A guide to food wrapping paper for commercial kitchens
Ask any head chef, deli operator, or catering manager which consumable they use most and food wrapping will be near the top of the list. Food wrapping paper is a product that gets used constantly but is rarely in the spotlight unless it performs poorly. When chosen correctly, food wrapping paper is the supporting act of your food menu. When chosen incorrectly, your food wrapping paper choice can lead to spoilage, cross-contamination, poor presentation and an unnecessary waste of time and cost.
This guide is designed for commercial kitchen operators, hospitality businesses, cafes, delis, and caterers across Australia who want clear, practical guidance on every type of food wrapping. What each product does, when to use it, and how to source the right products at the right price.
Whether you’re looking for food wrapping paper wholesale to keep your kitchen consistently stocked or you’re trying to work out which wrap is right for which job, this is the guide for you. At Elite Packaging, we supply the full commercial range and are available wholesale. Our fast delivery covers Sydney and all your food wrapping needs Australia-wide.
At a glance: Food wrapping options for commercial kitchens
Before diving into detail, here is a quick summary of the main wrapping types, what they are best for and what makes each one worth having in your kitchen.
| Food wrapping |
Best for |
Key benefit |
Available from Elite |
| Greaseproof Paper |
Baked goods, sandwiches, deli counters |
Moisture & grease resistance |
✔ |
| Catering Cling Wrap |
Sealing trays, marinating, cold storage |
Airtight freshness seal |
✔ |
| Catering Foil |
Hot dishes, roasting, takeaway heat retention |
Heat retention & barrier |
✔ |
| Deli / Butcher’s Paper |
Meat, cheese, wrapping & presentation |
Strength & breathability |
✔ |
You can browse and order all of these products directly through our Food Wrapping category.
Greaseproof paper: The workhorse of any commercial kitchen
What is greaseproof paper?
Greaseproof paper is a dense, moisture-resistant paper that has been processed to reduce its porosity. This makes it the perfect membrane to avoid the transfer of oils, fats, and grease which is exactly what you need when wrapping foods like pastries, sandwiches, fried items, or anything with a high fat content.
Greaseproof paper is best for
- Wrapping baked goods, pastries, croissants, and slices at café and bakery counters
- Lining trays and baskets in commercial kitchens to prevent sticking
- Wrapping takeaway burgers, chips, and fried foods for service
- Butcher paper alternative for retail food display
Benefits of having greaseproof paper in your commercial kitchen
In a high-volume commercial kitchen, you need paper that won’t soak through mid-service and leave grease stains on your packaging or presentation boards. Quality greaseproof paper performs under pressure. It also works double-duty as a baking liner, meaning fewer items to stock.
💡 Pro Tip from Elite Packaging Greaseproof paper is not the same as baking parchment. Parchment is silicone-coated and non-stick; greaseproof is grease-resistant but can still stick under heat. For high-temperature baking applications, choose parchment. For wrapping and serving, greaseproof is the right call.
Elite Packaging supplies greaseproof paper as part of our food wrapping paper wholesale range. It is ideal for businesses that go through high volumes regularly across Sydney and nationally. Browse our food wrapping range to find the right size and weight for your operation.
Catering cling wrap: provide freshness and versatility to your kitchen
What is catering cling wrap?
Catering-grade cling wrap is also known as stretch film or food-grade plastic wrap. It is a thin, stretchable film that adheres to itself and to containers, creating an airtight seal that locks in freshness, moisture, and flavour. Unlike consumer-grade cling wrap, commercial versions come on larger rolls and are engineered for high-volume use in professional kitchens.
Catering cling wrap is best for
- Covering trays, bowls, and containers in cold storage to prevent moisture loss and cross-contamination
- Wrapping marinated proteins tightly with cling wrap before refrigerating seals in aromatics and liquids
- Wrapping portioned meals, prepped vegetables, and mise en place for efficient service
- Food safety compliance by covering prepared foods between prep and service to meet HACCP standards
- Buffet and catering setups where trays need to be transported and then unwrapped for service
Benefits of having catering grade cling wrap in your commercial kitchen
Cling wrap is more than a convenience item, it’s a food safety essential. Australian food safety standards require all potentially hazardous foods be covered during storage and transportation to prevent contamination. Catering cling wrap is a practical, efficient way to meet this requirement across every station in the kitchen.
The difference between consumer and commercial cling wrap is significant. Catering rolls are wider (typically 45cm to 60cm), offer more metres per roll, and are often thicker for better stretch and tear resistance. For any medium to high-volume commercial food services, sourcing food wrapping products wholesale provides significant cost efficiencies..
Catering foil for better cooking, heat retention and presentation
What Is catering foil?
Catering-grade aluminium foil is a thicker, wider, and more durable version of household foil. Designed specifically for commercial kitchen use, it handles higher temperatures, wraps larger cuts, and performs consistently in high-volume environments. It’s a heat barrier, a cooking surface, and a presentation tool all in one.
Catering foil is best for
- Wrapping hot dishes, roasts, and proteins for heat retention during transport and service
- Covering trays and gastronorm pans in ovens, especially for catering events and bulk cooking
- Barbecuing and grilling food. For wrapping vegetables, fish, and seasoned proteins in foil parcels for the grill
- Lining baking sheets and roasting trays to reduce cleaning time and prevent sticking
- Takeaway packaging. For wrapping hot food items for delivery or counter service
- Sealing and covering bain marie pans between service periods to maintain food safety temperatures
Benefits of having catering foil in your commercial kitchen
For most caterers, aluminium foil is non-negotiable. The ability to wrap and hold temperature for large batches of food, whether for a function, delivery, or buffet service, is central to operational efficiency. Catering foil comes in full-size rolls (often 150m+ per roll) and in a range of thicknesses, so matching your foil to the weight and heat of what you’re wrapping is important.
