Nowadays, people truly demand sustainable packaging options when it comes to food items or retailing other products. In the food businesses, customers mostly prefer sustainable packaging to avoid any kind of toxins or other harmful chemicals in their food.
Due to this, two papers are used when it comes to food protection and presentation: wax paper & parchment paper. They are both the same in appearance, but their properties and functions are quite different. Their manufacturing process, printing capabilities, heat resistance, and longevity are different from each other. Let’s know about them in detail.
What Is Parchment Paper?
Custom parchment paper is completely food-safe, which is then coated with an ultra-thin layer of silicone. The great material that makes this custom paper non-stick is a silicone coating. It is wholly heat and moisture-resistant.
The color of parchment paper can be white or brown, depending on how it has been bleached. Parchment paper often comes in circular sheets, rolls, or flat squares.
Manufacturing Difference Between Parchment Paper And Wax Paper
Parchment paper and wax paper are usually made with the same material, called wood pulp. The way wood pulp is processed in the creation of each paper makes a remarkable difference. Moreover, this significant difference provides them with different but unique properties. The comparison of each manufacturing process is given below!
Manufacturing Process Of Parchment Paper
A wood fiber is involved in the manufacturing of parchment paper. Here comes the main difference when the paper is treated with ammonium bisulphite and sulphuric acid after the pulp process. This significant treatment changes the structure of cellulose.
Due to this reason, the heat-resistant properties of the paper and its sturdiness increase with the use of sulphuric acid. This custom paper can withstand temperatures of up to 420°F to 216 °C. So, it’s an ideal option for cooking baked items or other high-heat applications.
The parchment paper is further coated with silicone to enhance the heat-resistant properties. In addition, when the paper is made with sulphuric acid, it simply becomes non-porous. The non-porous features make it an ideal alternative to grease-proof paper.
Best Uses For Parchment Paper
You can use parchment paper for different tasks in the kitchen. Such as;
- A best liner for roasting vegetables
- Liner for baking pans
- Liner for sheet pan dinners
- When preparing a meal, use it on the kitchen counters for lining.
- Great to shift dry ingredients
What Is Wax Paper?
Custom wax papers are coated using paraffin wax, which is a completely food-safe option. It is heat-resistant, moisture-resistant, and non-stick in nature. But, it is not oven safe.
This paper commonly comes in flat sheets or rolls; the choice is yours which to pick. In addition, you can use custom wax paper in the microwave, just to cover food items. But it shouldn’t be left in the oven for long cooking sessions at high temperatures.
Manufacturing Process Of Wax Paper
The manufacturing process of wax paper is simple. It is made by pulping the wood pulp and manufacturing paper sheets. These paper sheets are then rolled in melted wax to provide a smooth, shiny, and moisture-resistant surface. Vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and beeswax are use as a heat-resistant barrier.
Due to this feature of wax coating, it cannot withstand a temperature above 150-200°F, as the wax coating can catch fire or may burn.
Best Uses For Wax Paper
- Use on kitchen counters for lining when baking goods
- Lining pans for no-bake products like fudge
- The best surface for rolling out pie crusts
- Wrapping items to store in the freezer
- Wrapping different food items like sandwiches
Can Custom Parchment Paper Go In The Oven?
Of course, custom parchment paper is completely safe & secure to use in the oven, and it is designed especially for this sole purpose. It’s a heat-resistant paper and also offers other non-stick and grease-proof properties. Here’s why parchment paper is safe for oven use;
- Non-Stick Properties
Parchment paper is created using silicone, which is the reason it offers a non-stick surface. This feature makes it ideal for preventing food items from sticking to any surface.
- Heat-Resistant
This custom parchment paper is completely resistant to moisture and heat, perfect for use in the microwave without melting or catching fire. That’s the only reason that parchment paper is a popular option among people.
Can You Use Parchment Paper In A Food Dehydrator?
Yes, many individuals use this custom paper in a food dehydrator. It’s a useful way for preventing different food items from sticking to the surface of trays.
Here’s why to use it;
- Non-Stick Surface
This custom paper offers a great barrier that simply prevents food from sticking to the dehydrator trays. It makes cleanup easier.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention
By using this type of paper, you can prevent flavors from one food item from transferring to others.
Is Parchment Paper Recyclable?
It may not be biodegradable and recyclable because its silicone coating makes it challenging to process in some recycling facilities.
While the paper used in this process is biodegradable itself, the silicone layer on the paper prevents it from being recycled and can easily contaminate other recyclables.
Should You Use Wax Paper Or Parchment Paper For Baking?
Remember that this parchment paper is best for hot food, while wax paper is ideal for use when extreme heat is involved.
In addition, you can use custom wax paper when you are preparing items for baking. It can keep your countertop and shelves clean when placed on top of them.
By Summarizing The Above Discussion
Both wax paper and parchment paper are helpful in many different ways. It mainly depends on your requirements. Regardless of which one you choose for your purposes, whenever possible, you should always opt for the unbleached option
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.