Short answer: PFAS-free greaseproof paper should not be purchased on the PFAS-free claim alone. Buyers should define the target market, the evidence supporting the PFAS requirement, the grease-resistance test method, GSM and dimensions, food-contact conditions, printing/converting requirements, and sample-approval criteria before placing a bulk order.

The most important distinction is simple: PFAS status is a chemistry/compliance requirement; grease resistance is a performance requirement. They are related in procurement, but one does not prove the other.

1. Why PFAS-Free Greaseproof Paper Is Now a Procurement Issue

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have historically been used in some paper and paperboard food-packaging applications because certain PFAS-based treatments can provide oil, grease and water resistance. The regulatory position has changed significantly, so international food-packaging buyers now need to treat PFAS requirements as part of supplier qualification rather than as a simple sustainability claim.

United States. The U.S. FDA announced in February 2024 that substances containing PFAS were no longer being sold into the U.S. market for use as grease-proofing agents on paper food packaging. In January 2025, FDA determined that 35 related Food Contact Notifications (FCNs) were no longer effective because those uses had been abandoned. Buyers serving the U.S. market should therefore not rely on legacy PFAS-based greaseproofing authorizations for paper food packaging.

European Union. Under Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), from 12 August 2026 food-contact packaging may not be placed on the EU market when PFAS concentrations are equal to or above the limits in Article 5(5): 25 ppb for any PFAS measured by targeted analysis (polymeric PFAS excluded), 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS (with the conditions stated in the Regulation), and 50 ppm for PFAS including polymeric PFAS. The Regulation also sets documentation requirements where total fluorine exceeds 50 mg/kg.

2. PFAS-Free, Fluorine-Free and “No Intentionally Added PFAS” Are Not Automatically the Same

These terms are often used interchangeably in commercial discussions, but a professional purchasing specification should avoid assuming that they mean the same thing.

• PFAS-free: define the regulatory, customer or analytical criterion that must be met.
• No intentionally added PFAS: addresses formulation intent, but does not by itself establish a universal concentration threshold for every market.
• Fluorine-free: should only be used when the analytical scope and acceptance criterion are clear. Total fluorine testing detects fluorine, not PFAS specifically.
• PFAS-compliant: should identify the market or standard being referenced, such as the applicable EU requirement or a customer-specific policy.

FDA specifically notes that highly sensitive methods may detect PFAS from impurities or environmental contamination even where PFAS were not intentionally used, and that total-fluorine methods cannot distinguish PFAS from other fluorine-containing substances. For this reason, buyers should ask what was tested, which analytical method was used, which lot or grade the report covers, and how the supplier interprets the result.

3. Grease Resistance Must Be Specified Separately from PFAS Status

A PFAS-free paper can still provide useful grease resistance, but the barrier mechanism and test method matter. Do not assume that a PFAS-free declaration proves the paper will perform like the current grade on burgers, fried foods, bakery products, deli wraps or bag converting lines.

Start with the application rather than the paper name. Record:

• food type and oil/fat level
• food temperature at packing or service
• expected contact time
• presence of sauces, steam or moisture
• flat use versus folding/creasing/forming
• printing requirements
• storage and transport conditions
• acceptable level of visible staining or breakthrough

This creates a performance benchmark that can be compared with the candidate PFAS-free grade instead of relying on a marketing claim.

4. KIT Test: Useful Reference, but Do Not Use It Alone for PFAS-Free Paper

Many greaseproof paper quotations use a KIT rating as a familiar grease-resistance reference. In the classical KIT method, progressively more aggressive test solutions are used to evaluate surface repellency/anti-wicking, and the highest solution passed is reported as the rating.

However, there is an important technical limitation. TAPPI T 559 states that the method was designed primarily as a surface-repellency test for fluorochemical treatments and that its use for papers with film-like barriers or nonfluorochemical treatments needs to be evaluated. That point is especially relevant when sourcing PFAS-free alternatives.

For PFAS-free greaseproof paper, a stronger validation plan can combine:

• KIT or another agreed surface-repellency test, when relevant to the paper construction.
• A grease-permeability/breakthrough test. ISO 16532-1, for example, determines the time for a simulated fat material to penetrate paper or board and can be applied to greaseproof papers as well as certain treated/coated structures.
• Creased or folded-sample evaluation if the converted pack will be folded, wrapped or formed.
• Actual-food testing at representative temperature and contact time.

5. Choose GSM, Caliper and Paper Structure for the Converting Process

GSM (grams per square metre) measures basis weight. It affects material consumption, handling and general sheet body, but it does not by itself define grease resistance, thickness, stiffness or strength.

