Paper plays an essential role in the presentation of the food. Different varieties of paper have different purposes. Among the huge variety of custom papers, wax paper and greaseproof paper sheets are quite commonly used. Although these two papers are quite common in appearance their manufacturing process and main usages are different.
By understanding the key differences between the two you can easily serve and store the food. The multiple differences of both papers indicate that wax paper is not the same as greaseproof paper. Let’s read the blog and find out why.
Manufacturing Differences
The primary difference between wax and custom greaseproof paper is that both are manufactured in a different way. The difference in the manufacturing process greatly influences the properties of the paper.
Wax Paper Manufacturing
Wax paper roll is coated with a thin layer of wax that gives moisture-resistant and non-stick properties to the paper. So if you have to pack slightly moist and greatest foods then wax coated paper is an excellent choice. These features make the wax-coated paper a wisely used material to wrap greasy food items. For sustainable aspects, some of the brands prefer soy-based wax coating over paraffin wax. The following steps are involved in the manufacturing:
- Base Paper Production
- Wax Coating
- Drying and Smoothing
Greaseproof Paper Manufacturing
On the other hand, in the manufacturing of printed greaseproof paper a special process is involved called super calendering. In this process, paper fibers are highly compressed to give a dense and smooth surface. Supercalendring makes the paper naturally resistant to grease without the need for wax or any other coating. The dense fiber structure of the paper gives grease resistance. In grease-resistant paper manufacturing following steps are involved:
- Fiber Refining
- Supercalendering
- Optional Treatments
Chemical Differences
As the manufacturing process of greaseproof paper bags is different from that of wax paper sheets that is why they both are chemically different from each other. The major chemical differences are:
Wax Paper Composition
Waxpapers UK can contain two types of wax namely, paraffin and soy-bean wax. Sometimes brands also opt for beeswax but it is a little more costly than the rest two. No matter which type of wax coating you have chosen they melt when exposed to high heat that is why wax appears and can never be used in the oven due to safety concerns.
Greaseproof Paper Composition
The grease-resistant paper does not contain any wax or chemicals. Its qualities are due to the mechanically compacted fibres. Due to the absence of coatings in branded greaseproof paper, you can use it to cook meals at high temperatures.
Application Differences
Although, you can use the papers as an alternative to each other. There are several instances in which you have to use a specific type. The difference in mechanical properties and resistance to heat make them suitable for specific uses, such as:
Feature | Wax Paper | Greaseproof Paper |
Best for | Wrapping, candy packaging, non-stick surfaces | Baking, fast-food wrapping, grease-resistant packaging |
Non-stick? | Yes, due to wax | No, but grease-resistant |
Grease resistance? | Moderate | High |
Moisture resistance? | High | Moderate |
Heat resistance? | No | Yes |
Printing Differences
Printing is one of the most important of custom food wrapping papers. With the help of printings, brands give a unique and alluring look to their food paper wraps. Due to the difference in surface area, the printing on wax and grease-resistant sheets is also different.
Printing On Wax Paper
Wax paper is not ideal for printing. This is because the paper contains a wax coating that prevents ink absorption. The printed design easily gets smudged so the whole process is done carefully. Aside from this, printing methods that use high heat such as laser printing are not suitable for wax-coated paper.
Printing On Greaseproof Paper
Greaseproof paper is an excellent option for printing due to its absorbent and matte surface. Ink adheres well on this paper and there are no chances of your artwork getting smudged.
Difference In GSM Of Paper
GSM of custom printed wax paper and grease-proof paper are quite different. Grams per square meter is the unit of paper weight. This determined the durability and print quality of the paper. The higher the GSM the stronger the paper and vice versa. In wax and custom-printed greaseproof paper, the following GSM are used:
Wax Paper GSM
- Usually 30 to 60 GSM
- Lighter GSM (30-40 GSM) when food items are wrapped
- Heavier GSM (50-60 GSM) is used for industrial applications
Greaseproof Paper GSM
- Typically 30 to 70 GSM
- Lighter GSM (30-40 GSM) is used for bakery wrapping.
- Higher GSM (50-70 GSM) is used for food packaging and lining trays.
Environmental Impact
The base material used in the manufacturing of both papers is made from wood pulp and is sustainable. However, due to the application of coating on wax paper sheets, they become difficult to decompose especially if paraffin wax is applied on the paper. On the other hand, the greaseproof paper does not contain any kind of coatings and is highly environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
The difference in the chemical and mechanical process of the paper imparts different properties making greaseproof paper and wax paper different from each other. Though in certain instances you can use them as an alternative to each other, however, when it comes to heated applications then make sure you are choosing the suitable options. If you are looking for any kind of custom paper you can contact Waxpapers UK and avail the best quality at the lowest possible rates.