
What Is Food Safe Paper Coating?
2025-05-28 13:00
A food-safe coating is a thin layer of coating applied to paper or paperboard to allow it to come in direct contact with food. It prevents moisture, grease and oil from penetrating, protecting the food and the packaging itself. Without the right coating, the paper itself can become soggy, fall apart or contaminate the environment. That's why coated paper is the preferred choice for packaging paper cups, paper bowls, paper plates, paper boxes and paper bags.
Types of Food-Safe Paper Coatings
1. PE (Polyethylene) Coatings
PE coatings are the most common and affordable option on the market. It has excellent water and oil resistance, making it ideal for a variety of food packaging applications.
Advantages:
High oil release and water resistance: PE coatings effectively prevent liquids and oils from penetrating the paper.
Affordable: PE coatings are generally cheaper than other coatings, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious businesses.
Versatile: Suitable for hot and cold beverages, fast food containers, and general takeout packaging.
Disadvantages:
Non-biodegradable: PE coatings are derived from petroleum, which means they are non-biodegradable and can cause environmental pollution.
2. PLA (Polylactic Acid) Coatings
PLA coatings are the latest advancement in food-safe coatings. They are made from renewable resources such as corn starch, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
Advantages:
100% compostable and biodegradable: PLA coatings decompose naturally under industrial composting conditions, reducing the impact on the environment.
Moisture and oil resistance: They are effective in resisting moisture and oil, making them suitable for food packaging.
Environmentally friendly: PLA coatings meet sustainable development goals and meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost: PLA coatings are generally more expensive than PE coatings.
Special composting requirements: PLA coatings require industrial composting facilities to decompose effectively, which are not available in all regions.

paper boxes

paper bowls

paper plates

paper cups
3. Water-based coatings
Water-based coatings are another innovative option in the field of food-safe coatings. It uses water as the main solvent, which is safe and environmentally friendly.
Advantages:
Completely biodegradable and recyclable: Water-based coatings do not contain plastic and can be easily recycled or composted.
Suitable for food packaging with medium moisture and oil content: It can provide good protection for food packaging with medium moisture and oil content.
Environmentally friendly: Water-based coatings are a sustainable choice that is in line with global efforts to reduce the use of plastics.
Disadvantages:
Higher cost: Water-based coatings are generally more expensive than polyethylene coatings.
High oil resistance: They may not be suitable for packaging items with high oil content.
Customization options
At Order Pack, we understand that different products have different packaging needs. Therefore, we provide customization options for three food-safe coatings - PE, PLA and waterborne coatings. Whether you need an affordable solution or a high-end, environmentally friendly solution, we can customize your coating to your specific needs.
Customization: We offer a variety of coating types and thicknesses to meet your product and budget needs.
Quality Assurance: Our coatings are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest safety and performance standards.
Sustainability: We prioritize environmentally friendly options to help you achieve your sustainability goals and consumer expectations.
Food-safe coatings are an essential component of modern food packaging, providing protection, functionality and sustainability. Order Pack offers a range of food-safe coatings, including PE, PLA and water-based coatings, to meet your specific needs. Our customizable solutions ensure you get the best performance and value for your packaging. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness or both, we can help you select the right coating for your paper packaging. Contact us today to explore your options and experience the difference quality and sustainability can make for your packaging solutions.