For many food-wrapping greaseproof grades, 30–50 gsm is a common starting range, but the correct specification depends on the paper construction and use. A burger wrap, bakery separator, fried-food liner and bag-converting grade may require different combinations of GSM, tensile strength, flexibility and barrier performance.

When requesting a quote, confirm:

• target GSM and tolerance
• caliper if machine feeding or folding is sensitive
• tensile/tear requirements when relevant
• white, natural brown or other approved appearance
• machine direction (MD/CD) if it affects converting
• whether the stated GSM is base paper only or the finished coated/treated structure

6. Match the Specification to the Food Application

The same PFAS-free greaseproof paper should not be assumed to suit every food. Use the table below as a qualification framework rather than as a universal grade recommendation.

Note: Greaseproof does not automatically mean oven-safe or non-stick. If the application involves baking or direct oven exposure, specify an oven-suitable parchment/baking-paper construction and the required temperature/time conditions separately.

7. Food-Contact and PFAS Documentation: What Buyers Should Request

A generic “food grade” statement is not enough for an international procurement file. The documentation should identify the exact material or grade and relate to the intended food-contact use and destination market.

• Product/grade name and manufacturer or supplier identification
• PFAS declaration stating the basis of the claim
• Analytical report when required by the buyer, retailer or destination market
• Applicable food-contact declaration/compliance documentation
• Supporting migration or other test reports where required
• Intended food types and contact conditions covered by the documentation
• Lot/batch traceability or a defined method for linking repeat orders to the approved grade
• FSC/PEFC or other chain-of-custody documents only when they are part of the commercial requirement

For EU projects, the buyer should also confirm how the supplier supports the technical documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with the applicable PFAS limits under Regulation (EU) 2025/40. For other markets, use the applicable national rules and customer requirements rather than assuming that one EU or U.S. document covers every destination.

8. Printing and Converting Can Change the Result

A laboratory-approved base paper can still fail commercially after printing, folding, creasing, gluing or high-speed feeding. That is why the converted format—not only the flat paper—must be qualified.

For printing, confirm:

• printing method (for example flexographic or gravure, if applicable)
• which side will be printed and which side contacts food
• ink/varnish system and required food-contact controls
• ink adhesion, drying and rub resistance
• surface treatment or corona requirement, if any

For converting, confirm:

• feeding stability at intended machine speed
• folding and creasing behavior
• die cutting/slitting performance
• glue or sealing compatibility if used
• curl, blocking or dimensional stability
• whether barrier performance changes at folds, creases or cut edges

9. Do Not Forget Roll and Sheet Specifications

Many sourcing problems are not caused by the chemistry at all—they come from incomplete roll or sheet specifications. Include the converting geometry in the same RFQ as the PFAS and grease-resistance requirements.

10. Sample Validation: Approve the Application, Not Just the Appearance

When replacing a conventional grade with PFAS-free greaseproof paper, a sheet that looks similar is not enough. Use a controlled comparison against the current material and record the results.

1. Confirm sample grade, GSM, test results and production source.
2. Test flat-sheet grease performance using the agreed method.
3. Repeat after folding/creasing if the final packaging is converted.
4. Use the actual food or a representative oil/fat system at realistic temperature and contact time.
5. Check staining, breakthrough, weakening, curl, odor and handling.
6. Run printing and converting trials when relevant.
7. Retain an approved reference sample and the signed specification for mass-production comparison.

11. How to Compare Your Current Grade with a PFAS-Free Replacement

A simple comparison sheet prevents purchasing, quality, production and compliance teams from evaluating different things. Classify every difference as accepted, test required or not accepted.

12. PFAS-Free Greaseproof Paper RFQ Checklist

To receive technically comparable quotations, send the supplier the information below in one RFQ rather than asking only for “PFAS-free greaseproof paper price.”

• Target market / country:
• PFAS requirement or customer standard:
• Required declaration / test report:
• Food application and food type:
• Food temperature at contact:
• Expected contact time:
• Grease-resistance test method / target:
• GSM and tolerance:
• Color / appearance:
• Roll width or sheet size:
• Core ID / maximum OD / winding direction (for rolls):
• Printing process and food-contact side:
• Converting process / machine speed:
• Other requirements (wet strength, moisture resistance, etc.):
• Sample quantity and approval test:
• Monthly / annual volume:
• Packing and pallet requirements:
• Expected delivery schedule:

13. What to Ask the Supplier Before You Approve the Order

• What exactly supports your PFAS-free claim: formulation declaration, analytical testing, or both?
• Does the supporting report cover this exact grade and production source?
• Which grease-resistance method do you use, and is it suitable for this PFAS-free construction?
• How do you control GSM, barrier performance and roll dimensions in production?
• Will the mass-production paper use the same mill/grade and barrier system as the approved sample?
• What changes would trigger a re-approval or new sample?
• Can you support traceability for repeat orders and compliance documents for the destination market?

