Hubbry Logo
Waxed paperWaxed paperMain
Open search
Waxed paper
Community hub
Waxed paper
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Waxed paper
Waxed paper
Waxed paper
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Waxed paper

Waxed paper (also wax paper, waxpaper, or paraffin paper) is paper that has been made moisture-proof and grease-proof through the application of wax.

The practice of oiling parchment or paper in order to make it semi-translucent or moisture-proof goes back at least to the Middle Ages. Paper impregnated or coated with purified beeswax was widely used throughout the 19th century to retain or exclude moisture, or to wrap odorous products. Gustave Le Gray introduced the use of waxed paper for photographic negatives in 1851.[1] Natural wax was largely replaced for the making of waxed paper (or paraffine paper) after Herman Frasch developed ways of purifying paraffin and coating paper with it in 1876.[2] Waxed paper is commonly used in cooking for its non-stick properties, and wrapping food for storage, such as cookies, as it keeps water out or in. It is also used in arts and crafts.

Food preparation

[edit]

Waxed paper is not recommended for baking use in an oven, as it will smoke.[3] Parchment paper is better for this use.

In a microwave, waxed paper can be used to prevent splatters by covering the food when microwave cooking. Since the paper is mostly unaffected by microwaves, it will not heat to the point of combustion under normal usage. This makes waxed paper more functional than plastic wrap which will melt at higher temperatures, or aluminium foil, which is not safe for use in most microwave ovens.

Other uses

[edit]

Safety razor blades are traditionally wrapped in waxed paper to make handling them less dangerous.[4]

From the early 1950s to the mid-1990s, waxed paper was used as a common wrapping for sports card packages (O-Pee-Chee, Topps, Donruss, etc.). It was notorious for leaving wax markings on the back card where the waxed paper was heated to be sealed. Waxed paper was used as a way to keep the enclosed piece of bubble gum protected. In the mid-1990s, sports card manufacturers stopped including pieces of bubble gum in packs of sports cards, thus ending the need for waxed paper packs. Plastic (often, mylar) or other plastic/paper blends were used from then on.

A version of the paper, trademarked Waxtite, was used to protect early packages of Kellogg's cereal.

Waxed paper is also commonly used to attach pattern pieces to fabric while cutting it for sewing. One presses an iron over the waxed paper briefly and attaches it to the cloth, making it easier to trace while cutting.

Waxed paper's particularly high dielectric strength makes it a practical electrical insulator, although modern materials have surpassed and mostly replaced it. Common applications are coil winding separators and capacitor dielectrics, and other applications requiring resilience against a potential difference up to the order of a few thousand volts per layer.

In photography, waxed paper can be used as a light diffuser. Making waxed paper roses was a hobby among Sri Lankan women.

Environmental issues

[edit]

There are multiple environmental issues concerned with waxed paper. Though it is biodegradable in its unaltered form[citation needed], oft-applied additives such as petroleum rid it of that quality. Waxed paper also cannot be recycled.[5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Waxed paper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Waxed paper, also known as wax paper or paraffin paper, is a moistureproof and grease-resistant material consisting of a thin sheet of coated on one or both sides with , typically derived from , though alternatives like or may be used. This coating renders the paper impermeable to and oils, providing a suitable for various applications while maintaining flexibility and translucency. It is primarily used in and preparation, as well as non-culinary applications like crafts and liners, though traditional paraffin versions pose challenges while modern sustainable variants address environmental concerns.

History

Origins and Invention

impregnated or coated with purified emerged as a practical material in the , primarily employed to retain or exclude moisture and to wrap odorous products such as cheeses and spices, preventing unwanted scents from permeating surrounding items. This early form of waxed paper relied on natural for its properties, offering a simple yet effective barrier in trade and storage contexts before more advanced coatings were developed. The practice of treating with oils or waxes for dates back to the . A significant innovation occurred in 1851 when French photographer pioneered the application of waxed paper in , using it to create translucent negatives that produced sharper and more detailed images. Le Gray's method involved coating paper with wax prior to sensitizing it with light-sensitive chemicals, an advancement that enhanced the process and demonstrated waxed paper's potential beyond mere wrapping. This marked one of the first modern, non-utilitarian uses of the material, influencing photographic techniques in . The material's production evolved further in 1876 with German-American chemist Herman Frasch's patent for purifying from , which replaced inconsistent natural with a more uniform, scalable petroleum-derived alternative suitable for even coating on paper. Frasch's process improved the quality and consistency of paraffin, facilitating its application in paper for broader industrial viability. This shift enabled more reliable production methods, setting the stage for expanded use. In the late , waxed paper saw initial applications in food wrapping to shield perishables from and , as well as in industrial protection to safeguard goods against , pests, and . These uses highlighted its versatility in preserving materials during transport and storage, paving the way for commercial scaling in the early 20th century.

