Is Wax Paper The Same As Parchment Paper?

Both wax paper and Parchment paper are similar in appearance but always confuse users. They are broadly used in the culinary industry for wrapping foods but in this advanced era, they act as powerful marketing tools to promote brands in the competitive markets. 

If you are also unable to differentiate between wax paper and parchment paper, worry not. The precise answer to elevate your confusion is No. Both of these papers are not the same at all. They serve different purposes because of their heat resistance and coating properties. 

Moreover, we have discussed everything about wax and parchment sheets to sort out all your concerns regarding these papers. Waxpapers Canada is a renowned company providing high-end food wraps for brands to create a noticeable difference in crowded markets of Canada by solving all the queries of the customers. So, continue scrolling down to learn more. 

Wax Paper Vs Parchment Paper

Distinction Between Wax Paper And Parchment Paper

Parchment sheet paper is heat-resistant, non-stick and multipurpose commonly used in kitchens, and food industries and serves various other purposes. This is also called baking paper and is ideal for high-heat environments. It is highly recommended for food businesses due to its smooth and clean surface that does not need any greasing or flouring.  However, wax paper is also called a paraffin sheet which is treated with a thin layer of wax on both sides. Thus, making it resistant to moisture and preventing the food from sticking to the surface. It serves excellently in commercial and home kitchens. So, to clear your doubts, Here are the manufacturing processes of both wax and parchment sheets.  

Industrial Process Of Parchment Paper 

The manufacturing of a parchment sheet involves a chemical process in which an ordinary paper is transformed into a non-stick, and heat-resistant material. These papers are treated chemically to get the properties of that greaseproof paper. Here are the steps involved in crafting your parchment sheets. 

Pulping & Paper Production

Like hot paper, this paper is manufactured with wood pulp obtained from trees like birch or softwood (pine). The pulp is beaten and transformed into sheets that are later subjected to the chemical bath to enhance its properties. 

Sulphuric Acid Treatment 

This is the shaping step of parchment paper in which the untreated paper is passed through sulphuric acid which dissolves the surface and produces smoother paper with a non-porous surface. The sulphuric makes the paper resistant to moisture and grease. This also adds transparency and non-stick properties to the paper just like the custom fish n chip paper. 

Smoothing and Drying 

In the last step, the paper is dried and passed through rollers to ensure a smooth and even surface of the paper. This is a vital step to add smoothness to the paper so that it can be used without any additional oiling or greasing. 

Coatings For Parchment Paper  

Besides the sulphuric acid treatment, the parchment also undergoes the following coatings to make it more smooth and polished. 

• Silicone Coating 
• Quilon Coating 

Production Process of Wax Paper

This kitchen paper is treated with a thin layer of wax that makes it moisture-proof and helps prevent food from sticking to its surface. The paper undergoes the following treatments like that of sandwich paper to make it perfect for wrapping foods. 

Paper Production 

The paper is handled through mechanical and chemical methods to form thin sheets. The fibers in the wood pulp are shaped into thin paper sheets that form the base for wax paper. The manufacturers ensure that the paper is smooth and uniform so that wax can adhere evenly. After drying, the paper is ready for further processes.  

Wax Application 

This is the crucial step in which the coatings are applied to both sides of the paper. The wax used is paraffin wax which is nature-friendly. The wax is heated to a liquid state and is then applied several times using methods like Dipping, Spraying and Blade Coating. After the wax application, the papers cooled down to solidify the wax and create a smooth, non-stick surface. The thickness of the wax coating depends upon the intended use of paper.

Coatings for Wax Sheet 

Apart from paraffin wax, two other coatings can also be applied to the paper. These are biodegradable and cause no potential damage to the paper. They offer similar moisture and grease-resistant properties to paraffin wax. Given as. 

• Soy Wax 
• Beeswax 

Similarities of Wax & Parchment Paper 

If you are wondering if wax power is the same as parchment paper, then the answer is that they are only similar in printings. Both of them offer the same printing methods that restaurants prefer for brand promotion. If you are curious to know about the printings for your food wrapping papers then here are the most suitable printings. 

Flexographic Printings 

This is the most commonly used method for printing on wax and parchment paper. However, both of these papers face some challenges but still, flexographic techniques provide you with food-safe inks and fast-drying treatments formulated to adhere to the surface of the paper. This is an ideal process for printing logos, texts and other patterns on these papers. 

Rotogravure Printings 

This is another printing method suitable for parchment and wax papers to produce high-quality results. It uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink on the paper surface which provides sharp and detailed designs. However, this is a bit more pricey than flexo printing. 

Talking about laser or inkjet printings, are not suitable because they do not adhere to the surface of the paper and result in smudging the paper. However, laser printing can cause the wax to melt or damage the paper or printer. 

Wax Or Parchment Paper – Which one is oven-safe? 

Are you curious to know, can wax paper go in the oven or not? Then, to satiate your curiosity, we find the right answer. The wax sheet is not suitable for oven use. It has a low melting point and when exposed to extreme temperatures, the wax can melt, smoke or even ignite. However, Parchment is the best option to use in the oven. It is designed to resist increased temperatures up to 230 degrees without burning or crumbling. Hence, it is ideal for baking cookies or roasting vegetables.    

Parchment Or Wax Sheets – Freezer Safe?

Parchment sheets perform excellently even at chilling temperatures. You can use them for wrapping food items for freezer storage. Due to its humidity-resistant properties, it prevents the food from becoming swampy. However, wax paper is more commonly used to wrap foods and store them at reduced temperatures. It helps to keep foods fresh and prevent them from freezing. If we compare both wax and parchment sheets, then the wax paper wholesale is safer for freezer use instead of parchment. 

Choose The Appropriate Paper For Your  Food Business 

Both the wax and parchment rolls have unique properties and can be used for various purposes. The applications of custom wax paper for food include Food Wrapping Paper, Lining Surfaces, Baking, Food Presentation and Craft Projects. However, Parchment paper can be used for Baking, cooking, Confectionery, and roasting or grilling. Keeping in view the applications and above-mentioned properties, you can use the right paper. If you want to wrap your foods for freezer storage then, wax paper is the perfect one. But, if you are looking for a paper for roasting or grilling meats then, Parchment is the right solution to meet your business requirements. 

Wrap Up!

So, from the above blog, you must understand that wax and parchment are not the same and the key difference is heat resistance. Moreover, their manufacturing processes are different. So, use them wisely and freely for your business and choose the best fit to stand out in the markets of Canada. But, if you want to promote your brand and need high-end customization services to elevate your brand recognition by spending low costs then contact us at waxpapers.ca to avail the best of our services.