Products · 2026-07-24
PE-Coated, Greaseproof or Silicone Paper: How to Choose
These paper families solve different problems. Compare their intended function, then verify the exact grade, coating and finished application instead of relying on universal temperature or compliance claims.
Start with the function: a liquid barrier, resistance to grease penetration or a release surface. These are different requirements. A material can provide more than one function, but the exact construction must be specified and tested.
Names such as PE-coated, greaseproof and silicone paper do not establish food-contact compliance, a temperature limit or recycling acceptance. Those depend on the supplied grade and its intended use.
Compare the three functions
| Paper family | Main selection question | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| PE-coated paper or board | Does the coating meet the liquid, moisture and sealing requirements? | Base-paper and coating specifications, coating side/weight, seam and end-use trials |
| Greaseproof or grease-resistant paper | Does oil penetrate during the actual contact time? | The applicable grease-resistance test method and results, followed by a food/application trial |
| Silicone-coated paper | Does the surface release the food or adhesive under the intended conditions? | Release specification, base-paper details and documented time/temperature limits where relevant |
PE-coated paper
PE-coated paper combines a paper substrate with a polyethylene layer. Cup and container designs may use it for liquid containment and heat-sealed seams. Specify the base GSM separately from coating weight, and identify the treated sides.
The resin, coating continuity, seams, edges and converting process affect performance. A polymer melting-point figure is not a safe operating-temperature rating for a finished package. For hot fill, cold drinks or freezing, test the complete pack under the planned conditions. Compare cupstock base board separately if your converter will apply the coating.
Greaseproof and grease-resistant paper
Greaseproof paper is selected to resist oil or grease penetration. Commercial products can achieve that performance through different fibre and treatment systems. Do not infer the chemistry, absence of additives or PFAS status from the product name.
The TAPPI T 559 method measures grease resistance under specified test conditions. A KIT result is not a food-contact authorization or a universal forecast of hours of protection. Match the test method to the material and confirm performance with the actual food, contact time, temperature and folds.
Silicone-coated paper
Silicone-coated paper is selected primarily for release. Food baking paper and industrial label-release liners are not interchangeable. Base-paper treatment and the complete coating system can also influence grease and moisture behaviour.
For baking, obtain the manufacturer's documented food-use scope, temperature and duration limits. Do not apply a single 220°C figure to every silicone paper, or assume that every grade is suitable for repeated use. For industrial release applications, specify the adhesive, release force and processing conditions instead.
Four claims to verify separately
- Food contact: identify the destination market, food type, contact side, duration and temperature. Match documents to paper, coating and other relevant components.
- PFAS: request a defined supplier statement and any applicable test evidence. The name of a coating or a grease rating is not proof.
- Heat use: use the exact grade's documented limit and test conditions. Do not substitute a general material property for finished-product approval.
- Recyclability: assess the converted structure and the relevant collection and processing system. A paper base alone does not establish acceptance.
In the United States, the FDA determined that 35 food-contact notifications for PFAS grease-proofing uses were no longer effective from January 2025. This is a specific regulatory development; it does not certify any supplier's paper as PFAS-free.
Prepare a comparable sample request
Send food or adhesive type, contact time and temperature, package drawing, printing process, coating sides, sealing or release requirement and destination market. Request the grade reference, available technical data, relevant compliance evidence and a representative sample.
Evaluate flat material first, then the converted structure: folds, cut edges, seams and printing can affect the result. Approve a reference sample and agree how changes to grade or coating will be controlled.
Discuss your application and request samples, or review our food and beverage applications. Standard samples are free; the customer pays international courier charges. This guide compares selection methods and does not certify any particular finished pack.
Frequently asked questions
Is greaseproof paper automatically PFAS-free?
No. Grease resistance and chemical composition are different questions. Ask for a clear grade-specific statement and evidence appropriate to the destination requirement.
Can all silicone paper go in an oven?
No. Confirm that the supplied grade is intended for food baking and obtain its documented temperature and duration limits. Industrial release liners can have different specifications.
Does PE-coated paper guarantee a leakproof cup?
No. The coating and base board are part of the structure; seams, forming and the intended beverage conditions must also be validated.
Does a KIT value prove food safety?
No. It describes performance under a test method. It does not replace food-contact assessment or an application trial.