International Paper · Grease-Resistant Paper Goods
Big Green Egg Butcher Paper
Grease-resistant butcher paper coating source unclear; PFAS risk unknown.
Big Green Egg butcher paper is coated for grease resistance, but International Paper discloses no details on coating chemistry. Traditional grease-resistant food papers often use PFAS-based wax, though some use silicone or paraffin alternatives.
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Material
Kraft paper with grease-resistant coating (likely silicone or wax)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
food packaging is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Big Green Egg Butcher Paper is kraft paper (cellulose fiber) with a grease-resistant surface coating designed to prevent meat juices and fat from soaking through during storage and smoking. The coating composition is not publicly disclosed by International Paper or Big Green Egg; grease resistance in butcher paper is typically achieved via silicone, wax, or fluorinated compounds (PFAS-based). The unconfirmed coating chemistry creates uncertainty about potential leachables into fatty foods, which are known to absorb hydrophobic chemicals more readily than others.
The brand's record and disclosure
International Paper has not published detailed material safety data or PFAS declarations specific to this product. The company has faced pressure on PFAS use in food-contact papers across its portfolio but has not issued a public commitment to eliminate fluorinated coatings in butcher paper. Big Green Egg markets this as food-safe without independent third-party certification (e.g., NSF, FDA formal approval). Absence of transparency on coating chemistry is the primary disclosure weakness.
How it compares in its category
Butcher paper with unconfirmed coating sits midway in safety clarity compared to market alternatives. Unbleached kraft papers without grease resistance avoid coating unknowns but sacrifice functional performance. Certified butcher papers (less common) or those using disclosed wax-only coatings offer higher assurance. Big Green Egg's product offers convenience and durability but lacks the transparency of smaller suppliers who explicitly state silicone or beeswax composition.
If you buy it
Use for short-term food storage (hours to days) rather than prolonged contact with fatty meats. Avoid direct contact with open flame or temperatures above 420F (coating integrity risk). Do not reuse if coating shows tears, peeling, or discoloration, as degradation may release particles or increase leaching. Store rolls in cool, dry conditions away from oils and solvents. If PFAS concern motivates purchase reconsideration, request product specification sheet from retailer or manufacturer.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Coating leachables (unidentified source)
The grease-resistant coating is not disclosed as silicone, wax, or fluorinated; contact with fatty foods (especially at moderate heat) could mobilize coating compounds. No published migration studies on this specific product.
Microparticles from coating degradation
Repeated use, creasing, or heat exposure may cause the coating to flake or shed particles into food. Risk is low if coating remains visibly intact but increases if paper is creased or torn during use.
Chlorine residues (if bleached)
Product marketing suggests unbleached kraft, which typically avoids chlorine bleaching. No public evidence of chlorine treatment, but material specification is not confirmed.
Ink or printing chemicals
Big Green Egg butcher paper appears to have minimal printing; no reported ink migration issues specific to this product line.
Mold or bacterial growth if stored damp
Paper itself can support mold growth if exposed to moisture. Storage in humid conditions increases risk; grease coating may slow but not prevent microbial colonization if water ingress occurs.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Grease-Resistant Paper Goods
Katom
Kraft Paper Roll
Kraft paper, uncoated
Lower concern. Uncoated kraft paper is inherently PFAS-free material.
⚠Risky category by default
Katom
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
bleached paper, uncoated
Lower concern. Plain paper butcher wrap typically PFAS-free.
⚠Risky category by default
Katom
Kraft Paper Sheets 24x24 / Without Center Cut / 500 Sheets per Case
Kraft paper, uncoated
Lower concern. Bare kraft paper rarely requires PFAS coatings.
⚠Risky category by default
More grease-resistant paper goods grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.