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When it comes to cooking, baking, and food storage, parchment and freezer paper are the two options that come to mind. These two papers may appear alike but their properties differ from each other to a significant extent. In parchment paper vs freezer paper, the former is used in cooking while the latter is used in wrapping frozen food items. 

These two custom papers are extensively used in kitchens, and knowing their proper usage and features is necessary to prevent any kind of mishap while storing or cooking food. In this blog, we will discuss the different features that the two custom wraps possess and their unique applications. 

Mechanical Properties

Although the base material in both the custom greaseproof papers is the sane which is kraft paper due to the different manufacturing processes and coating, both the papers possess significantly distinct mechanical properties, such as: 

Tensile Strength

There is a significant difference in the mechanical properties of the papers. Parchment paper has high tensile strength when you compare it with freezer paper. This is the reason why parchment paper is frequently used to line baking trays because durability is required to prevent the tearing of the paper. On the other hand, frozen paper can tear if stretched because its tensile strength is low. 

Flexibility

The flexibility of parchment sheets is way much higher than that of freezer paper. This is the reason we can use parchment for various proposes on arts and crafts. On the other hand, freezer paper has a PE or wax coating that restricts its flexibility. 

Parchment is 12 to 14 micrones thin which is the reason it is flexible. On the other hand, the thickness of freezer sheets is 20 to 25 microns which is why it is the best option to wrap frozen foods under freezing temperature where protection of the food is required from freezer burns. 

Durability

The durability of both papers varies in different temperatures. Parchment works well in high temperatures as it has a silicone coating that prevents burning. On the other hand, freezer sheets work effectively in freezing temperatures due to their PE coatings and thickness. 

Chemical And Structural Properties

The chemical and structural properties of paper play a significant role in their unique applications. What different types of chemicals are used in the manufacturing of custom parchment and custom freezer paper determine to what extent the paper can bear heat, moisture, and grease. 

Base Material

Both the papers are manufactured with wood pulp. Nonetheless, in parchment paper, cellulose is used directly to manufacture the paper and in freezer paper cellulose goes through a process known as kraft to enhance its strength. In the same kraft process a plastic layer is also added so that the durability of the paper can be enhanced. 

Coating

Parchment is coated with silicone that gives non-stick properties and makes the paper ready to bear the heat of the oven. You can also release your baked goods from the paper without the requirement of greasing it. On the other hand, polyethylene coating on the freezer paper acts as an excellent barrier against moisture and protects the food from freezer burns, however, this paper can not withstand high temperatures. 

pH Level

The pH level of parchment paper is normal so that it does not interact with the food (either acidic or basic) while baking or cooking. When it comes to freezer paper, then the pH level is slightly acidic but this is not acidic enough to cause any contamination to the food. Your food reams are entirely safe when you store them in freezer paper, despite their slightly acidic nature. 

Chemical Resistance

As parchment sheets are coated with silicone that is why this paper is resistant to moisture, grease, and heat. This resistance of the paper makes it suitable for various tasks of cooking or baking. Freezer paper has a PE coating that limits its usage to cold temperatures only. 

Biodegradability

Parchment paper is biodegradable as the applied coating and the base material both are easy to compost. Even when you are using unbleached parchment paper then the composting becomes much easier. Freezer sheets have PE coating that is based on plastic and does not compost at all. Therefore in comparing both, the biodegradability of parchment is better. 

Food Safety

Both the custom greaseproof papers are safe to use in direct contact with the food. The heat resistance of parchment does not allow any hazardous chemical to leach into the food. Similarly, freezer paper is also durable and does not leach any chemicals into the food even in the moist environment of the freezer. But if you use custom printed freezer paper sheets for hot food items then unwanted substances can be released from the paper which can degrade the quality of the food. 

Temperature

Parchment paper is safe in all baking and cooking processes because it can handle high temperatures up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit or 215 degrees Celsius. Freezer paper, which does not possess this heat resistance, cannot be used in high-temperature settings and should only be used as freezer and cold storage paper.

