Wax-coated paper: The advantages of food packaging in tune with the times

Groupement Micropap highlights the advantages of wax-coated paper. Contrary to popular belief, it can be easily recycled in the “paper/board packaging” industry and preserves the organoleptic qualities of the product in compliance with food safety standards. But these advantages go beyond that, as this highly technical primary packaging is perfectly suited to the conservation and even the maturing of cheeses. Not to mention its light weight, which further reduces its environmental impact. Wax-coated paper? A packaging solution that ticks all the boxes for today’s challenges.

Wax-coated paper is part of the circular economy

Yes, wax-coated paper can be recycled! Composed mainly of paper fibre by weight, Micropap^® and Végépap^® wax-coated paper can be recycled in the “paper/board packaging” industrial sector. Easily identifiable, it can be included in the local collection route, which makes sorting easier.

Technically, the paper fibre is recovered, and the coating is removed during the grading process. Wax-coated paper for cheese1 and complex cheese packaging2 1 and 2 have been certified as recyclable by CEREC (the committee for the evaluation and recyclability of packaging) on the basis of a positive report by the CTP (Centre Technique du Papier) in the paper/board packaging sector in accordance with standard EN 13430 Requirements for packaging recoverable by material recycling .

In addition, Micropap^® and Végépap^® wax-coated papers are also compostable: since 2012, they have obtained the OK compost INDUSTRIAL label from TUV AUSTRIA in accordance with standard EN 13432.

1 MICROPAP L – wax-coated paper packaging for cheese: recyclable in category 5.02A/standard NF EN 643 grouping paper/board packaging from the local route, 11/2020.
2 MICROPAP CX L – complex cheese packaging 1 and 2: recyclable in category 5.03A/standard NF EN 643 grouping packaging from the local route, 04/2021.

Proven food safety

The issue of food safety is of course central to food packaging. From this point of view, mineral and vegetable waxes, in accordance with European Regulation 1935/20043, are suitable for contact with food and have undeniable advantages that have been recognised and appreciated for decades. Their high level of stability at room temperature, their neutrality and their inertness make them proven components for contact with food.

Didier Richardot points out in this respect that it is the responsibility of each manufacturer to comply with the regulations in force, in particular Article 3 of Regulation 1935/20043 and the DGCCRF’s (General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) guide on “Paper and board”4. He concludes: “The wax used in our coated paper is highly purified to be suitable for contact with food. With perfectly controlled transformation and coating processes, Micropap^® and Végépap^® papers provide premium quality that complies with regulations concerning migration into food. A guarantee for the consumer.”

About Groupement Micropap

For 60 years, Groupement Micropap has brought together manufacturers of wax-coated papers for food packaging, to ensure technological development and shape progress. As a pioneer, the group has relied on the advantages of paper, a material derived from renewable resources, since its creation. From SMEs to world leaders, its members share a common goal: to manufacture environmentally-responsible primary packaging with high added value. The group has developed two innovative French brands, Micropap^® and Végépap^®, with more than 1 billion portions packed annually, offering both manufacturers and consumers a responsible choice.

3 Regulation (EC) n°1935/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food and repealing Directives 80/590/EEC and 89/109/EEC.
4 MCDA Note n 4(V02–01/01/2019): Food contact suitability of organic plant fibre materials intended to come into contact with food.