Food products need care during transportation and handling. They need a barrier against moisture and gasses to prevent spoilage and contamination. So, learn how to protect your food products using the wax coating on boxes. It saves your burgers, tacos, and fries from moisture and keeps them fresh for a long time. Say goodbye to the cheese sticking with wax cotted packaging. At the end of this blog, you will be thankful to wax coated paper for being your food partner.
What is Wax Paper?
Waxes have wide applications in the packaging industry for coating paper and cardboard. This is due to their sealing and water- and oil-resistant properties. To achieve this purpose, the packaging industries coat the paper with a thin layer of wax, usually paraffin wax or soybean wax. With the coating, the paper becomes resistant to moisture and grease. Now this paper is called wax paper. The wax coating acts as a barrier to protect the inside content.
Applications in The Food Industry
The moisture and grease resistance properties make the wax coating suitable for various food products such as candies, bakery products, and candies. The wax coated paper is commonly available for wrapping items like bread, butter, or cheese, or trays used in the bakery. There are also wax paper liners in the market for separating food products such as meat, or burger patties. It is because of the wax paper packaging that you can enjoy your burger without it sticking to its wrapper.
In addition, the wax coated paper is also suitable for packaging fresh yeast as it allows the carbon dioxide to escape and retains moisture for yeast. It is also used while reheating or baking the pizza. It prevents the pizza from sticking to the pizza pan. In short, it acts as a non-stick surface. However, care should be taken as it is unsafe to use wax paper above 425°F (218°C).
Non-food Applications
Apart from common use in Food Packaging, they also have non-food applications. They are used in the cosmetics industry to separate layers of cosmetics. They also found their application in fabric packaging where they protect the clothes from tear and shear. The wax coating on paper is also done in the floral industry for wrapping bouquets and flowers. They are also put in the packaging of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and hardware to enhance protection.
Features you Will Get From Using Wax Coating
-
Enhanced Freshness
The wax paper works as a barrier and does not allow the exchange of moisture. Therefore, the freshness of cheese, vegetables, fruits, and other edibles stays the same. Common examples include the wax-coated lid of yogurt packaging.
-
No Stickiness
The waxed paper-coated packaging ensures the burger patties don't stick with each other. It is also present between layers of cheese for the same purpose. This way you can enjoy your rolls without worrying about them sticking to the paper.
-
Reduced Food Waste
As the wax paper keeps the food fresh for longer hours, it helps in reducing food waste. According to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), wax-coated packaging can extend the shelf life of certain fruits by up to 50%, thus reducing food wastage.
-
Versatility Across Food Types
The wax coating is versatile and is available for a wide range of food products. It is commonly on fruits like apples, citrus fruits, and cucumbers, as well as various cheeses. Additionally, food companies use wax coated cardboard packaging for chocolates and dry snacks to ensure they remain intact.
-
Eco-Friendly Option
The Wax Paper packaging is environmentally friendly. For example, beeswax is a natural and biodegradable wax often used for coating. It preserves food as well as aligns with eco-conscious consumers' preferences.
-
Cost-Effective Preservation
It provides a cost-effective way of preserving foods. It requires minimal resources and energy compared to other preservation techniques like freezing or canning. This makes waxed paper a viable option for both small-scale producers and large food manufacturers.
Types of Wax Coatings Used in The Food Packaging Industry
Plenty of coatings are used in food industries to keep the products fresh. These include;
- Natural beeswax obtained from bees
- Paraffin wax derived from petroleum-based products
- Carnauba wax extracted from leaves of carnauba palm tree
- Shellac wax secreted by the lac bug
- Soy wax extracted from soybean
- A synthetically prepared polyethylene wax
- Mineral oil wax is prepared from a blend of waxes and oils.
Concluding Our Exchange
To conclude, wax coating has found plenty of applications in the food industry. It is available in the form of paper waxes to preserve the freshness and taste of food products. No more stickiness while enjoying burgers and tacos and no more soggy burgers. With wax papers, you can enjoy the freshness of your products. In addition, wax-coated paper packaging has dug its roots in non-food packaging as well such as in electronics, cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and in various other luxury products.
Read: What Is Gold Foiling? And, How Is it Best For Branding And Presentation OF Products?
