Greaseproof Packaging: What It Is and Which Type Your Takeaway Needs
Quick answer: Greaseproof packaging is paper treated to stop oil and grease soaking through. If you serve chips, fried food, pastries, burgers or anything that leaks, you need it. Use greaseproof bags to serve and carry, and greaseproof sheets to line boxes and wrap food. Choose brown kraft for a rustic look or crisp white for a clean, bakery style finish. Both are biodegradable and supplied in boxes of 1000.
What is greaseproof packaging?
Greaseproof packaging is paper that has been treated to resist oil and grease, so it does not soak through, leave dark patches or go soft. It is made for hot, fatty and buttery foods where a standard paper bag would fail within minutes.
Our range comes in two formats. Greaseproof bags are for serving and carrying. Greaseproof sheets are for lining boxes and wrapping items. Both are available in brown kraft and crisp white paper.
Do you need greaseproof packaging?
Yes, if any item on your menu is greasy, fried, buttery or sauce heavy. Chips, fried chicken, sausage rolls, pastries, baguettes and burgers all benefit, because the grease has somewhere to go other than your customer's hands.
Standard paper bags soak through quickly, which weakens the bag and leaves food looking tired, especially on longer delivery routes. If you only sell dry goods like loose sweets or whole loaves, you may not need it.
Greaseproof bags or greaseproof sheets: which should you use?
Use bags to serve and carry, and sheets to line and wrap. Most kitchens use both together.
| Format | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Greaseproof bags (18x18 cm, 25x25 cm) | Chips, pastries, hot snacks, filled rolls | Holds the food, resists grease and fills fast during a rush |
| Greaseproof sheets (30x30 cm, 30x40 cm) | Lining boxes, wrapping burgers and baguettes | Flexible, stops soak through and gives a premium finish inside any box |
A common setup is greaseproof bags for direct service and greaseproof sheets to line bagasse or board boxes, so nothing touches bare card.
Should you choose brown kraft or white greaseproof paper?
Both resist grease equally well, so the choice is about brand image, not performance. Brown kraft suits rustic, eco minded and street food brands and hides light marking. Crisp white suits bakeries, sandwich bars and premium menus where the clean paper signals quality. Many businesses keep both and match the colour to the item.
What size greaseproof packaging do you need?
- 18x18 cm bags: single pastries, cookies and small snack servings.
- 25x25 cm bags: chips, larger bakes and filled rolls.
- 30x30 cm sheets: wrapping burgers and lining standard boxes.
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30x40 cm sheets: baguettes, larger wraps and lining bigger containers.
Every line is biodegradable and supplied in boxes of 1000, so you can cover a busy period without reordering every week.
Is greaseproof packaging eco friendly?
Our greaseproof bags and sheets are biodegradable, made from paper rather than plastic or foam. Once food soiled, paper packaging is usually better suited to food waste or composting streams than to standard recycling, since grease contamination affects how paper can be processed. Always check your local waste guidance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using standard paper bags for greasy food. They look fine empty and fail the moment hot food goes in.
- Choosing the wrong size. Too small and the food spills, too large and it looks careless. Match the format to the portion.
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Letting the packaging undersell the food. If the meal is premium, the wrap should be too.
Frequently asked questions
Is greaseproof paper the same as baking parchment? No. Greaseproof paper resists oil and grease and is designed for wrapping and serving. Baking parchment is silicone coated for oven heat. They overlap but are not interchangeable, so use parchment for baking and greaseproof for serving.
Does greaseproof paper stop leaks completely? It resists grease and keeps food clean and presentable, but very wet or saucy items still need a leakproof container or a sheet lined box. Greaseproof handles oil, not pooling liquid.
Can I use greaseproof bags for both hot and cold food? Yes. Greaseproof paper works for hot fried items and cold bakery goods alike, which is why it suits cafes, takeaways and bakeries from one range.
How much greaseproof packaging should I order? Each line is supplied in boxes of 1000. For busy periods or events, order ahead so you do not run short mid service.
Where to buy greaseproof packaging in the UK
Our greaseproof bags and sheets are grease resistant, biodegradable and made for everything from chips and pastries to sandwiches and fried favourites. Order today, get them tomorrow, with free delivery on all orders over £100.
