Paper Bags for Food: Requirements from the Food Industry
The food industry requires that materials in contact with food not only comply with European regulations such as Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, but also meet specific standards depending on the country, distribution channel, or type of food. Under this framework, paper bags for food must demonstrate:
- Chemical safety: no migration of harmful substances into food.
- Mechanical resistance: tolerance to tearing, water, or grease depending on the final use.
- Proper composition: use of safe virgin or recycled fibers, free from contaminants.
- Compatibility with industrial processes: printing, heat sealing, lamination, cutting, and automated handling.
This level of demand requires highly controlled processes, periodic audits, and technologies adapted to the specificities of technical food-grade paper.
Quality Controls in the Production of Food-Grade Paper
The manufacturing process of paper bags for food involves multiple stages under control. The objective is to ensure consistent quality, full traceability, and complete regulatory compliance. These controls can be grouped into three main areas:
Raw Material Control
From the outset, safe and traceable pulp is used. At Arrosi, we select high-purity fibers—both virgin and recycled—prioritizing certified suppliers with food safety guarantees. In the case of recycled paper, enhanced cleaning, de-inking, and decontamination processes are employed to ensure suitability.
Manufacturing Process Monitoring
During production, numerous variables are monitored:
- Grammage, thickness, and sheet structure
- Absence of visible impurities or inconsistencies
- Color stability (when safe inks are used)
- Specific and overall migration tests
- Permeability to water vapor, grease, or moisture
Production facilities must comply with management systems such as ISO 22000, BRCGS Packaging Materials, or ISO 9001, ensuring hygienic and standardized conditions throughout the value chain.
Final Product Testing
Once completed, paper bags for food undergo tests to confirm their technical performance:
- Organoleptic neutrality (no added smells or flavors)
- Resistance to contact with moist, greasy, or hot foods
- Inspection for visual defects, structural failures, or printing inconsistencies
- Lot control through complete traceability systems
These controls allow for rapid response during external audits, returns, or sanitary inspections.
Key Certifications for Paper Bags for Food
Certifications are essential to ensure the safety, legality, and reliability of food-grade paper. The most relevant include:
Food Contact Compliance Declaration
All paper suitable for food contact must be accompanied by a declaration of compliance, where the manufacturer certifies that the product meets current legislation (such as Regulation 1935/2004) and specifies its conditions of use.
FSC® or PEFC™ Certification
For virgin fiber papers, certification of sustainable origin is crucial. Both FSC® and PEFC™ ensure that raw materials come from responsibly managed forests, aligning with the industry´s sustainability commitments.
Certified Management Systems
Systems such as ISO 22000 (food safety), ISO 9001 (quality), or BRCGS Packaging Materials enhance the supplier´s credibility with brands, distributors, and regulators.
Traceability and Customization of Food-Grade Paper
Today, traceability is just as vital as the material´s physical resistance. Every ream, roll, or sheet must be identified with a batch, manufacturing date, and fiber supplier. This facilitates audits, health inspections, and corrective actions.
Moreover, paper bags for food must be adaptable to various technical requirements. Arrosi provides tailor-made solutions that combine:
- Barriers to grease, vapor, or moisture
- Suitability for direct or indirect food contact
- Compatibility with heat sealing or printing processes
- Formats tailored to the client´s machinery and production line
In this regard, greaseproof paper is a highly demanded solution due to its versatility in wrapping cheese, deli meats, pastries, and prepared foods. Learn more in our article: Greaseproof Paper: A Key Ally in Food Presentation.
Paper as a Sustainable Alternative to Plastic
Beyond meeting technical and legal standards, paper bags for food represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials. They are recyclable, biodegradable, and perceived by consumers as a more natural and responsible choice.
At Arrosi, we support solutions that help:
- Reduce the environmental footprint of packaging
- Gradually replace plastic materials
- Convey an eco-friendly brand image
This has driven the popularity of products like greaseproof paper made from virgin fibers or heat-sealable kraft paper. Discover more in our featured content: Greaseproof Paper: Food Solutions and Beyond.
Arrosi’s Commitment to Food Safety
At Arrosi, we design and manufacture technical paper with criteria of quality, sustainability, and reliability. Our experience in developing solutions for the food industry allows us to support clients in their technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges.
We are committed to material traceability, regulatory compliance, and product customization from design to delivery. Arrosi´s paper bags for food ensure protection, presentation, and performance—and are especially valued in the bakery sector for preserving textures, preventing migration, and enhancing food presentation.
