Is Wax Paper The Same As Parchment Paper
December 3, 2024 Explore Blogs
Today there is a keen focus on the sustainable use of packaging, whether it comes to selling retail products or food items. Specifically in the food businesses, the customer prefers only sustainable packaging to avoid any toxins in their food. In the food presentation and protection two papers are used, wax and parchment papers. The appearance of both of them is the same, nonetheless, their key properties are quite different.
Their heat resistance, non-stick properties, printing compatibility, coatings, manufacturing process, applications, and longevity all differ from each other. Let’s read the blog and break it down!
Manufacturing Difference Between Wax Paper And Parchment Paper
Wax paper and parchment paper both are manufactured with the same raw material which is wood pulp. However, the way the wood pulp is processed in the manufacturing of each creates a significant difference. This difference in manufacturing gives them unique properties.
Wax Paper Manufacturing
Custom wax paper for food is made by pulping the wood pulp and creating thin paper sheets. These paper sheets are treated in such a way that smooth paper sheets can be obtained. These paper sheets are then submerged or rolled in melted wax to give a shiny, smooth, and moisture-resistant barrier.
The most important feature of the wax paper sheet is its wax coating. Paraffin, beeswax, or vegetable wax are used as a moisture and non-heat-resistant barrier. Due to the wax coating, wax paper cannot withstand a temperature above 150–200°F (65–90°C), as the wax coating can melt or even catch fire.
Manufacturing Of Parchment Paper
The manufacturing of parchment paper also starts from wood fiber. The main difference is that, after the pulping process, the paper is treated with sulphuric acid or ammonium bisulphite. This treatment alters the structure of cellulose and cross-links the fiber. Not only this with the help of sulphuric acid treatment the durability and the heat-resistant properties of the paper increase. Wholesale parchment paper can withstand temperatures of up to 420°F (216°C), so it is an ideal option for baking, cooking, or other high-heat applications.
To further enhance the heat-resistant properties of parchment, the paper is coated with silicone. When the paper is treated with sulphuric acid, it becomes non-porous. This non-porous nature of the paper makes it a perfect alternative to greaseproof paper.
| Property | Wax Paper | Parchment Paper |
| Material | Made from wood pulp, bleached paper | Made from wood pulp or cotton fibers |
| Coating | Paraffin wax or vegetable-based wax | Chemically treated with sulfuric acid |
| Moisture Resistance | Yes, due to wax coating | Yes, due to chemical treatment |
| Heat Resistance | Low (wax melts at low temperatures) | High (can withstand up to 420°F/216°C) |
| Non-Stick | Yes, thanks to wax | Yes, due to chemical treatment |
| Durability | Less durable, tears easily | More durable, tear-resistant |
Is Parchment Paper The Same As Wax Paper In Application?
Properties such as resistance to moisture, heat, and grease are different in both of the custom sheets. In certain cases, they can not be used as an alternative to each other. Considering this, both of them have different applications. Some of the applications are listed in the table below:
| Application | Wax Paper | Parchment Paper |
| Baking | Not recommended (melts or burns at high temps) | Ideal for baking, roasting, and lining pans |
| Food Storage/Preservation | Great for wrapping food, especially for cold storage | Suitable for wrapping food but mainly for oven use |
| Crafting & Arts | Common for arts and crafts due to its texture | Popular for arts, especially as a medium for stenciling or transfer art |
| Grease Proofing | Yes, good for wrapping greasy foods (e.g., sandwiches) | Yes, but also heat-resistant, making it better for greasy baking needs |
| Freezer Use | Commonly used for freezing food | Can also be used, but less ideal for freezing than wax paper |
| Food Presentation | Perfect for wrapping candies or sandwiches | Great for wrapping gifts or professional presentations like baking sheets |
Printing Compatibility
Sometimes brands want to print their custom food wrapping papers to add a promotional element. In this case, several printing methods are used to add logos, recipes, specific artworks, etc on the paper. Majorly two printing methods are used, one is inkjet and the other is laser printing. As the applied coatings are different in the custom papers the printing compatibility is also different such as:
Laser Printing
In laser printing heat is used to fuse the ink or toners onto the paper. Here a laser beam is used to create an electrostatic image on the surface of the paper. That image is then coloured by fusing ink via heat. The purpose of heat is to strongly adhere to the paper, as parchment paper rolls are resistant to heat so they can withstand the heat from the laser and get printed with accurate and high-quality designs. On the other hand, wax paper wholesale is not printed with laser printing because here the paper can catch fire and the wax can melt.
Inkjet Printing
In inkjet printing, liquid ink is used so heat is not required. In it, liquid ink is stored in tiny droplets to create an image that is absorbed on the paper surface. This printing method is compatible with both custom food wrapping paper, i.e. parchment and wax paper. The only issue that comes with it is that one must be very careful while printing wax sheets as the surface is non-absorbent and the inks can smudge onto the surface.
| Printing Method | Wax Paper | Parchment Paper |
| Laser Printing | Not ideal (wax can melt) | Excellent (heat-resistant, toner adheres well) |
| Inkjet Printing | Possible but not recommended (ink may smudge) | Suitable (ink absorbs well, better than wax paper) |
When To Choose Wax Paper Vs Parchment Paper
Choosing the right paper depends upon the task you have to perform with the paper. Say if you need to use the paper for high-heat purposes such as baking or cooking then you can rely only on parchment paper. On the other hand, if you need to use the paper for moderate or cool temperatures then you can simply go for wax paper as it is slightly cheaper in price than parchment. You can see the table below to know when to choose what.
| Factor | Wax Paper | Parchment Paper |
| Temperature Sensitivity | Avoid using in high heat (melts or burns) | Can withstand high oven temperatures (up to 420°F) |
| Best for Wrapping | Food (e.g., sandwiches, candy) | Food (baking, roasting), gifts, crafting |
| Baking Use | Not recommended for baking | Perfect for baking (cookies, bread, etc.) |
| Grease Proofing | Good for wrapping greasy foods | Excellent, especially for oven use |
| Freezing | Ideal for freezing foods | Can be used for freezing but not ideal for long-term storage |
| Reusable | Not very durable, single-use | Can be reused for baking, non-stick tasks |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent, ideal for wrapping moist items | Great for baking and cooking, but also moisture-resistant |
| Durability | Less durable, can tear | Durable, tear-resistant, great for long-term use |
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right paper for cooking and presentation, then the tasks sometimes become slightly difficult. This is because custom papers look almost the same and all have the same white colour. Nonetheless, the papers are similar not only in appearance but their features and applications differ to a significant extent. Similar to other papers, parchment and wax paper are also not the same.
They have different tolerance to heat, moisture, and tear and also are used for different purposes. The difference in the manufacturing process and in the coatings creates this distinction. If you want to get any of the custom paper you can contact WaxPapers and obtain the most high quality and affordable food wrap at affordable rates. So call us today and grant the most amazing deals instantly!