Whether in the food packaging industry-ranging from fresh produce and finished food products to beverages and loose-leaf tea-it is always easy to find packaging made from paper.
Whether in the food packaging industry-ranging from fresh produce and finished food products to beverages and loose-leaf tea-it is always easy to find packaging made from paper. As I understand it, standard packaging paper is suitable for non-food materials; however, ordinary bleached paper often contains levels of fluorescent agents that are many times higher than normal. These agents pose significant health risks and, therefore, cannot be used for food packaging. Paper manufacturers have provided guidance on how to distinguish food-grade bleached paper and kraft paper from ordinary paper, as well as the specific regulations governing the use of bleached paper.
The Difference Between Food-Grade Bleached Kraft Paper and Ordinary Kraft Paper
Kraft paper can be categorized in four key ways:
Primary Feature: Whiteness
Food-grade bleached kraft paper typically contains only a minimal amount of bleaching agents. In contrast, ordinary bleached paper prioritizes aesthetic appeal-aiming for a flawless, bright white finish-and consequently contains significantly higher levels of bleaching agents. This intense whiteness creates a visually pleasing impression; however, food-grade bleached paper is often less bright-sometimes even appearing slightly yellowish-due to its lower bleaching content. Therefore, when customers select bleached paper for food packaging, its degree of whiteness serves as a crucial distinguishing criterion. If the paper appears excessively white, it is highly likely to be ordinary bleached paper rather than food-grade material.
Food-Grade Bleached Paper: Ash Content
The production of food-grade bleached paper is subject to strict controls, adhering to food safety standards at every stage. This ensures that the sulfur content in the paper is maintained at a very low level. Conversely, ordinary bleached paper is produced with a focus on cost-efficiency, resulting in a comparatively higher ash content.
Inspection Reports
In accordance with regulations governing food packaging materials, food-grade bleached paper must undergo and pass QS (Quality Safety) inspections. If a paper product is certified as food-grade-such as food-grade paperboard-it will be accompanied by an official inspection report; ordinary paper, however, typically lacks such documentation.
Price
While price alone may not be the definitive factor, it remains a highly significant indicator. The market price for food-grade bleached paper generally hovers around 9,000 RMB per ton, whereas ordinary kraft paper typically sells for approximately 7,500 RMB per ton. If a bleached paper product is offered at an exceptionally low price, it is highly probable that it is merely ordinary paper, given that the inherent production costs for food-grade materials are naturally higher.
