What Is Greaseproof Paper Used For?

If you run a bakery, café, takeaway, deli or food business in the UK, greaseproof paper is one of those simple supplies that can make everyday service cleaner, quicker and more professional. But what is greaseproof paper used for, and which jobs does it handle best?

Greaseproof paper is designed to resist oils and fats, helping stop grease from soaking through onto trays, baskets, boxes or customers’ hands. Common greaseproof paper uses include wrapping food, lining baskets, separating products and creating branded food packaging. For food businesses, it can support cleaner handling, presentation and efficient service.

Common greaseproof paper uses in food businesses

Greaseproof paper is popular in commercial kitchens and front-of-house service because it is lightweight, easy to handle and useful across takeaway, counter service and food preparation.

1. Wrapping sandwiches, burgers and baked goods

One of the most common applications is as food wrapping paper. It helps contain oils, butter and sauces while keeping the outside of the wrap cleaner and easier to handle.

It works well for sandwiches, burgers, pastries, cookies, doughnuts and sausage rolls. In cafés and bakeries, grease-resistant wrapping can also help outer bags or boxes stay neater.

2. Lining baskets, trays and serving boards

Greaseproof sheets are useful for lining serving baskets, trays and boards. They create a clean food-contact surface, help catch crumbs and grease, and can make clearing down between customers easier.

This is particularly useful in UK cafés, bakeries, delis, street-food businesses and casual dining venues, where a simple liner can improve presentation and speed up service.

3. Separating food during storage, display or packing

Greaseproof paper can be placed between food items to help keep them separate during short-term storage, display or packing. This can be useful for pastries, cookies, confectionery, slices and other products that may stick together or transfer grease.

It can also help when layering products in catering boxes or display containers. For direct food contact, choose paper intended for that use. The UK Food Standards Agency provides guidance on food contact materials.

4. Supporting takeaway and delivery presentation

Packaging is part of the customer experience, especially for takeaway and delivery. Greaseproof paper can sit inside boxes, bags or trays to help contain grease and make food look more considered when the package is opened.

For burgers, pastries and sandwiches, a neatly folded sheet can add a professional finish without creating a complicated packing process.

5. Using greaseproof paper for branded presentation

Greaseproof paper is not only functional. It can also be used as a branding surface. Printed greaseproof paper can feature logos, patterns or brand colours, helping create a consistent look across takeaway, counter service, catering and events.

Because customers see the paper when they receive the food, branded greaseproof paper can reinforce your identity without adding a separate label or insert.

Can greaseproof paper be used for baking?

This is where greaseproof paper and baking paper uses can become confusing. Some greaseproof products may be suitable for certain heated applications, but you should not assume that every greaseproof sheet is intended for oven use. Always check the product specification, intended use and temperature guidance.

If your main requirement is lining baking trays or tins at oven temperatures, a product sold specifically as baking paper may be the better choice. Our guide to using greaseproof paper in the oven explains the safety considerations in more detail.

You can also read our guide to baking paper vs greaseproof paper for a clearer explanation of where the two products overlap and where they differ.

What about parchment paper uses?

UK terminology can vary, especially when international recipes and packaging descriptions are involved. Parchment paper is a term used more commonly in the US, and it is often closer in meaning to baking paper than to standard greaseproof paper.

If you are researching parchment paper uses in the UK, check the product specification rather than relying on the name alone. For wrapping, basket lining and food presentation, greaseproof paper remains a practical choice when grease resistance is the main requirement.

Can greaseproof paper be used outside the kitchen?

Yes. Although food service is its main strength, greaseproof paper can also help with light non-kitchen tasks where an oil-resistant barrier is useful.

• Wrapping oily or waxy non-food items
• Protecting work surfaces during light craft tasks
• Interleaving materials that could transfer grease
• Temporary presentation or packaging
• Keeping small messy items separate during handling

These are secondary uses. Greaseproof paper should not replace specialist protective materials for chemicals, very high temperatures or heavy-duty work.

How to choose the right greaseproof paper

The best product depends on how you plan to use it. Before ordering, consider the following:

• Size: choose sheets that suit the food, tray, basket or box you use most often.
• Paper weight: GSM, or grams per square metre, describes paper weight. A lighter sheet may suit simple wrapping, while a heavier sheet can feel more substantial for presentation.
• Plain or printed: plain paper works well for practical everyday use, while printed paper can strengthen your branding.
• Heat exposure: if the paper will be exposed to an oven or other heat source, confirm that the specific product is suitable.
• Food-contact suitability: where paper touches food directly, use a product intended for food contact.
• Workflow: in high-volume service, a consistent pre-cut size can make wrapping and lining faster.

If paper weight is part of your decision, our guide to choosing the right GSM greaseproof paper explains what different weights mean in practical terms.

Which food businesses benefit most from greaseproof paper?

Greaseproof paper is especially useful where grease control, quick service and presentation matter. Bakeries can use it for pastries and takeaway wrapping; cafés for sandwiches and tray liners; and street-food businesses, delis and sandwich shops for wrapping, serving and separating products. Matching the size, weight and finish to the job can make service easier and presentation more consistent.

Final answer: what is greaseproof paper used for?

Greaseproof paper is used to wrap, line, separate, serve and present foods while helping resist oils and fats. In UK bakeries, cafés, takeaways and other food-service businesses, it is especially useful for sandwiches, burgers, pastries, baked goods, basket liners and branded presentation.

Its biggest advantages are simplicity and versatility. One sheet can help keep packaging cleaner, make serving ware easier to manage and improve the way food looks when it reaches the customer.

If you are choosing greaseproof paper for your business, start with the end use: wrapping, lining, separating, serving or branding. From there, choose the right size, GSM and finish for your workflow.