Moisture

Moisture resistance of both the papers is at a different level. Excessive humidity is avoided in baking, ensuring baked products do not stick when using parchment paper. Freezer paper has higher moisture-resistant properties, which enable it to reduce or eliminate the transfer of moisture through freezing, which ultimately prevents freezer burn and maintains food quality.

Freezing

Although both papers can be utilized in freezing conditions, freezer paper is uniquely designed for freezing and it protects against freezer burn and moisture loss. Parchment paper can also be used when freezing but it is not much good at preventing moisture exchange over a long time.

Storage

The parchment is convenient whenever one needs to temporarily store food covered by parchment paper at room temperature or within the refrigerator. The exceptional quality of the Freezer paper to resist moisture penetration makes it the best for a long duration of food storage. 

Reusability

Parchment paper is used only once, especially for baking, because the silicone covering may degrade or contact with other foods. You can defrost and reuse Freezer paper for more than one freezing cycle if it is clean and has not been torn apart.

Read Also: Comparing Parchment Paper Vs Butter Paper

Conclusion!

The physical appearance of both parchment paper vs freezer paper may seem but both of them are quite distinct from each other when it comes to mechanical and chemical properties. You can pack your food in any of the two after understanding the suitability in different situations. You can get all the custom food wrapping papers by contacting Greaseproof Papers and enjoy the most pristine quality custom papers.

Perfect cooking and baking depend on the selection of the right material and utensils or tools. Custom food papers or liners are essential in the cooking process. Specifically, custom parchment paper and butter paper are used for various purposes in cooking and baking. 

When it comes to comparing parchment paper and butter paper, most people get confused, and some even consider them the same. Although many features of custom wraps are alike, several characteristics make them suitable for different purposes. 

Parchment and custom-printed butter paper rolls are both the best options to promote a brand when they are designed with the logo and the other promotional elements of the brand. However, when it comes to physical characteristics, both serve slightly different purposes. So, to get an in-depth analysis of the differences between both papers, let’s thoroughly read the blog. 

Similarities Between Parchment Paper and Butter Paper

Before moving towards the differences between the varieties of custom greaseproof paper, we will first understand the areas in which they are similar to each other. The main similarity between them is that they are FDA- and FSC-approved, which is why all food-related businesses use them regularly. The similar characteristics of butter and custom parchment paper sheets are:

Food-Safe

As we know, custom food papers are manufactured using wood pulp, which makes them entirely safe for direct contact with food. Cellulose fiber is one of the key components used to produce the paper, and it easily degrades. 

Greaseproof

Butter and printed parchment paper have a grease-resistant coating. These coatings and the papers’ compact structure give them grease-resistant properties and prevent any fat or oil from seeping through the sheets.  

Nonstick

Butter paper has a wax coating, and parchment sheets have a silicone coating; both are ideal options for giving material nonstick properties. However, silicone coating has much higher nonstick properties than wax coating. 

Convenient For Wrapping

Regardless of the type of coatings applied on the surface of the paper, you can use both of them to wrap different food items such as sandwiches, cheese slices, burgers, line for bakers, etc. They are an excellent alternative to sandwiches, deli, and food basket liners. 

Available In Pre-Cut or Roll Form

Due to the customization option of custom-printed parchment paper and butter paper, you can select them in the dimensions of your choice. You can also select pre-cut sheets or rolls. 

Difference Between Parchment Paper Vs Butter Paper

Due to the differences in coating and certain mechanical and chemical manufacturing processes, custom-printed butter paper and parchment paper are different in various ways. Some of the key differences are: 

Heat Resistance

Parchment paper is an excellent option for baking and roasting because it is resistant to high temperatures. It can endure 420-450°F (215-230°C) without melting, burning, or deteriorating. The application of a silicone coating and the treatment of paper with sulfuric acid give it this much resistance to heat. 

On the contrary, butter paper’s heat resistance is just like wax paper’s. It is moderately resistant to heat, which is why you can not see it under high temperatures such as those of ovens. When this paper is exposed to high temperatures, it sticks to the food or the utensils and sometimes catches fire. 

Coating Type

Parchment paper contains a silicone coating that gives it nonstick properties and the ability to withstand temperature. This coating does melt and does not transfer fees to food under heat. On the other hand, butter paper has a thin layer of wax that melts when exposed to temperature saturation.