Thicker foil (heavy-duty) is best for roasting and wrapping large proteins or dense dishes. Standard catering foil handles general kitchen tasks efficiently Many commercial kitchens stock both to optimise cost efficiency and reduce unnecessary material waste.
Deli wrapping paper for better presentation, freshness, and counter appeal
What is deli wrapping paper?
Deli paper aka butcher’s paper, deli sheets, or sandwich wrap is a type of food-safe paper designed for direct food contact wrapping at your local deli, butcher, and food service counters. It is typically available in white or kraft (brown), and may be plain or printed.
💡 Pro Tip from Elite Packaging Unlike greaseproof paper, deli paper is not always grease-resistant. For dry or lightly fatty products, deli paper is ideal. For heavily oiled or fatty foods, greaseproof remains the better option.
Deli wrapping paper is best for
- Wrapping sliced meats, smallgoods, and cheeses at a deli counter for retail sale
- Sandwich and roll wrapping in cafes and delis, particularly where a kraft paper look supports the brand aesthetic
- Burger and hot food wrapping for casual dining and street food environments
- For cheese and charcuterie board presentation, deli sheets serve as elegant liners
- Butchery wrapping of whole or portioned cuts of meat for retail
- Separation for proteins in cold storage to prevent sticking between portions
Benefits of having deli wrapping paper in your commercial kitchen
For retail food businesses, presentation is part of the product. Deli paper frames your product. A well-wrapped portion of prosciutto or a neatly rolled deli sandwich holds the product tightly together and communicates care and professionalism to the customer. Kraft paper wrapping in particular has become synonymous with artisan quality and many food businesses actively choose it to signal that positioning.
Practically, deli paper also serves critical hygiene and handling functions. It prevents direct hand-to-food contact at the counter, maintains hygiene during weighing and portioning and provides a clean surface for cutting.
💡 Pro Tip from Elite Packaging Many of our customers in the Sydney hospitality sector including cafes, delis, and RSL club kitchens, use a combination of deli paper for presentation wrapping and greaseproof paper for items with higher fat or moisture content. Getting clear on which type of wrapping serves your products will save you material costs and improve presentation consistency.
How to choose the right food wrapping
Choosing the right food wrapping paper comes down to four considerations:
- The type of food being wrapped
- How the food will be stored or transported
- Complying with mandatory food safety obligations
- Presentation and display in line with business branding
Consider the food itself
High-fat, moist foods need greaseproof. Foods going into cold storage need cling wrap for an airtight seal. Hot foods being transported need catering foil. Retail-facing wrapped products at a counter benefit from deli paper. In most commercial kitchens, you’ll use all four. The priority here is making sure you understand the quantity your food service needs and that each type of food wrapping is stocked and deployed accordingly.
Consider your volume requirements
In a commercial kitchen, the economics of wrapping materials matter. Sourcing food wrapping paper wholesale rather than buying in small quantities from a retail supplier is how most professional kitchens manage costs and improve stock consistency.
Food safety and compliance
All food wrapping used in a commercial kitchen must be food-safe and appropriate for the temperature and moisture conditions of the application. This includes selecting foil that is heavy-duty enough for the oven temperatures you’re using, and that all paper products are food-grade certified. Above all else, it means working with a packaging provider like Elite Packaging who understands local legislation and provides products that comply.
Sustainability considerations
As consumers become more aware of sustainable packaging solutions. Australian food businesses are increasingly attentive to the sustainability of their packaging and consumables. Kraft deli paper is generally recyclable; some greaseproof paper is compostable depending on the material composition. Elite Packaging is committed to sustainable food wrapping solutions, and we can advise on eco-friendly alternatives within our range. For further reading, see our guide on compostable vs recyclable vs biodegradable packaging.
Frequently asked questions(FAQs)
What is the difference between greaseproof paper and baking paper?
Greaseproof paper resists grease and moisture but is not non-stick, and it can adhere to baked goods under heat. Baking paper (parchment) is coated with silicone, making it non-stick and better for high-temperature baking applications. For food wrapping and serving, greaseproof is the standard commercial choice.
What food wrapping is best for hot takeaway food?
For hot takeaway food, catering foil is the gold standard for heat retention during transport. For items where you want a paper wrap (burgers, wraps, sandwiches), use greaseproof paper or deli paper depending on fat content. In many takeaway kitchens, a combination of foil and paper is used together. Foil to hold heat inside containers or trays, paper for individual item wrapping.
Is cling wrap food safe for all kitchen uses?
Commercial-grade cling wrap is manufactured to food-safe standards and is suitable for covering and wrapping most foods. However, not all cling wrap is rated for microwave use, it is best to check the product specifications. Additionally, some cling wraps are not suitable for use with fatty foods at elevated temperatures. Contact our friendly team at Elite Packaging for more information on our range of food safe cling wrap.
Source your food wrapping from Elite Packaging
Elite Packaging is a Sydney-based packaging supplier with a strong track record supplying commercial kitchens, hospitality venues, aged care facilities, delis, and caterers across New South Wales and nationally. Our food wrapping range covers all the essentials including greaseproof paper, catering cling wrap, aluminium foil, and deli paper. Our products are stocked consistently, priced for commercial use, and delivered reliably across Sydney and Australia-wide.
Our team at Elite Packaging work closely with food businesses around Australia to make sure the right products are sourced at the right volume. Whether you need food wrapping paper wholesale for a high-volume kitchen or you’re setting up a new operation and need guidance on what to stock, we’re here to help. Contact the Elite Packaging team today or browse our full food wrapping range online.
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