Restaurants, caterers and food-truck operators are being asked to replace single-use plastics, but "eco-friendly" on a label does not tell you whether a wrap will survive a hot burger, whether a cup will break down in a compost facility, or whether your customers have anywhere to compost it.
Key takeaways
- "Biodegradable", "compostable" and "recyclable" are different claims. Only compostability has a clear test standard behind it (EN 13432 or ASTM D6400).[1]
- Plain paper-based wraps are often the simplest low-impact choice for dry or moderately greasy food. Coatings and laminates change the end-of-life picture, so ask for evidence.
- Regulation is moving toward restricting PFAS in food-contact packaging and reducing single-use plastics, so documentation matters as much as performance.[3][4]
- Match the material to the food: temperature, grease, moisture and holding time decide the right substrate.
Biodegradable, compostable, recyclable: what each claim means
Biodegradable only says a material can be broken down by microorganisms. It sets no time limit and no conditions, which is why regulators and retailers increasingly distrust the word on its own.
Compostable is the testable claim. EN 13432 (Europe) and ASTM D6400 (United States) look at disintegration, biodegradation, heavy-metal content and effect on plant growth under industrial composting conditions.[1] Paper with a compostable coating is assessed under related protocols, so ask which one applies to your product.
Recyclable depends on local collection, not just the material. Heavily soiled or laminated food packaging is often rejected by sorting facilities.
Why foodservice buyers are switching now
Three regulatory reference points shape most purchasing decisions:
- EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904) restricts certain plastic food-service items across the EU.[3]
- EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (2025/40) becomes applicable from 12 August 2026 and includes limits on PFAS in food-contact packaging; read the regulation text for the exact scope and thresholds.[4]
- United States: paper and paperboard that touches aqueous and fatty foods falls under 21 CFR 176.170.[2]
Material options compared
The table below is a qualitative guide. Exact heat and compost figures vary by supplier and grade, so treat them as a starting checklist and confirm against the supplier's test reports.
| Material | Strengths | Watch-outs | Typical foodservice use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated wood-pulp paper | Simple fibre-based material, easy to print and fold | Limited moisture barrier; heavily soiled paper may not be recycled | Sandwich and pastry wraps, deli sheets |
| Silicone-coated paper | Non-stick release, handles oven heat | Coating can affect compostability and recycling claims | Baking liners, portion cups |
| Foil-and-paper laminate | Heat retention, grease and moisture barrier | Multi-material structure, not a compostable product | Burger and sandwich wraps |
| Moulded fibre (bagasse, bamboo, wheat straw) | Rigid, good for hot meals | Often needs a barrier treatment; check PFAS status | Plates, bowls, clamshells |
| PLA-lined or PLA products | Clear, good for cold items | Industrial composting usually required; low heat tolerance | Cold cups, salad lids |
The Targanix foodservice paper range
TGX Group, the company behind Targanix, supplies paper-based packaging materials from its base in Jiaxing, Zhejiang. The figures below come from each product's own page, so you can verify them before you order.
| Product | Material and finish | Listed specification | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greaseproof Paper | Wood pulp, uncoated, white | 32, 40 and 50 gsm; roll or sheet | Sandwiches, pastries, fried items, butter and cheese |
| Baking Paper | Wood pulp, silicone-coated, white | 30 to 60 gsm; roll or sheet | Lining trays and pans, separating baked goods |
| MG Paper | Wood pulp, one glazed side, white | Roll or sheet; confirm gsm with sales | Food wrap, bakery and candy packaging |
| Paper Portion Cup | Wood pulp, one side coated with water-based silicone | 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 2 oz | Sauces, condiments, small portions |
| Foil Composite Paper for Hamburger | Aluminium foil bonded to food-grade paper | 60 and 80 gsm; listed range -20°C to 120°C | Burger and sandwich wraps |
| Lightweight Semi Gloss Paper | Printable semi-gloss surface | See product page | Branded food packaging |
Two details are worth noting. First, the greaseproof sheet is described as uncoated and gets its oil resistance from fibre refining that makes the sheet dense and less porous, rather than from a fluorinated coating. Second, the foil composite is a barrier wrap chosen for heat retention; it is not sold as a compostable item, and whether it can be recycled depends on your local system.
Technical points that decide performance
Grease resistance
The common lab check is the TAPPI T559 "kit test", which rates how well a sheet resists a series of oil-and-solvent mixtures.[5] A higher kit rating suits fried or buttery food held for longer. Ask for the rating at your intended basis weight, because lighter sheets give less margin.
Coatings and end-of-life
Silicone release coatings make baking paper and portion cups non-stick, but any coating changes how the finished product is treated at end of life. If you plan to market an item as compostable, request the certificate for that exact product, not a certificate for the base paper.
Heat and moisture
Paper softens when wet. For soups, sauces and long hold times, a rigid moulded or coated container performs better than a wrap. For dry, warm items, a wrap with an inner foil or greaseproof layer keeps food hot without leaking through.
Food-contact compliance
In the US, paper in contact with fatty and aqueous foods is covered by 21 CFR 176.170.[2] For the EU, request a declaration of compliance under the framework food-contact rules and the PFAS position of the product.
Choosing by type of operation
| Operation | Main concern | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-service burger and sandwich | Heat retention, grease control | Foil composite wrap or greaseproof paper |
| Bakery and café | Non-stick, presentation | Baking paper, MG paper, semi-gloss paper |
| Catering and delivery | Sauce containment, stacking | Portion cups plus greaseproof liners |
| Deli counter | Fat resistance, fast wrapping | Greaseproof or MG paper sheets |
More sector context is on the industries page, and related categories include beverages and tobacco and other packaging and wrapping.
A buyer's checklist before you commit
- Ask for the exact product specification, including basis weight and coating type.
- Request test reports for grease resistance and, if claimed, compostability for that product.
- Request the food-contact declaration for your market and the PFAS statement.
- Check local composting or recycling access before printing a disposal claim.
- Run a small pilot with real food and real holding times before a full order.
How Targanix supports foodservice customers
TGX Group describes an in-house R&D team that works on product selection, technical support and new eco-friendly materials; see the technology page. Its quality control system covers raw material testing, in-process monitoring and finished-product inspection, and the company states that it works under ISO 9001. On sustainability, it states that it uses FSC-certified paper. Learn more on the company profile and service pages, browse the wider speciality papers range, or follow industry news.
Frequently asked questions
Is biodegradable packaging the same as compostable packaging?
No. Compostable products are tested against a standard such as EN 13432 or ASTM D6400; "biodegradable" alone has no fixed time or conditions.[1]
Can greaseproof paper resist oil without a chemical coating?
Yes, to a degree. Dense, highly refined fibre limits oil penetration, and the kit test shows how much.[5] Very oily or long-hold foods may still need a higher-barrier option.
Can I request custom sizes or printing?
Several product pages mention rolls, sheets and customizable formats. Send your requirements through the contact page for current options and minimum order quantities.