Primary Use

Parchment is highly resistant to heat and is nonstick, so it is used in baking, roasting, and cooking where high heat is required. This paper is mostly used to line baking pans. Butter paper is used mainly to wrap foods such as sandwiches and baked goods. These foods are heated under moderate temperatures and do not require high exposure to heat, which is the perfect option for butter paper.  

Water Resistance

Parchment sheets are water resistant, which helps to prevent the food from getting soggy, moist, or oily foods. You can easily maintain the quality of the food using parchment sheets. Butter sheets are also water resistant to some extent but when constantly exposed to moist conditions. Butter sheet is sufficient for short-term uses but not as durable as parchment. 

Environmental Impact

The application of silicone on parchment paper makes it harder to decompose. However, if you are using an unbleached version, then it can decompose easily under the right conditions. However, it is less biodegradable than natural uncoated paper. Due to the application of wax, butter sheets are not biodegradable. A paraffin-based coating is mostly applied, which is unsustainable. 

When To Use Parchment And Butter Paper 

Due to major differences, both custom food wraps are used for different purposes. By understanding the right use of paper, one can cook the meal efficiently and prevent any kind of mess or damage. Some of the usages of parchment paper are: 

Baking and Roasting

Reason: Parchment paper is coated with silicone, which is sticky and resistant to heat. Thus, cooking methods that need high heat, such as baking and roasting, can be done with this method. Due to the nonstick surface, food does not stick to the pan, baked items can be easily molded, uneven baking does not occur, and partially burned food is not cooked. It also reduces the requirement of greasing the pan. This makes baking faster and, most importantly, healthier since the number of extra fats or oils added is greatly reduced. Food is baked uniformly, and you can easily mold the baked items. This also reduces the creation of mess. 

Cooking In High Heat

Because parchment paper is heatproof, it is ideal for cooking methods that involve exposure to high heat, such as en papillote cooking (cooking food in a paper-enclosed packet). In this method, the natural moisture component of the food can be retained to a lesser extent, resulting in juicy and soft food. Because parchment paper is heat resistant, it does not burn or melt. Its shape is retained, which helps to contain moisture and flavor in food during baking. Fish, vegetables, and chicken breasts can be cooked by wrapping them in parchment sheets, and they will have a delicious appearance and soft texture without requiring fat.

Rolling Out Dough

For sticky or sensitive doughs, it can be used as a nonstick surface that is also strong and does not stick to the dough. This assists in preserving the dough’s form and structure and enhances its quality. While you are kneading the dough or rolling it out on a countertop or any other flat surface, it sticks. Parchment paper does not need to be dusted, which is beneficial in preserving the dough’s shape. The dough does not stick to the paper, and more importantly, it can be removed without breaking or altering its structure. This includes a cookie, pie crust, or pastry dough so that their shape can be retained without any wastage.

Butter is used in the following circumstances.

Food Storage

Butter paper is completely greaseproof, but its heat-resistant properties are low. That is why it is usually preferred to wrap food that is consumed at room temperature or stored in the refrigerator. The plastic coating makes it a perfect option for foods such as sandwiches, cheese, and biscuits that require protection from heat. Butter paper is cheap and is suitable for temporary storage of foods and other products. The layer of wax protects food from sticking to the paper while retaining the texture. Food remains fresh and can be easily opened from the paper without sticking, making it ideal for preparing snacks or for quick storage.

Freezing

Butter paper is used because it has a wax coating that does not crumble or tear. It’s also appropriate for wrapping foods intended to be frozen, as it lays a layer between the different items to prevent them from sticking together. Butter paper offers a smooth, quick-release surface for products such as baked goods, burgers, or meat. It protects food items from freezing together so that you can easily separate different portions when the food is thawed. It also effectively protects foods from freezer burn. 

Conclusion 

Comparing parchment paper to butter paper shows several similarities and dissimilarities. When one understands the key characteristics of the paper, one can perfectly select the best option for the product, considering the specific requirements of the product. If you are looking for different varieties of greaseproof paper, you can contact Greaseproof Papers, place your order economically, and receive it in just a few days.

