Top 5 Types of Paper Used in Restaurants

Paper-based packaging plays a bigger role in restaurants than most people realize. Data shows that 67% of consumers consider packaging material when making purchasing decisions, while over 60% prioritize food safety and shelf life as key packaging functions (McKinsey & Company).

In addition, more than 70% of consumers globally perceive paper and cardboard as the most environmentally friendly packaging materials, reinforcing their strong association with sustainability (McKinsey & Company). Research published by MDPI also highlights that paper-based packaging can increase perceived product quality and naturalness compared to plastic alternatives, making it an increasingly important part of restaurant packaging strategies.

Top 5 Types of Paper Used in Restaurants

1. Cup Board (for Hot & Cold Beverage Cups)

Cup board is specifically engineered for beverage applications, where durability and liquid resistance are critical. It needs to handle both hot and cold temperatures while maintaining structural integrity.

Foopak offers Foopak Bio Natura and Foopak Natura Cup as strong solutions in this category. These products are designed with:

High stiffness for cup forming stability
Excellent sealing performance
Resistance to leakage for both hot and cold beverages
PE-coated and PE-free (aqueous coating) options

Foopak Bio Natura, in particular, uses aqueous coating technology, allowing brands to move toward more sustainable cup solutions without sacrificing performance.

2. Food Container Board

Food container board is used for takeaway boxes, meal trays, and other rigid packaging that requires strength and grease resistance.

Foopak offers solutions such as Foopak Anchor Bio and Foopak Bio Container for this category. These products are designed to support a wide range of food service applications, from hot meals to grab-and-go packaging.

Foopak Anchor Bio provides:

Strong structural integrity for heavier food items
Oil and grease resistance
Aqueous coating technology (PFAS-free)
Good printability for branding

Meanwhile, Foopak Bio Container is designed as a sustainable paperboard solution for takeaway packaging, offering:

Heat resistance for hot food applications
Suitable stiffness for folding box formats
PFAS-free and recyclable material structure
Reliable performance for direct food contact

3. Greaseproof Paper

Greaseproof paper is widely used for foods with high oil content, such as fried chicken, pastries, and snacks. It helps prevent oil from seeping through, keeping both the food presentation and packaging clean. This makes it a reliable choice for both dine-in service and takeaway applications.

Foopak Greaseproof Paper offers:

High grease resistance without the need for additional coating
A smooth surface suitable for direct food contact
Easy release performance, especially with the Slip Easy variant
PFAS-free options for safer and more sustainable food packaging

4. Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is widely used for burgers, sandwiches, pastries, and other grab-and-go items. It needs to balance flexibility, grease resistance, and visual appeal.

Foopak offers solutions such as Foopak Natural Greaseproof Paper and Foopak Grease Resistant Paper, which are designed for direct food contact and everyday wrapping applications.

These products offer:

Good foldability for easy wrapping and handling
Oil and grease resistance to prevent leakage and stains
Smooth surface suitable for printing and branding
Food-safe materials for direct contact

Foopak Natural Greaseproof Paper is particularly suitable for applications that require higher grease resistance without additional coating, while Foopak Grease Resistant Paper provides a more versatile option for general wrapping needs.

5. Baking Paper

Baking paper is essential for oven-based applications such as bread, cookies, and pastries. It must withstand high temperatures while preventing food from sticking, helping ensure consistent results and easier handling during baking.

Foopak Baking Paper is designed to deliver reliable performance in baking environments and for direct food contact.

Key features include:

High heat resistance suitable for various baking processes
Non-stick surface for easy release and minimal residue
Good grease resistance to maintain product quality
Food-safe material that performs consistently at elevated temperatures

With these properties, Foopak Baking Paper supports efficient baking operations, making it suitable for both commercial kitchens and bakery settings.

Choosing the Right Paper Solution for Your Restaurant’s Needs

Each type of paper serves a specific function, and selecting the right one depends on your menu, service style, and operational priorities. Foopak’s range of paper products is designed to support these diverse needs while also aligning with sustainability goals through innovations such as aqueous coating and PFAS-free materials, making them well-suited for modern restaurant packaging needs.

In practice, choosing the right combination of paper solutions goes beyond packaging. It plays a role in maintaining food quality, improving operational efficiency, and shaping the overall customer experience.