, thus maintaining their efficacy and extending their shelf life.

    Industrial application: In the non-food field, paraffin paper is used in occasions that require moisture-proof or oil-proof, such as the packaging of electronic components and metal parts to prevent rusting and contamination, which is especially important for the long-term storage and transportation of metal products.

Silicone Oil Paper (Parchment paper/ Baking Paper)

The emergence of silicone oil paper has brought a radical change to the baking industry.
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    Production process

    Preparation of raw materials: The production of silicone oil paper is the first to choose the appropriate raw paper as the base paper, usually the choice of higher quality paper to ensure sufficient strength and smoothness. Silicone oil as a colorless, odorless, non-toxic organic compounds, with excellent high temperature resistance, chemical resistance and insulation properties, is an indispensable core material in the production of silicone oil paper.


    Coating process: The production process includes evenly coating silicone oil on the paper surface (either single-sided silicone oil or double-sided silicone coating), and then curing it through drying and other processes. The coating process requires strict control of the distribution uniformity and thickness of the silicone oil to ensure the consistency of the performance of the final product.

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    Characteristics

    High temperature resistance: Because the silicone oil itself has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, its temperature resistance can reach 230 ° C or more, will not be damaged or lost due to temperature rise waterproof and oil function.


    Moisture and oil resistance: The surface of the silicone oil paper is covered with a layer of silicone oil, which makes it have excellent moisture and oil resistance, can effectively prevent the penetration of water and oil, very suitable for packaging products containing more water or grease.

    Anti-adhesive: This excellent anti-adhesive performance makes silicone paper ideal for baking bread, cakes and other high-temperature cooking foods.

    Wide range of uses: Silicone oil paper is not only used for food packaging, but also widely used in electronics, printing and other industries. In the food industry, silicone oil paper is often used to package pastries, baked meat, fried food, etc. It prevents food from directly contacting with the packaging material and ensures food safety and taste.

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    Oil-proof grade

    High oil-proof performance: The oil-proof performance of silicone oil paper is generally high, because the silicone oil layer can effectively block the penetration of oil and grease. This characteristic makes silicone oil paper especially suitable for food packaging, especially those products with high oil content.

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    Heat resistance

    High temperature resistance: Silicone oil itself has very good high temperature resistance (above 230°C), which enables silicone paper to be used at higher temperatures without damage or failure.

  • 05

    Application Scenario

    Food industry packaging: Due to its excellent moisture and oil resistance, silicone oil paper is widely used in food packaging, especially those foods that need moisture or oil resistance, such as pastries, roasted meat, fried food, etc.


    Electronics and printing industry: In the electronics industry, silicone oil paper is used to protect electronic components from moisture and oil; in the printing industry, the use of silicone oil paper can prevent excessive penetration of ink and ensure printing quality.

Sulphite Paper(Sulphuric Acid Transfer Paper)

Sulphite paper, as a special type of paper, has production processes and usage characteristics designed to meet the needs of high-precision printing and plate making. The details are described as follows:
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    Production process

    The production of sulphite paper begins with the selection of high-quality plant fibers as raw materials, and these fibers are specially treated during the production process to ensure the quality and transparency of the paper. Specifically, the plant fibers are first subjected to free pulping, they are physically treated in a moist state to loosen the fibers.


    After pulping, the paper is treated with concentrated sulfuric acid, which is where the name “Sulphite paper” comes from. At this stage, the paper is soaked in 72% sulfuric acid for 2 to 3 seconds, a process that breaks down some of the components in the plant fibers, thus improving the transparency of the paper.

    After the sulfuric acid treatment, the paper needs to be washed with a large amount of water to remove residual acid, and then treated with glycerin to flatten the paper and enhance its durability. Finally the paper is dried and treated to form the final product.

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    Characteristics

    High degree of transparency and purity: This makes it particularly important in professional platemaking and printing where precise lines and clear images are required.


    High temperature resistance: The ability to maintain its physical and chemical stability at higher temperatures is especially critical for printing and plate making operations that require high temperatures.

    Other characteristics: Not easy to deform, strong resistance to oil and water, but poor breathability.