Today people have the chance or luxury to enjoy cuisines from all around the world. From Chinese cuisine to subcontinental food, American cuisine to Mexican, Italian pasta to French bagels, all are available to the people due to the widespread supply chain and people’s ability to try new cuisines in their home town due to the availability of recipes on the internet. No matter which cuisine you are cooking, you certainly have used wax paper and parchment paper. 

Both wax and parchment paper have different characteristics, which is why they have different usages. Due to their similar appearance, many people consider them the same. Nonetheless, both are remarkably different in features such as resistance to heat, moisture, and applications. Let’s read the blog and see the areas where the two papers are alike and different. 

Key Similarities Between Parchment Paper And Wax Paper

Before we start discussing the different features of both papers, we must know that they are similar in various aspects. The surface characteristics are different to many extents but they also resemble various aspects such as: 

Non-Stick Surface

Both the custom food wrapping papers have a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface of the paper makes them perfect for lining pans for food where the adhesion of food to the pan can be problematic such as serving sliced cheese. Specifically, if you are rolling dough or wrapping candies, then you can rely on any of the papers from the two of them. 

Moisture Resistance

The second similarity between parchment and wax paper is that both of them are resistant to moisture, albeit this resistance is to a different extent. Wax paper is comparatively more resistant to water as it has an impermeable coating of wax. 

Food-Safe

The papers are designed to be food-safe so that they can be used in direct contact with the food. Brands can easily and without any kind of worry wrap their hot sizzling foods in these wraps because the changes of chemical leaching are absent. Nonetheless, too much exposure to high temperatures specifically of wax-coated paper can lead to the release of some of the hydrocarbon into the food which is why is preferred not to use wax-coated sheets at high temperatures. Exposure to high temperatures also increases the chances of ignition. 

Flexibility and Thinness

Parchment paper and wax sheets both are highly flexible so you can easily mold them as per the shape of the container. This feature of both the greaseproof papers makes them a practical solution for wrapping and storing food products and lining pans.  

Comparison Of Parchment Paper Vs Wax Paper

Read Also:

Butcher paper vs deli paper: key differences and similarities

Both butcher paper and deli paper play crucial roles in the food packing field. They may look like the same product but are manufactured using different chemical and mechanical processes and have different raw materials, coatings, and characteristics. 

Sometimes, both papers are non-coated, so many people consider them the same. A comparison of butcher and deli paper indicated that they could only sometimes be used as an alternative. For instance, their heat, moisture, etc. tolerance is very different. 

Even so, there are many features of both types of custom greaseproof paper that are alike but are not limited to food-grade nature, sustainability, sturdiness, branding potential, etc. To learn more, let’s read the blog and make a clear distinction between both of them. 

Manufacturing Process

Butcher paper is made from kraft pulp, which is strong and hard-wear wood pulping. Wood fibers are converted Through a chemical treatment into a thick, intense form of paper that includes pressing and drying processes. Butcher paper is available in brown unblocked form. It can also be bleached to give it a white color and a cleaner look. This paper is reusable and strong enough to wrap moist foods like raw meat. There are primarily two types of butcher paper:

1. White butcher paper: Pale and excellent for presenting food cleanly and professionally. 
2. Brown butcher paper: Uncoated paper widely used to wrap meats for preservation or cooking purposes, particularly in barbeque.

Deli paper is less thick and coarse than craft paper. This paper is finer and thinner than the craft paper. This is usually made from bleached wood pulp and has a more polished surface that is preferable for handling delicate foods such as sandwiches. The paper used for this application is made from wood pulp. With a series of mechanical manufacturing processes, it has a grease resistance ability that is ideal for wrapping food with high-fat content. Types of deli depend on the kind of coating and the degree of thickness of the paper. The most common varieties are:

• Standard deli paper: Sleek paper that does not allow grease to penetrate through it and is often used in making sandwiches or wraps.
• Waxed deli paper: Adding extra protection from grease, commonly used for foods that are fried or come with grease.

Chemical Composition

Sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide are used in kraft processes to manufacture butcher paper. This process swells the lignin in the wood fibers and increases cellulose’s concentration. The paper produced from this process is almost free of hazardous chemical components and is an ideal and most suitable option for food wrapping. Butcher papers can sometimes also be coated with polyethene to make them moisture-resistant. 

