Systempak · Butcher & Deli Paper
Expert Grill Butcher Paper
Butcher paper likely has water/grease barrier; coating composition undisclosed.
Systempak does not disclose PFAS or coating details. Butcher paper typically uses barrier treatments, but brand silence on composition limits assessment.
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
paper with moisture/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
Expert Grill Butcher Paper is paper substrate with a moisture and grease-resistant coating, the coating composition is not publicly disclosed by Systempak. Butcher papers are designed to withstand contact with raw and cured meats, fats, and moisture without disintegrating or transferring contaminants. The critical unknown is whether the barrier layer uses PFAS-based chemistry (common in food-contact papers) or alternative polymers. Without ingredient transparency, the actual migration risk to fatty foods cannot be assessed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Systempak has not published ingredient disclosures, PFAS avoidance statements, or third-party certifications (such as FDA food-contact compliance or GOTS) in publicly available sources. No established safety controversies or recalls are on record for this specific product. The brand's silence on coating chemistry is a transparency gap rather than evidence of a known problem, but it prevents independent verification of food safety claims.
How it compares in its category
Most butcher papers fall into two groups: those explicitly marketed as PFAS-free (often using wax or silicone coatings) and those with unspecified coatings. Systempak's product lacks clear positioning in either camp. Competitors like Kirkland or specialty brands often disclose their barrier technology (wax, silicone, or fluorocarbon-free polymers). This product's lack of specification makes direct safety comparison difficult.
If you buy it
Use for cold or room-temperature meat storage and wrapping; avoid direct contact with hot surfaces or oven use above 200°F, as heat may accelerate any coating migration. Replace the paper if it shows visible tears, grease saturation, or discoloration, as barrier integrity is compromised. Contact Systempak directly to request the coating material specification before committing to bulk purchase if PFAS exposure is a concern for your household.
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 moisture-grease barrier coating
Butcher paper coatings commonly use fluorinated compounds to repel water and oil. Systempak does not disclose whether their coating is PFAS-based, fluorocarbon-free polymer, or wax. Migration risk exists with fatty foods and heat, but cannot be quantified without coating composition.
Unidentified polymer additives (plasticizers, slip agents)
Food-contact paper coatings may contain phthalates, BPA, or other endocrine-active chemicals to improve flexibility and processability. No public testing or certification indicates Systempak has excluded these; label does not list additives.
Chlorine bleaching residues in paper substrate
Conventional butcher paper is often chlorine-bleached; residual dioxins or chlorinated organic compounds are possible but rare at consumer-relevant levels. No specific contamination has been reported for this product or brand.
Ink or printing contamination (if printed)
If the product features printed branding or text, heavy metals (cadmium, lead) in inks could migrate to fatty meat surfaces. Standard food-contact packaging regulations limit this, but no independent test results are available for Expert Grill Butcher Paper.
Thermal degradation of coating during cooking
If used in a smoker or oven above 250°F, coating polymers (whether PFAS or alternative) may degrade and release volatile organic compounds or oligomers into food. Butcher paper is sometimes wrapped around meat during 'Texas crutch' smoking; prolonged high heat is a usage risk.
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.