FAQ: PFAS-Free Greaseproof Paper

What is PFAS-free greaseproof paper?

It is grease-resistant paper supplied to meet a defined PFAS requirement without relying on a vague marketing claim. Buyers should specify what “PFAS-free” means for their market or customer, what evidence is required, and what grease-resistance performance the paper must achieve.

Is PFAS-free the same as fluorine-free?

Not automatically. PFAS and fluorine are not interchangeable analytical concepts. FDA notes that total-fluorine testing detects fluorine but cannot determine whether the fluorine comes from PFAS or other fluorinated substances. Define the test method and acceptance criteria before using either claim.

Does a KIT rating prove that paper is PFAS-free?

No. KIT is a grease-resistance performance reference; it does not identify the chemistry used to achieve that performance and it does not establish PFAS compliance.

Can PFAS-free greaseproof paper still have good oil resistance?

Yes, but the result depends on the paper structure, barrier system and application. Validate the paper using an appropriate grease test and the actual food-use conditions.

Is KIT testing enough for PFAS-free greaseproof paper?

Not always. TAPPI T 559 was designed primarily for fluorochemical surface treatments and says use with nonfluorochemical treatments should be evaluated. For PFAS-free papers, consider pairing a surface-repellency result with permeability and real-application testing.

What GSM should I choose for food wrapping?

For many food-wrapping greaseproof grades, 30–50 gsm is a common starting range, but GSM should be selected together with strength, flexibility, converting conditions and grease performance. A higher GSM does not automatically mean better grease resistance.

Does PFAS-free mean plastic-free, recyclable or compostable?

No. PFAS-free describes one chemistry/compliance characteristic. Plastic-free, recyclable and compostable claims depend on the complete paper/coating/ink structure, contamination after use, certification requirements and local waste-management systems.

What should EU buyers verify in 2026?

From 12 August 2026, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 applies PFAS concentration limits to food-contact packaging. EU buyers should confirm the specific material is supported by appropriate technical documentation and that the supplier’s evidence matches the exact packaging or paper grade being placed on the market.

Should I test the flat paper or the converted package?

Both when converting can affect performance. Folding, creasing, printing, gluing or forming may create new failure points, so the final converted format should be included in approval testing.

What is the safest way to approve a new supplier?

Approve a documented combination of grade + specification + test results + physical sample. Then reference that approval package on the purchase order and require notification before any material, mill or barrier-system change.

Conclusion: Buy a Complete Specification, Not a PFAS-Free Label

The safest way to source PFAS-free greaseproof paper is to separate compliance from performance and then reconnect them in one purchasing specification. PFAS status, grease resistance, GSM, dimensions, food-contact documentation, printing, converting and application testing all need their own acceptance criteria.

For food-packaging buyers, the strongest qualification process is:

• define the market-specific PFAS requirement
• describe the food application
• select the appropriate grease-resistance test(s)
• confirm GSM and converting geometry
• review food-contact and PFAS documentation
• run actual-food and converting trials
• retain the approved sample and specification for repeat orders

If you are replacing an existing greaseproof paper, send Sure Paper your current specification, sample and end-use conditions. We can help compare the critical parameters, arrange sample evaluation and identify a PFAS-free alternative that is suitable for your food packaging and converting process.

Recommended Internal Links

• What Does KIT Level Mean in Greaseproof Paper? A Complete Guide for Buyers
• How to Choose the Right Greaseproof Paper GSM for Food Packaging
• Greaseproof Paper Supplier | Food Grade Oil Resistant Paper
• White vs Brown Greaseproof Paper: Which Should You Choose?
• Greaseproof Paper vs Wax Paper: Which Is Better for Food Packaging?

Authoritative References for Regulatory & Test Context

• S. FDA — Authorized Uses of PFAS in Food Contact Applications
• S. FDA — 35 PFAS Food Contact Notifications No Longer Effective
• EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste
• TAPPI T 559 cm-22 — Grease Resistance Test for Paper and Paperboard
• ISO 16532-1:2008 — Paper and Board: Determination of Grease Resistance, Permeability Test

Editorial note: This article is a procurement and technical guide, not legal advice. Final compliance should be confirmed against the current requirements of the destination market and the buyer’s own regulatory/customer specifications.