Commercial Development

The commercialization of waxed paper gained momentum in the early , transitioning it from industrial and limited applications to a mass-produced household staple. In 1927, Reynolds Metals Company launched Cut-Rite Wax Paper, a branded roll product invented by Nicholas Marcalus and featuring an innovative serrated cutter bar for precise dispensing, which quickly became popular for wrapping sandwiches and baked goods. As early as the 1910s, waxed paper was integrated as liners in boxes, exemplified by Waxtite heat-sealed waxed paper bags, which were prominently advertised in products like to maintain freshness after opening. By and continuing through the , waxed paper saw significant expansion in household and applications, driven by its moisture-resistant properties. Additionally, from onward, waxed paper wrappers became the standard for sports trading cards, earning the colloquial term "wax packs" due to the sealed that protected contents without adhesion. In 1950, manufacturers introduced enhanced household variants with improved transparency and protective qualities to meet growing domestic needs. Following , waxed paper experienced broader global adoption, particularly in the United States and , amid surging demand for effective methods in post-war households and markets. This period marked increased production to support everyday wrapping and storage, solidifying its role in consumer goods before the rise of plastic alternatives.

Composition and Production

Materials

Waxed paper is primarily composed of a base sheet of that provides structural integrity and absorbency, typically made from or vegetable parchment derived from wood pulp or recycled fibers. , produced through the using virgin or recycled wood pulp, offers strength and durability suitable for coating, while vegetable parchment is created by treating paper with to enhance grease resistance before wax application. These base materials ensure the paper remains flexible yet robust for various uses. The primary coating for standard waxed paper is , a obtained from the refining of crude oil, which imparts water and grease resistance. In contemporary and eco-friendly variants, natural alternatives such as —derived from beehives—soy wax, extracted from hydrogenated , or , sourced from the leaves of the carnauba palm, are used instead to provide similar protective qualities while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additives in waxed paper are employed minimally to enhance functionality, including pigments for producing colored variants and release agents to improve non-stick properties. Soy wax, in particular, is valued for its plant-based sourcing from renewable soybeans, contributing to greater in production. Key differences in material sourcing distinguish traditional , which originates from non-renewable crude oil refining, from renewable plant- or animal-based alternatives like soy, , and carnauba waxes, promoting environmental benefits in modern formulations.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process of waxed paper begins with the preparation of the base paper, typically weighing 35–40 grams per square meter (), produced from wood pulp through standard techniques involving pulping, pressing, and drying to achieve a smooth surface. The paper is unwound from large rolls and may undergo pre-treatment, such as calendering, to ensure uniform thickness and enhance absorption without altering the fiber structure. Wax application follows, where or alternatives like soy wax is melted to a molten state, such as around 75°C for some eco-friendly processes, and applied to the via industrial methods such as roll , dipping, or immersion in molten baths to achieve a thin, even layer typically 5–10 micrometers thick. In roll , the passes through rollers submerged in the bath, allowing controlled impregnation, while dipping involves flooding the for deeper penetration suitable for grease-resistant applications. After application, the advances through cooling stages, where it contacts chilled rollers or air-cooled chambers to rapidly solidify the and form a firm, non-tacky surface. This solidification prevents migration of the and ensures to the fibers. Finishing involves slitting the continuous web into narrower rolls, followed by perforating, cutting into sheets, or winding for consumer formats, with quality checks for uniform coating and edge smoothness. Process variations include single-sided versus double-sided , where is applied to one or both surfaces depending on intended use, and modern eco-friendly adaptations using soy emulsions applied via bar- or spraying at around 75°C, followed by room-temperature and low-heat curing to minimize energy consumption compared to traditional hot-melt paraffin methods.

