Fixing Greaseproof Paper Problems in Australian Food Service
Greaseproof paper plays a big role in how food looks, feels, and holds up during handling. For food businesses that care about presentation, from bakeries to burger joints and event caterers, the right paper can be the difference between a brand that looks polished and one that feels second-rate. Whether you’re wrapping up a double cheeseburger or lining a tray of mini cheesecakes, that sheet of paper carries more weight than you might think.
But problems with greaseproof paper are fairly common and often show up during peak business hours when you’re busy or short-staffed. Soggy paper, rips, faded prints – all of these issues take away from the eating experience and your brand image. The good news is that these problems are avoidable. Once you implement the right greaseproof paper, your operation becomes more consistent. Customers notice the quality, and staff can focus on service instead of packaging fixes.
Understanding Greaseproof Paper
Greaseproof paper is different from ordinary paper due to the way it is treated during manufacturing. It resists oil and moisture, forming a barrier between food and the external environment. This keeps food items neat, appealing, and contained, especially during transport or display. Unlike baking paper or kitchen drawer liners, foodservice-grade greaseproof paper is designed for packaging and needs to withstand real-world conditions in professional kitchens.
There are various grades and finishes available in Australia, each suited to different kinds of food.
- Lightweight paper is ideal for wrapping dry items or short-term presentation.
- Midrange paper works for moderately moist foods like sandwiches and pastries.
- Heavy-duty paper is perfect for oily or juicy food such as burgers, loaded toasties, and fried chicken.
The coating type, paper thickness, and compatibility with printing can all influence how the packaging performs. Choosing the wrong type can lead to premature tearing, leaking, or even branding that rubs off too quickly. It’s also important to ask practical questions: Is the food served hot or cold? Will it be eaten immediately or kept for later? Is it for dine-in trays or takeaway?
A café serving rustic sourdough toast may want slightly textured, earth-toned paper that matches its aesthetic. A caterer providing chic grazing boards might prefer large, customised sheets with elegant branding. Understanding these details ensures that the packaging supports both food performance and brand consistency.
If you’ve tried different versions of greaseproof paper and still experience problems, the issue may be a mismatch in the paper grade or inconsistent quality from your supplier. Let’s look at the most common issues that Australian food service venues face with greaseproof paper.
Common Greaseproof Paper Problems in Food Business Settings
When greaseproof paper fails, the experience it creates for the customer falls short. These are some of the most frequently reported issues across cafés, bakeries, caterers, and small-scale Australian food producers:
1. Soaking or Leaking Through
The paper can’t hold back oil, sauces, or moisture, leading to messy serving trays or soggy takeaway bags. This happens when the paper has insufficient grease resistance or there is no treatment applied to the sheets.
2. Paper Tears Easily
Thin or poorly made paper rips during wrapping or when customers handle the product. This issue becomes worse with hot food or items that require a tight wrap.
3. Print Wearing Off
Branding fades or smudges before the food reaches the customer, especially on greasy or warm items. In most cases, the ink or print process was not suitable for greaseproof material.
4. Paper Sticking to Food
Trying to peel paper off a croissant or slice of cake can frustrate the customer if part of their meal stays attached. Paper coatings and finish types play a big role here.
5. Mismatch Between Paper Size and Food Style
Too-small sheets lead to improper covering, while overly large ones make preparing items a hassle. If the paper isn’t proportioned for the menu, it disrupts workflow and presentation.
These issues are often the result of using a one-size-fits-all approach to packaging or relying on generic supplier stock. Working with a reliable Australian supplier that understands your business can help you avoid these problems altogether.
Solutions for Fixing Greaseproof Paper Problems
Finding the right supplier is one of the most effective ways to solve greaseproof paper problems. A quality-driven supplier brings in-depth product knowledge and offers paper that fits your specific business application. They can guide you in selecting the correct paper type, grease resistance level, thickness, and print-friendly options that match your food style and branding needs.
Customisation is more than just a logo on a paper sheet. It involves understanding what kind of paper suits your cooking environment, portion sizes, and serving temperatures. For example, thicker paper with strong grease resistance is ideal for hot foods like meat rolls or loaded fries, while a thinner sheet works better for quick turnover items like cookies or muffins.
Proper storage and handling can further extend the performance of greaseproof paper. Keep sheets in a dry, cool environment to prevent them from picking up moisture before use. Store them flat to avoid creases that can lead to weak spots during service.
Printing quality is another essential factor. Work with suppliers who use ink and processes that are certified food-safe and designed to last. A good printing job will hold up against hot food surfaces, condensation, and messes, keeping your branding visible and fresh.
When all these elements combine, premium materials, thoughtful matching to specific food styles, strong printing, and proper storage, you create a packaging system that supports your brand’s standards every time a product leaves your venue.
Benefits of Using Quality Greaseproof Paper in Food Service
Choosing quality greaseproof paper results in more than aesthetic benefits. It gives your business a functional edge and supports day-to-day operations. First impressions matter in food presentation, and better paper helps food look freshly made and well thought out.
Here are the key benefits businesses notice when using high-standard greaseproof paper:
- Professional branding that holds up under use
- Consistent product presentation at all times of service
- Less mess, leading to better customer reviews and smoother handoffs
- Improved durability, reducing re-wraps and waste
- A more cohesive brand image that resonates with customers
When customers see the effort put into details such as packaging, it reinforces the value of your product. It also signals to wholesalers, caterers, or potential stockists that this is a serious operation with a clear brand identity.
High-grade paper also improves operational efficiency. No more last-minute runs for replacements or complaints from the kitchen about torn edges or soaking problems. The consistency adds reliability to service, something staff and customers both value.
Looking Forward with Quality Packaging
Investing in greaseproof paper isn’t just about fixing what’s not working right now. It’s about future-proofing your brand. With the food industry evolving in terms of eco-awareness, presentation trends, and takeaway demand, reliable packaging becomes part of what helps you adapt and grow.
Using quality packaging solutions allows your business to remain flexible, meet customer expectations, and present food in a way that reinforces the value of your product. Greaseproof paper may seem like a small detail in the broader picture, but it makes a strong impact when chosen well and used consistently.
For those looking to level up their food service brand in Australia, better packaging is the first step. It speaks volumes about quality, consistency, and professionalism. And in competitive markets, those qualities make a real difference.
If your packaging isn’t doing your food justice, we can help. At Star Stuff Group, we work closely with Aussie businesses to deliver custom solutions that look great and perform even better. Our greaseproof paper in Australia is built for busy kitchens, messy menus, and brands that want to stand out for the right reasons. From flaky pastries to stacked burgers, we’ll make sure your product looks as good as it tastes, every single time.
