In food packaging, it is necessary to ensure the freshness and safety of food while enhancing the brand image. As consumers pay more attention to environmental protection and health, choosing the right food-grade paper packaging material is more important than ever. This article will give you a comprehensive analysis of the five major types of mainstream food packaging paper, introduce their respective advantages, applicable scenarios, and selection suggestions, and help companies make more informed decisions.

1. Kraft paper-a versatile choice for natural and environmental protection
Why Kraft paper is recommended:
Kraft paper is one of the most widely used materials in food packaging. It is made of wood pulp, usually unbleached, with excellent degradability and strength, and is favored by environmentally friendly brands.
Main advantages:
- Naturally degradable, in line with environmental protection concepts
- Strong structure, suitable for heavier or greasy foods
- Easy to print, suitable for brand customization and promotion
Recommended applications:
- Fast food packaging, dry food bags, bakery bags, supermarket shopping bags
2. Greaseproof paper/baking paper – the best choice for greasy food
Why is it suitable for oily food?
Greaseproof paper has been specially treated to have excellent oil and water resistance, which can effectively prevent food oil stains from penetrating the packaging and keep the appearance neat.
Main advantages:
- Blocking grease and moisture to prevent leakage
- Smooth and non-stick surface to improve the user experience
- Comply with FDA and EU food grade standards, safe and reliable for food contact
Recommended applications:
- Fried chicken, baked goods, sandwiches, and cheese packaging
3. Waxed paper – an ideal choice for moisture-proof and fresh-keeping
Why is it trustworthy?
The surface of wax paper is covered with a layer of food-grade wax (such as paraffin or soybean wax), which has excellent moisture-proof properties and can extend the shelf life of food. It is widely used in cold food and ready-to-eat packaging.
Main advantages:
- Isolate moisture to prevent food from drying and cracking
- Extend shelf life and improve storage and transportation stability
- Optional microwave-safe models, wider application range
Recommended applications:
- Sandwich, fruit, cold cuts, food packaging
4. Recycled paper – sustainable and economical
Why is it worth considering?
Recycled paper is made of recycled paper, which meets the dual needs of environmental protection and cost control. However, it should be noted that it must pass food safety testing before it can be used for direct contact with food.
Main advantages:
- Reduce carbon footprint and solid waste emissions
- Widely used, can be made into boxes, bags, packaging materials, etc.
- Under the premise of compliance, it can become a new trend in environmentally friendly packaging
Recommended applications:
- Pizza boxes, cereal packaging, take-out boxes
5. Molded pulp (plant fiber paper) – both strong and environmentally friendly
Why does it attract so much attention?
This material is derived from sugarcane bagasse, bamboo pulp, or recycled paper, 100% biodegradable, and is the preferred sustainable packaging material for environmentally friendly companies.
Main advantages:
- Shock absorption and pressure resistance, protecting fragile food
- Microwave heating and freezing, a wide range of applications
- Completely biodegradable, helping to achieve ESG goals
Recommended applications:
- Egg trays, takeaway boxes, and disposable tableware
Key factors for choosing food packaging paper
- Food safety compliance – packaging materials must pass GB/T 27590-2022, FDA, EU, and other authoritative certifications.
- Barrier performance – choose oil-proof, waterproof, or breathable paper according to the product type
- Sustainability – preferably degradable, recyclable, or FSC-certified materials
- Brand communication – paper must support environmentally friendly printing to enhance brand recognition
Why choose Nanwang?
As China’s first listed paper packaging company, Nanwang has consistently focused on the research, development, and production of food-grade paper bags and environmentally friendly packaging since its establishment in 2010. We have an asset scale of 2.5 billion yuan, with an average annual investment of more than 30 million yuan in research and development expenses. We hold 84 domestic patents and 5 international patents, and have been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Chinese Printing and Packaging Companies” for six consecutive years.
From kraft paper SOS bags, windowed bread bags to molded pulp lunch boxes, Nanwang provides you with a full range of customizable food packaging solutions to meet the needs of various customers, such as catering, retail, e-commerce, and takeaway.
Contact us to customize your paper packaging solution
Food packaging material selection does not have to be complicated. It is more worry-free to leave it to Nanwang. We provide you with sample trials, quick quotes, and customized consulting services to help you build a more influential green brand on the basis of safety and compliance.
Welcome to visit our official website or contact us directly to learn more about food grade paper bags and disposable packaging products. Let us build a sustainable future with paper packaging together!