Greaseproof & Wraps

Greaseproof paper and food wraps are the quiet workhorses of the food service prep area and counter. They line baskets, wrap burgers, separate baked goods, cover surfaces, and present food without it sticking or leaking through. The right product keeps food in good condition, speeds up service, and in some cases adds a considered detail to the customer-facing presentation. Buying the wrong weight or format means paper that tears when wrapping, soaks through immediately, or is awkward to work with under service pressure.

Key Factors to Consider

Types of Product

The category covers several distinct products:

• Greaseproof paper: A treated paper that resists oil and grease. Used for lining baking trays, wrapping sandwiches, separating burgers, and basket lining. Available in sheets and rolls.
• Silicone baking paper (parchment): A heavier product with a silicone coating on one or both sides. Non-stick, heat-tolerant up to around 220 to 230°C, and reusable for some applications. More expensive than greaseproof but necessary for baking where non-stick performance is critical.
• Food wrapping paper: Typically unbleached or bleached kraft paper used for wrapping sandwiches, baguettes, and takeaway items. Not necessarily grease-resistant -- check the spec.
• Deli paper (wax paper or dry wax): A lighter product used for deli counters, wrapping cold cuts, and lining display cases. Provides a barrier between food and the surface without full grease resistance.
• Printed wrapping sheets: Pre-printed kraft or greaseproof sheets with a logo or design. Used for wrapping burgers and sandwiches where the presentation detail matters.

Understanding which product you actually need before buying is important, as these are often grouped together but perform differently.

Weight and Thickness

Paper weight affects durability and performance. Standard greaseproof paper for food service runs from around 28gsm (light, for separating layers) to 40gsm (heavier, for wrapping and lining). Silicone parchment starts at around 40gsm and goes higher. For counter use and wrapping under service pressure, a heavier weight performs better. Thin paper tears when handling a wet or heavy item.

Sheet vs Roll

Sheets are pre-cut and ready to use -- faster in service, less waste, but higher unit cost than rolls. Rolls give more flexibility in cutting to size but require scissors or a cutter and add a step to the process. For high-volume sandwich shops and bakeries, pre-cut sheets save time. For prep areas with varied needs, a roll may be more practical.

Size Options

Standard sheet sizes for UK food service:

• 200mm x 300mm or similar: individual sandwich or burger wrap
• 250mm x 350mm: larger wraps, portion lining
• 330mm x 390mm or similar: basket liner or large product wrap
• Full sheets (around 400mm x 600mm): cutting to size, large tray lining

Confirm which size matches your most common use case and buy that primarily.

Printed Greaseproof

Pre-printed greaseproof or kraft sheets with your logo or design are available with minimum order quantities typically starting at 5,000 to 10,000 sheets. They add visual consistency to burger or sandwich wraps. The print sits on the paper surface and is food-safe. Lead times run three to five weeks. Unit cost drops significantly at volume -- at 10,000 sheets, the premium over plain is usually modest.

Sustainability

Unbleached kraft and greaseproof paper are both generally recyclable when food contamination is minimal. Heavily greased paper may not be accepted in mixed recycling streams -- check your local commercial waste contractor. Silicone-coated parchment is generally not recyclable due to the coating. Some suppliers offer chlorine-free bleaching (ECF or TCF) for food service papers if this is relevant to your environmental standards.

Cost and Value

Plain greaseproof sheets (around 330mm x 250mm, 35gsm) cost approximately £4 to £8 per 500 sheets. Silicone parchment rolls run higher at around £10 to £20 for a 50-metre roll. Printed sheets at volume are typically £15 to £35 per 500 sheets, depending on colour and quantity.

Pro Tips

• Test wrapping under real service conditions. Some papers that look good on a prep bench tear when a member of staff wraps quickly under pressure. Speed of use matters in a busy kitchen.
• For basket lining, buy pre-cut sheets in your basket size rather than cutting from a roll. The time saving per cover adds up quickly on a busy shift.
• Silicone parchment is worth the premium for baking applications where sticking is a real problem. Using greaseproof paper as a substitute for silicone parchment in oven baking often leads to sticking or tearing.
• If you are considering printed greaseproof for burger or sandwich wraps, request a sample print before approving a large run. Ink coverage and colour rendering on greaseproof paper is different from on card or board.

Summary

Greaseproof and wrapping papers are practical, high-frequency products where getting the type, weight, and size right pays off daily in service efficiency and food presentation. Clarify whether you need standard greaseproof, silicone parchment, or deli paper before ordering. Buy in the right sheet size to avoid unnecessary cutting, and consider printed sheets as a cost-effective branding option if your volumes support the minimum order.