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    Oil-proof grade

    Despite the many excellent physical and chemical properties of sulphite paper, information on its oil resistance is not clear. Typically, sulphite paper is used primarily for high-precision printing and plate making, and its design and use do not place special emphasis on oil resistance.

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    Heat resistance

    Sulphite paper can be used at temperatures up to 170 degrees Celsius, which means that it can withstand most of the thermal stresses encountered in industrial plate making and printing processes. This heat resistance makes sulphite paper the material of choice for high-quality, high-rate printing and plate-making operations.

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    Application Scenario

    1: Sulphite paper is widely used in hand tracing, CAD plotters, laser printing and other professional fields. Its excellent transparency and non-deformation properties make it particularly suitable for precise engineering drawings and technical documentation.


    2: In the field of fine art printing and archival records, the sunlight and aging resistance of sulphite paper ensures that documents remain legible for a long time with high color fidelity.

other laminated papers

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    Production process

    White kraft laminated paper, as a high-strength, high-breakage-resistant food packaging material, was created to provide new ideas for hot food packaging. 

    Made of kraft paper treated with PE (polyethylene) lamination, white kraft lamination paper not only has good waterproof performance, but also has a temperature resistance of up to 110°C, which is very suitable for packaging barbecue, cooked food and so on. 

    The production process includes kraft paper preparation, PE lamination, cooling and winding, each step of which demonstrates the strict requirements for quality.

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    Characteristics

    Grazian laminates stand out in the field of high-end food packaging with their excellent gloss and smoothness. 


    Made from high-quality thin paper treated with PE lamination, Grazian laminates are commonly used for packaging high-end foodstuffs such as chocolates and confectionery, and are resistant to temperatures of around 100°C. 

    From the preparation of the Grazian paper to the PE lamination, to cooling and cutting, every step of the process reflects the quest for perfection.

To summarize, different types of food wrapping paper each have their own unique production processes and usage scenarios. Choosing the right wrapping paper can not only ensure the safety and hygiene of food, but also enhance the market competitiveness of the product. With the increase in consumer awareness of food safety and environmental protection, the future development of food packaging paper will pay more attention to the sustainability and functionality of the material, opening a new chapter in food packaging.

Packaging Paper Type Basics Characteristics Heat Resista Application Scenarios
Grease-proof Paper Made from wood pulp, coated with grease-resistant agents 1. Grease-resistant 2. Environmentally friendly 3. Strong mechanical strength 4. Multi-functional(waterproof, barrier properties) below 120°C 1. Food packaging (fast food, baked goods, fried foods) 2. Industrial use (packaging and protecting mechanical and electronic
Waxed Paper Coated or impregnated with food- grade wax on one or both sides 1. Moisture-resistant 2. Grease-resistant 3. Non-polar solvent resistant 4. Environmentally friendly and biodegradable 5. Semi-transparent 60°C - 80°C 1. Food packaging (candies, bread, sandwiches, cookies, cold meats) 2. Pharmaceutical packaging 3. Industrial applications (packaging electronics, metal parts)
Silicone Oil Paper Paper coated with silicone oil, a colorless, odorless, and nontoxic organic compound 1. High heat resistance (over 230°C) 2. Moisture-resistant 3. Grease-resistant 4. Non-stick properties 5. Versatile applications Up to 230°C+ 1. Food packaging (cakes, roasts, fried foods) 2.Electronics industry (protecting electronic components) 3.. Printing industry (preventing ink over-penetration)
Sulfuric Paper Made from specially treated high- quality plant fibers, soaked in concentrated sulfuric acid 1. High transparency and purity 2. Heat resistance (up to 170°C) 3. Resistant to deformation, grease, and water (poor air permeability) Up to 170°C 1. Engineering drawings 2. CAD plotting 3. Laser printing 4. Fine art printing and archival recording
White Kraft Paper with PE Lamination High-strength kraft paper laminated with polyethylene (PE) 1. Waterproof 2. High temperature resistance (up to 110°C) 3. Strong and puncture-resistant Up to 110°C Packaging hot foods, barbecue, cooked food
Glassine Paper with PE Lamination High-quality thin paper laminated with PE, known for its gloss and smoothness 1. Excellent gloss and smoothness 2. Water-resistant 3. Moderate heat resistance (up to 100°C) Up to 100°C Premium food packaging (chocolates,candies)