Sappi Fine Papers · Butcher & Deli Paper
Expert Grill Butcher Paper
Grease-resistant paper likely contains fluorinated coating; brand silent on PFAS.
Butcher paper typically uses grease-resistant treatment, often PFAS-based. Sappi makes no public PFAS disclosure. Third-party lab testing unavailable to verify.
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
butcher paper with grease-resistant coating
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
Butcher paper is typically kraft paper (cellulose fibers from wood pulp) with a grease-resistant coating on one or both sides. The coating prevents oil and moisture from soaking through, which is the paper's main function. To achieve grease resistance without PFAS, manufacturers can use wax, clay, or synthetic polymers; however, fluorinated coatings (PFAS-based) are industry-standard because they outperform alternatives in durability and water/oil repellency. Sappi Fine Papers has not publicly disclosed the coating chemistry of this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sappi is a large South African pulp and paper manufacturer with no publicly available safety data sheets or PFAS-stance statements specific to this consumer product line. The company has faced no major recalls for butcher paper, but its lack of ingredient transparency is standard in the commodity paper sector and differs markedly from brands that voluntarily certify PFAS-free status. No third-party certifications (such as FDA microwave-safe or BPA-free) are evident for this product.
How it compares in its category
Most butcher paper sold in North America likely contains PFAS-based grease coatings; alternatives labeled PFAS-free or wax-coated are available but often cost more and perform less reliably at high temperatures or with wet foods. This product sits in the mainstream category without differentiation. Uncoated kraft paper and compostable alternatives exist but lack the grease barrier needed for direct contact with raw meat or oily foods.
If you buy it
Use for wrapping, not for direct cooking contact (e.g., do not use as a base for grilling without a secondary barrier). Avoid prolonged storage of fatty foods in direct contact with the coated side, as this may increase leaching potential over time. Keep away from direct flame and heat above 400F (204C); heat can accelerate migration of coating compounds. Replace rolls every 1-2 years if stored in warm or humid conditions, as the paper may degrade and flake.
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.”
PFAS in grease-resistant coating
Fluorinated coating chemistry is industry standard for grease resistance; Sappi's silence on composition and lack of PFAS-free certification strongly suggest presence of legacy or newer PFAS compounds. Migration to fatty foods is possible under warm or prolonged contact.
Formaldehyde in paper manufacturing resins
Butcher paper may contain formaldehyde-releasing binders or sizing agents used in pulp processing. No test data available for this specific product; levels are typically low in food-contact paper but vary by mill and process.
Heavy metals (lead, cadmium) in mineral fillers or pigments
White or colored coatings may contain clay, talc, or pigments that could include trace metals. No recalls or reports specific to this product; regulatory limits for food-contact paper apply but are not independently verified here.
Coating degradation and flaking into food
Over time, heat, humidity, or contact with acidic/fatty foods can cause the grease-resistant coating to crack, peel, or migrate. Risk increases if paper is stored improperly or used near heat sources for extended periods.
Chlorine bleaching residues (dioxins, chlorate compounds)
Some butcher paper is bleached using chlorine-based chemicals; however, modern mills use ECF (elemental chlorine-free) processes that minimize dioxin risk. No specific information available for Sappi's processing of this product.
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 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.