Properties

Physical Characteristics

Waxed paper exhibits strong and grease resistance due to its hydrophobic surface, which repels and oils effectively. The paraffin coating creates a -repellent barrier, resulting in contact angles greater than 90°—typically around 105° for on surfaces—confirming its hydrophobic nature. This property also extends to grease resistance, as the layer prevents penetration, making it suitable for protecting against and lipid-based contaminants. In terms of temperature tolerance, the coating melts at 46–68°C (115–154°F), limiting its use in high-heat applications. Per USDA guidelines, it is microwave-safe for loosely covering at low to medium power for short durations, provided it is not in direct contact with heating elements or tightly wrapped to avoid melting. The material may smoke above the melting point and potentially ignite at temperatures exceeding 200°C (392°F), rendering it unsuitable for direct or prolonged high-heat environments. Mechanically, demonstrates tensile strength ranging from 20 to 50 lbs/inch, depending on the base paper quality and thickness, enabling it to withstand moderate pulling forces without tearing. It offers good flexibility, allowing easy folding and creasing without cracking, while its opacity or translucency varies with wax application—thinner s yield semi-translucent sheets, and thicker ones increase opacity for better diffusion. Standard formats include rolls typically 12 to 18 inches wide and pre-cut sheets, with overall thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.1 mm, influenced by the base paper's (usually 35–45 g/m²) and layer. The paraffin plays a key role in enhancing these physical traits by providing a smooth, non-porous surface that bolsters both barrier and mechanical performance.

Chemical Attributes

Waxed paper exhibits significant chemical inertness, particularly at , where the paraffin or other coatings remain non-reactive with most foods and substances, thereby preventing flavor transfer or chemical contamination during storage and wrapping applications. This inertness stems from the refined structure of paraffinic waxes, which undergo processes like to minimize reactive components, ensuring low migration into contact materials under normal conditions. The composition of the wax influences these chemical behaviors; paraffin wax, commonly used in traditional waxed paper, forms effective oleophobic barriers that repel oils and greases, but exposure to high heat can cause leaching of hydrocarbons into adjacent materials, potentially compromising safety in heated applications. In contrast, natural waxes such as soy wax offer similar barrier functions while being derived from renewable sources. Waxed paper maintains neutrality, typically in the range of 6–8, which allows safe contact with both acidic and alkaline substances without inducing degradation or altering the paper's integrity. This neutral profile arises from the alkaline processes of the base and the non-acidic nature of the coatings, supporting its use in diverse chemical environments. In terms of barrier efficiency, standard paraffin-coated waxed paper demonstrates low permeability, often below 1 g/m²/day, which contributes to its role in preserving moisture-sensitive contents by limiting vapor transmission across the coated surface.

Uses

Culinary Applications

Waxed paper serves as an effective barrier in wrapping and storage, preventing sticking and moisture loss while allowing foods to remain fresh. It is commonly used to line shelves or drawers in refrigerators, cover in containers, and separate layers of meats or baked goods to avoid adhesion during storage or freezing. For instance, when freezing burger patties or portions of dough, waxed paper sheets are placed between items to facilitate easy separation after thawing, leveraging its derived from the hydrophobic coating. In microwave applications, waxed paper is considered safe and is often recommended to cover dishes during reheating, as it absorbs splatters without melting or leaching harmful substances into food, unlike some plastic wraps. The (USDA) approves its use in s, noting that it helps retain moisture while preventing messes, provided it does not touch high-fat or high-sugar foods directly for extended periods. This makes it suitable for short heating times, such as covering or casseroles for up to several minutes. For baking aids, waxed paper provides a for tasks like rolling out or shaping , where direct exposure is avoided. It can line pans or baking sheets in recipes where the batter or fully covers the paper, ensuring easy release without residue, particularly in no-bake desserts or low-heat preparations. However, it is not suitable for direct high-heat , as the coating melts above around 50–60°C (122–140°F). Historically, gained prominence in the for , serving as liners in boxes to contain grease and maintain freshness, and as an alternative to untreated butcher paper for wrapping meats to prevent moisture absorption. By the , commercial products like Cut-Rite introduced waxed paper rolls for household use in wrapping sandwiches and baked goods, revolutionizing everyday food handling before the widespread adoption of alternatives. Its early applications also included lining boxes for crackers around 1900, enhancing through moisture resistance.

