How Function & Sustainability Determines the Types of Paper Foodservice Products
As the most sustainable packaging product available, paper is perfect for many foodservice applications. Paper is also versatile with newer applications including paper cups and wraps that can replace styrofoam and plastic.
For many companies and their consumers, using sustainable, eco-friendly foodservice product packaging is preferred over using non-sustainable, non-recyclable, or non-biodegradable options. The variety in the types of paper foodservice products also provides retailers with many cost-effective choices.
Before we talk about the types of paper foodservice products, let’s explore how sustainable paper really is.
Sustainability of Paper Foodservice Products
Made from wood pulp or previously used and then recycled paper materials, paper remains one of the most sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable man-made materials on the planet. Wood pulp can be made from trees purposefully grown for the manufacture of paper products, trees that are not fit for logging, dead or diseased trees, or the tops of trees that are harvested for lumber.
While deforestation is a challenge in some regions of the globe, many forests are re-grown for the purposes of continued lumber and wood pulp harvesting. This is a good thing since the demand for paper continues to increase as both populations and use cases for paper products grow.
Paper recycling
About two-thirds of all disposed paper products in the US are recycled into new products. Common use cases for recycled paper are newspaper, office paper, moulded packaging, toilet paper, paper towels, cardboard, and greeting cards.
Types of Paper Used in Foodservice Products
There are multiple use cases for paper foodservice products so a variety of applications have been developed to suit those specific needs. They are used in restaurants, delis, and supermarkets.
Kraft paper
Kraft paper is a smooth, strong brown paper used for wrapping. It can be used to wrap everyday items for shipment as well as in the foodservice industry for fresh seafood and meats due to its tear and water resistant design.
There are different types of Kraft paper including unbleached kraft paper and natural brown kraft paper. Unbleached kraft paper is more lightweight than brown kraft paper, and is ideal for lighter items, such as coffee, nuts, and other drygoods. Brown kraft paper is particularly popular due to its strength in heavy-duty applications for fresh meat and seafood, carry-out bags and take out boxes.
Grease-proof paper
Grease proof paper is built to handle oily foods including baked goods such as cookies, brownies, and pastries. Grease proof paper is not just good for packaging foodservice items, but also as lining for deli and bakery display trays.
Baking and parchment paper
Baking paper is a high-density paper that is chemically treated with acid, allowing it to withstand a fair amount of oils and fluids and acts as a moisture barrier when used as a cover or during the foodservice prep process.
Parchment paper is designed to withstand very high oven temperatures during baking so that baked goods do not stick to the pan. Typically, a layer of silicone is added to the paper to give it its non-stick surface.
Types of Paper Foodservice Products
Now that we understand the types of paper used to make foodservice products, let’s talk about the products themselves.
Paper Bags for Foodservice
Paper bags are used throughout the foodservice industry from packaging individual food items to carry-out bags for transport.
Bakery bags
Paper bags for individual items include those designed for baked goods such as donuts and pastries, and bread bags that come in a multitude of shapes and sizes based on the type of bread and whether it will be immediately eaten or transported to another location.
Different features of bakery and bread bags include clear plastic “window panes” to view the contents, and sizes to cover cookies, loaf breads, baguettes, and other baked goods, along with colors to match your brand and other customized designs.
Shopping bags
For retailers that prefer to present a more eco-friendly representation of their brand, offering paper bags instead of plastic, shows consumers that you are eco-conscious.
Paper shopping bags come in many sizes from very small takeaway bags to traditional grocery store sizes, and very large sizes.
Paper shopping bags also offer a variety of features and options including the durability of kraft paper, handles for easier carrying, and color printing.
Paper Bags for Pharmacy and Medical
Pharmacy and medical bags are used at dispensaries. Pharmacy bags are specially tailored to suit the needs of pharmaceutical items including at veterinary clinics. Pharmacy bags can be flat or include square bottoms.
Paper Bags for Takeout Foodservice Orders
Paper bags for restaurant takeout are designed to match the needs of quick service restaurants (QSRs,) delis, and upscale restaurants. Paper takeout bags are durable for transport and come in a simple foldover style or include handles for easy carrying.
All paper restaurant bags can be customized to match the color and branding of the establishment as well as include the business name and logo. Customized premium bags for restaurants provide a more upscale consumer experience when bringing home leftovers or takeout orders.
Paper boxes for takeout and bakery orders
For some foodservice companies, offering boxes is a better way to present and preserve food for transport for takeout, deli and baked goods items. Boxes are durable and maintain their shape and can be refrigerated. While not the best for long spins in the the microwave, paper boxes are a great alternative to styrofoams.
Paper liners and wraps
FDA grade paper products are also used for cupcake liners and other wraps, such as for deli sandwiches.
Paper Cups
Disposable paper cups are an eco-friendly way to offer cups to customers for both hot or cold beverages. Wax-coated paper cups are a great choice for single-serve beverages and can include features such as insulated walls or ripples to maintain the liquid’s temperature longer.
Poly-coated disposable paper cups go one step further in maintaining the durability of the cup and the beverage’s temperature.
Retail Paper Shopping Bags
For consumers, the bag used to carry home their new items is a part of the overall retail shopping experience. There are many retail shopping bags available, including those made from plastic, bagasse, and paper.
Paper shopping bags are a very cost-effective option for discerning retailers and their eco-conscious consumers. They can also be fully customized and come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the retailer’s needs.
Contact Servous to Explore the Many Types of Paper Foodservice Products Available
Servous offers many high quality, cost effective USDA and FDA approved options for grocers, fishmongers, meat markets, delis, and caterers. Our specialized bags, boxes, and cups come in many options and are customizable to your needs.
Contact the experts at Servous to help you determine the right types of of paper foodservice products for your business and your budget. We can even provide any customization or branding that you require.
Contact us today to speak with our foodservice supply experts.