On the other hand, the manufacturing process of deli paper involves the chemical treatment that gives a grease-resistant surface to the paper. This consists of applying chemicals such as Wax or silicone on the surface. These chemicals help to make the deli paper resistant to oily or greasy foods.

Coatings Used

Butcher paper is available with or without varnish. When coated, it usually has a polyethene coating that makes it moisture-proof. This coating does not allow the butcher paper to soak in the juices of the meats. Moreover, it also helps to prevent the drying out of meat or getting undesirably soggy. On the other hand, non-glossy, non-coated butcher paper is a little less moisture resistant; this type is mainly used for smoking BBQs due to its breathable nature. 

Conversely, deli paper has a thin layer of Wax or silicone to give the required grease resistance. These coatings ensure that oil does not penetrate the paper and cause a mess. Butcher paper is used to hold the moisture of raw food, while deli paper is mainly used to wrap fully cooked foods.

Applications

Butcher paper is often used in meat processing, especially in butcheries, to wrap raw meat products. The same paper is also used to smoke BBQs, where the paper is used to cover meats during cooking to keep them moist while allowing the smoke to penetrate paper fibers and access the food.

Deli paper is commonly used in deli stores and sandwich shops as wrapping for sandwiches, subs or burgers. It is also used as a basket liner to serve the food cleanly and professionally. 

Printing Process

Butcher and deli paper are printed using flexographic methods and offset printing techniques. Logos, designs, or text can be printed on paper with food-grade ink to avoid any contamination in the food. Apart from this, the color’s are resistant to fading so that the promotional element of the paper remains intact.

Laser Printing on Butcher Paper & Deli Paper

Laser printing is possible on butcher paper sheets, but certain restrictions exist. For instance, if you are using paper without any wax or PE lamination, it is easy to print via laser printing. A wax or PE-coated paper can melt and burn during the process because of the excessive heat involved. Deli paper can not be printed by laser method-sprinter because it contains Wax or silicone coating. These coatings can melt under the high temperatures of the laser printer and smear or, at worst, destroy the printer. 

Comparison of Butcher Paper vs. Deli Paper

Conclusion

Butcher paper and deli paper are different products important to food packaging and are manufactured specifically for the food industry. Butcher paper is thicker and is a better option for meats, while deli paper is thinner and best for take-out food items. Their manufacturing processes, specific chemicals, coatings, and uses differ, so they are used for various food products. If you are looking for high-quality, sustainable, economical, and durable butcher or deli paper with excellent branding potential, you can Contact Greaseproof Papers and enjoy their amazing services. 

Read Also:

How are Parchment Paper And Butcher Paper Different From Each Other?

Whether running a deli store, a fast food restaurant, or a bakery, you must know about custom parchment and butcher paper. Both papers are sometimes used interchangeably but not always because there are many key differences between the two. Comparing butcher paper vs parchment paper, the main difference that we all see is the difference in application in food preparation. They also have different manufacturing processes, chemical treatments, temperature differences, etc. To know the key differences and similarities between the two, first, we will learn about what these papers are, and then we will chronologically dig deeper into the differences. 

What Is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper is a nonstock custom food wrap that is resistant to heat and is mainly used in baking. This paper undergoes sizing or “parchmentizing,” treating it with sulphuric acid to enhance its qualities. This acidic treatment strengthens the paper and gives it a non-stick surface. Parchment is versatile and used to line the baking pans, to prevent the food from sticking to the utensil’s surface, and in different cooking techniques, such as en papillote. You can also use this paper in ovens as it can tolerate high temperatures.  

What Is Butcher Paper?

As the name of the paper indicates, it is used by the butcheries to wrap meat. This paper is made from unbleached, intreated Kraft pulp, which gives it a strong and tear-resistant quality. A custom butcher paper is highly durable, so it is used in different industries such as arts and crafts, as wrapping material, and sometimes even in construction, such as covering surfaces with high foot traffic while painting. The porous nature of the paper is the reason for its breathability, which makes it an ideal option for wrapping brisket in drunk smoking, as it enables the meat to retain moisture while allowing excessive heat to escape through it, resulting in tender meat. 