Non-Culinary Applications

Waxed paper finds extensive application in crafts and hobbies due to its translucent and non-stick properties. In , it serves as an effective medium for tracing patterns onto fabric, allowing sewers to transfer designs accurately without marking the material directly. Historically, in the mid-19th century, photographers like utilized waxed negatives in the process, sensitizing with to create translucent supports for capturing and printing images, which improved light transmission and detail rendition. This technique provided protective layering for early photographic emulsions, preventing adhesion and enhancing durability during development. In industrial settings, waxed paper acts as an electrical insulator owing to its high , commonly employed as separators in coil windings and dielectrics to prevent short circuits and ingress. It is also used for wrapping hardware and tools, such as blades and metal components, to inhibit and by forming a moisture-repellent barrier during storage and shipping. From the to the , waxed paper wrappers encased collectibles like sports cards, protecting them from humidity and handling damage while maintaining collectible condition. For household tasks beyond the , waxed paper lines drawers and shelves to shield surfaces from spills, , and stains, facilitating easy cleanup and extending the life of wooden or painted interiors. In , it is placed on the ironing board or ironed directly to lubricate the iron's soleplate, improving glide over fabrics and removing residue buildup without scorching the appliance. In , it functions as a temporary barrier during glue-ups and clamping, preventing squeeze-out from adhering to tools or discoloring wood via oxidized metal contact. In modern niches, waxed paper supports in and textiles, where its biodegradable coating provides grease-proof barriers for product wraps without alternatives, aligning with eco-friendly standards through compostability and renewability.

Environmental Considerations

Impact and Biodegradability

The production of traditional waxed paper, particularly those coated with derived from refining, is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to . Refining processes for paraffin-based crude oil generate substantial CO2 loads, with industry-wide estimates indicating millions of tons of emissions annually from production alone. wax alternatives, such as soy or , offer a pathway to mitigate this by reducing reliance on fuels; lifecycle analyses show soy achieving reductions of 7–42% compared to , primarily through lower energy demands in sourcing and processing renewable feedstocks. Biodegradability varies markedly between paraffin-coated and natural wax-coated papers. Paraffin coatings, composed of non-biodegradable hydrocarbons, lead to slow in , often taking several months to years due to resistance to microbial breakdown. In contrast, papers coated with soy or fully biodegrade more rapidly, typically within 60–180 days under suitable environmental conditions, as these natural waxes are readily broken down by microorganisms without persistent residues. Lifecycle assessments of waxed paper highlight additional resource strains, including high consumption during paper pulping, which ranges from 10 to 300 liters per depending on process efficiency and fiber source. Non-recycled virgin pulp sources exacerbate risks, as unsustainable harvesting for paper production has contributed to conversion and in high-conservation areas. Post-2020 research underscores the compostability of vegetable wax papers under European standards, such as EN 13432, which certifies materials achieving at least 90% in industrial composting within specified timelines. Studies on biobased waxes like soywax and confirm their compliance, enabling full without harmful byproducts, whereas petroleum-based variants fail these criteria due to incomplete breakdown.

