Kotkamills · Butcher & Deli Paper
Boardwalk Butcher Paper BWKB
Likely low PFAS risk, but coating composition undisclosed by brand.
Butcher paper is kraft paper with grease-resistant treatment, typically lower-risk than cookware. Kotkamills does not disclose coating chemistry; modern alternatives exist with verified PFAS-free status.
The safe swap
Aplin Films
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
70/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its C.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Kraft paper with grease-resistant coating (composition unspecified)
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
Boardwalk Butcher Paper BWKB is kraft paper (cellulose fibers from wood pulp) with an applied grease-resistant coating of unspecified composition. The coating prevents meat juices and oils from penetrating the paper, extending shelf life and maintaining product presentation. Without disclosed ingredient information, the coating's exact chemistry cannot be fully assessed for leaching risk under typical refrigeration and freezing use. Kraft paper itself is food-safe; the risk profile depends entirely on the proprietary coating formulation.
The brand's record and disclosure
Kotkamills is a Finnish paper manufacturer with no documented controversies in food-packaging safety literature. The company does not publicly disclose the chemical composition of its grease-resistant coatings on consumer-facing product pages, which is common industry practice but limits third-party verification. No specific certifications (FDA compliance statements, migration testing data, or PFAS commitments) are readily available on product packaging or standard retail channels. This silence on coating chemistry reflects a broader industry pattern rather than a red flag unique to this brand.
How it compares in its category
Butcher paper is a standard, low-risk food-contact material compared to plastic films or coated cardboard. Most kraft butcher papers use similar proprietary grease-resistant coatings; Boardwalk BWKB is typical for this segment. Unbleached kraft alternatives exist but offer no documented safety advantage over this product. The main differentiator in this category is PFAS presence in coatings, which varies by manufacturer and is rarely disclosed at point of sale.
If you buy it
Use Boardwalk butcher paper for its intended purpose: wrapping fresh or frozen meat in refrigerated storage. Avoid prolonged contact with hot foods (above 60°C/140°F) before use, as heat can degrade coatings and increase leaching potential. Replace paper if it becomes heavily saturated, torn, or shows visible degradation. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture-induced mold growth on unused rolls.
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.”
Grease-resistant coating leaching (undisclosed formulation)
Kraft butcher papers typically use wax, silicone, or fluorine-based coatings to repel grease. Kotkamills does not disclose which, making it impossible to rule out migration of coating components into fatty foods or oils at room temperature or during freezing cycles.
PFAS in grease-resistant coating
Fluorine-based water-repellent treatments on food contact paper are a known source of PFAS. Without coating composition disclosure, the presence or absence of PFAS cannot be confirmed; the undisclosed nature elevates concern relative to fully transparent competitors.
Microplastic or coating particle shedding
No reports of visible degradation or particle release from Boardwalk butcher paper during normal use. Kraft paper is inherently stable; risk would emerge only if coating visibly flakes or crumbles, which would trigger replacement.
Bleach residue in kraft paper
Kraft paper is typically unbleached or lightly bleached during pulping. Boardwalk BWKB appears unbleached based on standard product descriptions, so chlorine residue is not a documented concern in this product line.
Mold or bacterial contamination from moisture retention
Paper itself does not support bacterial growth if kept dry. Risk arises only from improper storage (wet environments) or reuse of saturated paper, both preventable through user practice.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% 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 Butcher & Deli Paper
Aplin Films
Idl Packaging White Butcher Paper 18" x 12000" Natural Butcher Paper Roll for Meat and Fish
Natural bleached kraft paper, no specified coating
Lower concern. Uncoated butcher paper unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Safeseal
IDL Packaging PFAS-Free Grease-Proof Paper Sheets
grease-proof paper with unspecified water/grease-resistant coating
Claim unverified; grease-proof coatings historically use PFAS.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
Sappi Fine Papers
IDL Packaging PFAS-Free Grease-Proof Paper Sheets
paper with grease-resistant coating
Brand claims PFAS-free. No independent verification found. Proceed with caution.
⚠Waterproof or stain-proof treatment
More butcher & deli paper 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.