Number
070-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Manufacture of pulp, paper and paper products
Function
Film former
Other
Process
Other
Product category
paper and board treament products
Application
Production of paper with grease-proof properties
Abstract
This example concerns an alternative way to obtain grease-proof properties in papers used for cooking, baking or packaging food. Today, paper used for packaging of foodstuffs that require some grease resistance is made using chemicals such as perfluorinated compounds, these compounds are however associated with both human and environmental hazards. The technique described here provides a grease-proof surface by mechanically refining the cellulose fibers without the use of harmful chemicals.
Substituted substances
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
CAS No. 335-67-1 EC No. 206-397-9 Index No. 607-704-00-2
Chemical group
Carboxylic acids; fluorine compounds
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H360D May damage the unborn child
H362 May cause harm to breast-fed children
H332 Harmful if inhaled
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H318 Causes serious eye damage
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
CAS No. 1763-23-1 EC No. 217-179-8 Index No. 607-624-00-8
Chemical group
Sulphonic acid derivatives
Classification: hazard statements
H351 Suspected of causing cancer
H360D May damage the unborn child
H362 May cause harm to breast-fed children
H332 Harmful if inhaled
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Perfluorinated compounds (PFC)
CAS No. EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Perfluorinated compounds
Reliability of information
Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication
Reason substitution
vPvB
Other type of alternative
The alternative to the addition of barrier chemicals commonly used when manufacturing greaseproof paper is a non-chemical alternative called natural greaseproof paper. The cellulose fibres are heavily refined in a mechanical way. This refining creates a very dense surface layer which acts as a natural oil and grease barrier on the paper. No barrier chemical is added and the barrier comes from pure cellulose in the surface layer of the paper.
Description of Substitution
A natural barrier against grease and oil is created without any synthetic, potentially harmful, barrier chemicals.
Due to the extensive beating the fibres swell and take up a lot of water. Therefore, when natural greaseproof is produced a slower speed on the paper machine is necessary compared to the production of other paper qualities. This makes the chemical-free paper slightly more expensive.
Case/substitution evaluation
This is a case story from producer. It shows an interesting alternative to chemical treatment of paper to make it greaseproof.
State of implementation
Full capacity
Date and place of implementation
Sweden
Availability ofAlternative
The natural grease-proof paper is produced and sold by Nordic Paper in Sweden.
Producer/Provider
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Research
Contact
This information was provided by the area sales director at Nordic Paper Seffle AB.
Date, reviewed
February 27, 2020