Recycling and Disposal

Waxed paper's recyclability depends on the type of wax coating used. Petroleum-based versions are generally not accepted in standard streams, as the wax contaminates the pulping process and leads to rejection by most municipal facilities. In contrast, papers coated with natural waxes, such as those derived from soy or , may be recyclable through specialized programs that separate the coating, though availability varies by region. For composting, waxed papers coated with soy or are suitable for home or industrial composting systems, where they break down into nutrient-rich material under proper conditions, typically within 2 to 6 weeks in a well-managed pile. Paraffin-coated waxed paper, however, is unsuitable for composting due to its origin, which resists microbial breakdown and can release into the . When recycling or composting is not feasible, waxed paper can be disposed of through for or landfilling. allows for the generation of heat and from the paper's organic content, while landfilling remains a common option, though it contributes to long-term accumulation since paraffin versions decompose slowly. Guidelines from environmental organizations recommend separating waxed paper from clean paper recyclables to avoid . Regulatory measures are increasingly promoting sustainable disposal practices for waxed and coated papers. In , legislation enacted in 2023 bans per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging, including certain coated papers, effective from January 1, 2023, with broader prohibitions on intentionally added PFAS by 2028 to encourage wax-free or alternatives. Similar EU directives under the Packaging and Waste Regulation aim to enhance recyclability of single-use packaging, supporting specialized recovery for wax options in select facilities.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/waxed-paper
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6801293/
  3. https://www.hywax.com/blog/waxed-paper
  4. https://trustprints.com/which-paper-is-best-for-food-wrapping/
  5. https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/gustave-le-gray-1820-1884
  6. https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/person/103KHG
  7. https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Salted_Paper_Negatives
  8. https://case.edu/ech/articles/f/frasch-herman
  9. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/pk02cb73m
  10. https://greatbritishwoodwool.com/2020/10/30/packaging-through-the-ages/
  11. https://www.recorderonline.com/in-good-taste-cut-rite-wax-paper-marks-its-75th-year-with-a-contest/article_9d3794a0-b87c-55fe-96fd-81c4c88d9930.html
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-mar-27-fo-wax27-story.html
  13. https://lewissuffragecollection.omeka.net/items/show/1513
  14. https://baseballcardpedia.com/index.php/Wax_Pack
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1950/04/24/archives/new-wax-paper-for-home-out.html
  16. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/cdfs-133
  17. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/09/04/the-evolution-of-wrap-begins-with-wax-paper/
  18. https://www.leelinepackage.com/what-is-wax-paper/
  19. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11926751/
  20. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/231124656_The_Angle_of_Contact_Between_Water_and_Wax
  21. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/is-wax-paper-the-same-as-parchment-paper
  22. https://www.hywax.com/blog/wax-paper-vs-parchment-paper
  23. https://www.marthastewart.com/can-wax-paper-go-in-oven-8559722
  24. https://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/ware/papier/wachs/wachs-htm/
  25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9890528/
  26. https://www.freshtableware.in/post/negative-health-effects-of-hydrocarbon-wax-coated-paper-in-food-packaging
  27. https://www.hywax.com/blog/paraffin-wax-vs-soy-wax-how-to-choose-the-best-option
  28. https://www.printing.org/content/2020/11/02/is-there-a-standard-for-paper-ph-and-will-the-ph-of-the-paper-affect-the-[printing](/page/Printing)
  29. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenvironau.4c00055
  30. https://www.reynoldsbrands.com/tips-and-how-tos/wax-paper-vs-parchment-paper
  31. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/cooking-microwave-ovens
  32. https://www.tastingtable.com/774823/can-you-put-wax-paper-in-the-microwave/
  33. https://www.southernliving.com/can-you-use-wax-paper-in-the-microwave-11824957
  34. https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/wax-paper-vs-parchment-paper
  35. https://vikingmasek.com/blog/packaging-history-101-evolution-snack-packaging
  36. https://susankhalje.com/products/waxed-tracing-paper
  37. https://mapacademy.io/glossary/waxed-paper-negative/
  38. https://www.metmuseum.org/met-publications/impressed-by-light-british-photographs-from-paper-negatives-1840-1860
  39. https://resources.culturalheritage.org/pmgtopics/1995-volume-six/06_01_Daffner.html
  40. https://www.cheeverspecialty.com/products/paper/waxed-paper
  41. https://www.sollex.com/blog/post/how-to-prevent-corrosion-of-industrial-knives-and-blades-guide
  42. https://repackedwax.com/
  43. https://www.marthastewart.com/wax-paper-uses-8584670
  44. https://www.thekitchn.com/ways-to-use-wax-paper-home-23489648
  45. https://www.finewoodworking.com/2022/05/06/workshop-tip-protect-clamp-bars-with-waxed-paper
  46. https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/is-wax-bad-for-the-environment
  47. https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:562bf42/Irving_Maglaya_thesis.pdf
  48. https://www.sumkoka.com/Different-Paper-Decomposition-Time.html
  49. https://www.bioleaderpack.com/how-long-does-wax-takeout-containers-take-to-biodegrade-and-decompose/
  50. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214714423001630
  51. https://www.worldwildlife.org/our-work/forests/pulp-and-paper/
  52. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/biodegradable-and-compostable-plastics-challenges-and-opportunities
  53. https://www.treehugger.com/can-wax-paper-be-recycled-5200276
  54. https://waxpaper.co.uk/wax-paper-recycling/
  55. https://insteading.com/blog/composting-wax-paper/
  56. https://theroundup.org/is-wax-compostable/
  57. https://pressbooks.cuny.edu/wrappingguide/chapter/understanding-the-recyclability-of-wax-paper/
  58. https://www.buchalter.com/insights/californias-ban-on-pfas-in-food-packaging-takes-effect-january-1-2023/
  59. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC64346/jrc64346.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.