Butter paper and greaseproof paper are often the same kind of product sold under two names. In the UK, greaseproof is the usual term, while butter paper is the name you hear more in South Asian bakeries and sweet shops. The label does not decide how a sheet performs, though. The way the paper is treated does.
That is where ordering gets tricky. Search for either name and you will also find baking paper, wax paper and glassine, all described in similar words. If you are buying printed wrap for a bakery, takeaway or sweet shop, mixing them up can mean greasy bags, sticking food or a paper that cannot go where you planned. This guide sorts out the differences and shows which type suits printed food wrap best. If you want the basics first, start with our guide to what butter paper is.
Why the two names get mixed up
Mostly it comes down to language. In British supermarkets and catering suppliers, "greaseproof paper" is the standard term, and packs are often labelled "baking and greaseproof paper". In South Asian bakeries, sweet shops and wholesalers, the same sort of sheet is more often called "butter paper".
On top of that, some suppliers use "butter paper" for baking parchment, others for wax-coated paper, and others for glassine. So the name alone tells you very little. Before you order, ask three things: what is it made of, how is it treated, and what is it rated for.
The main papers side by side
|
Paper |
How it handles grease |
Oven use |
Printed wrap? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Butter paper (as a name) |
Varies, usually a greaseproof or glassine type |
Check the supplier's specification |
Yes |
|
Greaseproof paper |
Dense or lightly treated fibres hold oil back |
Check the supplier's specification |
Yes, the most common choice |
|
Baking paper (parchment) |
Silicone coating, also non-stick |
Yes, within the temperature on the pack |
Rarely, it is made for baking |
|
Wax paper |
Wax layer |
No |
Cold food only |
|
Glassine |
Very smooth, dense, glossy sheet |
Not usually |
Yes, for premium bakery and sweets |
Keep one point in mind. Grease resistance and heat resistance are different things. A paper can stop oil soaking through and still be unsafe in an oven.
How each paper behaves in practice
Greaseproof paper (butter paper). This is the everyday wrap for burgers, sandwiches, pastries and fries. It is thin, light and easy to print, which is why most branded food wrap starts here. Its limit is that it is not automatically non-stick or oven safe. If the supplier gives no heat rating, treat it as a wrapping paper and not a baking paper.
Baking paper (parchment). The silicone surface lets food release easily, and it is made for the oven. That makes it the right choice for lining tins and trays, but it is rarely the first pick for printed takeaway wrap. If your main need is a branded wrap, greaseproof usually suits better.
Wax paper. The wax layer holds back moisture, so it works for cold food such as sandwiches and deli items. It should never go in an oven or near high heat. For hot, greasy food like burgers or kebabs, greaseproof is the safer option.
Glassine. Smooth, glossy and slightly see-through, glassine gives a premium feel and prints crisply. It suits bakery liners, patisserie, chocolates and sweets. It often costs more than standard greaseproof, and it is not meant for the oven unless the supplier states otherwise.
Which is best for printed food wrap?
|
What you sell |
Best choice |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Burgers, wraps, shawarma, kebabs |
Printed greaseproof (butter paper) |
Copes with grease and hot food, and holds a logo well |
|
Pastries, doughnuts, cakes |
Printed greaseproof or glassine |
Keeps oil off the box and looks tidy |
|
Mithai and sweets such as barfi |
Printed butter paper or glassine |
Separates pieces and gives a clean look |
|
Sandwiches and deli items |
Printed greaseproof, or wax for cold food |
Stops fillings soaking through |
|
Baking in an oven |
Silicone baking paper |
Non-stick and heat rated |
|
Lining baskets and fries trays |
Printed greaseproof |
Holds grease back and carries your brand |
For most UK food businesses that want a branded wrap, printed greaseproof paper, also sold as printed butter paper, is the best all-round choice. Whatever you pick, test a sample with your real food before you commit to a large order.
How the paper changes the way print looks
The paper you choose affects the finished design. Smooth stock such as glassine gives sharp, bright print. Standard greaseproof is slightly see-through, so pale colours can look faint and grease marks may show from the inside. A few habits help:
- Use strong colours for logos and text
- Keep patterns simple and repeat them evenly
- Avoid heavy, full-coverage ink, which can look flat on thin paper
- Approve a digital proof before the full print run
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing by name alone. Always ask for the material, coating and heat rating.
- Using wax paper for hot food. It is for cold food only.
- Ordering the wrong size. Wrap a real burger, wrap or tray with a trial sheet so the paper covers it with a small overlap.
- Skipping the proof. Colours can look different on translucent paper than on screen.
- Trusting every eco claim. If a supplier says compostable or biodegradable, ask for the certification.
- Forgetting food contact checks. Ask whether the paper and inks are suitable for food, and request a declaration of compliance where it applies.
How to order printed butter paper in the UK
A simple process works best:
- Tell the supplier what food you are wrapping and whether it is hot, cold or greasy.
- Share the sheet size you need and your logo or artwork.
- Choose the number of colours and the layout, such as a repeat pattern or a single logo.
- Approve the digital proof.
- Confirm quantity, delivery time and delivery cost.
At GoTo Boxes we make custom printed butter paper in custom sizes, with free design support and a digital proof before production. There is no minimum order and UK shipping is free. After you approve the final proof, delivery takes 8 to 10 working days.
Final thoughts
In the UK, butter paper and greaseproof paper are often the same thing, so the real decision is about treatment, heat and how the print will look. For most takeaways, bakeries and sweet shops, printed greaseproof (butter paper) is the simplest way to protect food and promote your brand. When you are ready, send us your food type, sheet size, quantity and artwork, and request a quote.