Manufacturing Differences 

The question “Is butcher paper the same as parchment paper?” can be answered by comparing their manufacturing differences. Despite the fact that both papers are made from the pulp of softwood fiber, they have several properties that distinguish them from each other significantly. Such as: 

Source Material

Butcher sheets are made from Kraft pulp and not treated with bleaching agents. Due to this, this paper has a natural brown color with high durability and breathability. On the other hand, raw material for parchment undergoes special treatment that includes treating the material with sulphuric acid and then coating it with silicone. Both these treatments give non-stick and grease-resistant properties to parchment sheets. 

Parchmentizing Process

This process is related to parchment paper sheets because butcher paper does not undergo a chemical treatment. The process of treating the raw material with sulphuric acid is called parchmentizing. This process alters the surface of the paper by breaking down the fiber and creating a more resistant paper having perfect non-stick properties and high resistance to grease and heat. To further enhance the properties of parchment, it is coated with silicone that synergies the effect of sulphuric acid. 

Strength And Flexibility

In parchment paper vs butcher paper, butcher paper is tough, durable, and heavier than the parchment sheets. The reason for this is that the raw material custom butcher paper sheets are not treated with any bleaching agent and have excellent resistance to tearing. On the contrary, parchment paper is delicate compared to butcher paper but gains strength due to sulphuric acid treatment. That allows it to resist heat and prevent it from sticking. 

Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is one of the most useful features of all the custom food wraps. The extent to which a specific type of greaseproof paper withstands heat makes the main difference. Custom printed butcher paper can tolerate moderate heat; therefore, it can be used only in slow-cooking processes such as smoking meat. However, parchment paper can actually handle heat up to 450, and then it goes off, which is so good for baking and roasting.  

Porosity

Butcher paper has less density which means it has high porosity, which allows air to pass through it. It can hold moisture while allowing for steam condensation, making it suitable for BBQs. On the other hand, parchment paper is less porous and is used to retain food’s moisture and to line the baking pans.  

Chemical Treatment 

Butcher paper is free from any chemical treatment. This paper is unbleached and has its natural strength. Sometimes minor additives like a thin layer of wax coating are applied on the paper, but still, it is highly food-grade and almost free from chemicals. Parchment paper undergoes extensive treatment with chemicals such as sulphuric acid and silicone coating that strengthen the paper and give it non-stick properties. Although parchment is highly treated with chemicals to alter its structure at the end of manufacturing, the paper is washed with water to remove excessive chemicals and make it ideal for food products. 

Food-Safe And Durable 

Both butcher and parchment paper are food-safe and perfect for use in direct contact with the food without transferring any harmful substance. Although parchment paper is thin, like butcher paper, it is strong enough to resist heat and tearing during cooking. 

Non-toxic And Disposable Nature

Both papers are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. After treatment with sulphuric acid, parchment paper is washed with water to remove the undesirable chemicals and to keep up with food safety standards. In parchment paper vs butcher paper, both papers are disposable and are used to make the cooking process easier and less messy. 

Moisture Management

Butcher paper allows moisture retention during smoking and grilling; parchment paper is used to prevent excessive moisture from affecting the texture and taste of baked food to retain the crispiness of baked food.

Odorless and Tasteless

Neither butcher paper nor parchment paper imparts any flavor to the food.  This ensures that the natural flavors of the ingredients remain preserved. Butcher and parchment papers are flexible and easy to fold and wrapped around food. Butcher paper is used to wrap meat products, and parchment is used to line baking pans. 

Conclusion 

When it comes to comparison between the butcher and the parchment paper, both serve differently in cooking. Butcher paper is more concerned with the wrapping of raw food and moderate-temperature cooking. At the same time, parchment paper is used for high-temperature cooking methods such as baking. There are many structural, functional, and applicational differences between the custom food wraps nonetheless, both are food grade and ideal to serve their intended purpose. If you want to get these custom food wraps in high quality and with food safety certifications, Greaseproof Papers is an ideal option for you to make this purchase. Just click on the link and get the best paper at affordable rates!