We know how our environment is getting worse day by day. To control this situation, everyone is finding sustainable options for everything. Food brands are also looking for papers that are eco-friendly and safe for their food. You can start this by composting the wax paper you use.
This blog will explain how and what type of wax paper you can compost. We will have ensured to solve all your queries by the time you are done reading it. You will get to know about beeswax paper, soybean wax paper and other types of wax paper.
Explaining Wax Paper and Composting
Wax paper is widely used in the food industry. It is covered with paraffin wax or soybean wax. It is used for wrapping, freezing, cleaning and more. Composting refers to the controlled natural breakdown of organic material like yard trimmings or food scraps into nutrient-rich soil called compost. Now let’s decode the question: is waxed paper compostable?
Is Wax Paper Compostable or Not?
You can’t just say yes or no as an answer to this question. Because it depends on the type of wax paper. If wax paper is coated with paraffin wax and petroleum-based material, then it’s an issue. Paraffin and petroleum contain chemicals that can harm the composting microorganisms. There are certain types of wax paper that are compostable. Here’s the list.
Types Of Wax Paper That Are Compostable
Dry wax paper is very commonly used and it has a coating of paraffin wax. But paraffin wax is not compostable so people look for types of wax paper that are compostable. And if you want to know is wax paper edible then read our blog.
Beeswax Paper
This type of wax paper is easily compostable. Because the wax is coated with our produced naturally by honeybees. Beeswax paper is an organic and eco-friendly paper.
Soy Bean Wax Paper
Wax paper with 100 percent soybean oil wax is compostable. This paper is made from soybean wax that belongs to the legume family. This type of legume is native to East Asia.
Once the soybeans have been harvested and cleaned, the soybeans’ shells are stripped off or dehulled and made into flakes. Oil is extracted from the flakes, and through hydrogenation, the oil’s fatty acid components are made more saturated. This causes changes in the oil’s melting point, making it solidify at room temperature.
Printed Wax Paper
People often ask whether printed wax paper is still compostable. It actually doesn’t matter whether it is plain or printed wax paper. The compostability depends upon the type of wax used for coating that paper. You can take beeswax paper or soya bean paper and print any design you want on it.
Bleached Vs Unbleached Paper
You need to know that the main difference between bleached and unbleached paper is its treatment not the wax. Both contribute to compostability in different ways. The wax determines if the paper will compost at all.
Bleached paper might add some chlorine residue. The chlorine makes bleached paper riskier for a fully organic compost pile, even when paired with a compostable wax. Unbleached paper is brown and safe to compost. See this table for a clear understanding.
| Wax coating | Source | Compostable | Paper-type note |
| Paraffin wax | Petroleum-based | No | Can be on bleached or unbleached paper, wax type is the deciding factor. |
| Petroleum wax | Petroleum-based | No | Can be on unbleached and bleached paper. Wax type is the deciding factor. |
| Soy bean wax | Plant-based | Yes | Ideal for unbleached paper. |
| Beeswax | Natural | Yes | Best on unbleached paper. |
How To Compost Wax Paper
Now you know what type of wax paper is compostable, but if you aren’t sure of the process. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Chop Into Pieces
Chop the paper into smaller pieces; chopping of the paper will ensure that the composting process becomes faster.
Add to Compost Pile
Put the paper into an appropriate pile of other compostable kitchen waste. It would be better to use high nitrogen-based substances like fruit, vegetable scraps, plant trimmings and coffee grounds along with paper, as the decomposition process becomes easier with high nitrogen.
Ensure the Right Conditions for Compost
It should be ensured that your composting pile, which you have prepared has moisture. This should be under high heat because these factors will ensure the composting process is completed successfully.
Monitor the Compost
As the wax-coated compostable paper needs time for the decomposition process to be completed, it will be appropriate on your part to monitor your compost pile from time to time.
Is Wax Paper Commercially Compostable
The answer is a bit complicated. But it sums up to a NO. Most commercially compostable programs reject wax paper because it’s hard to identify what type of wax paper it is. Some papers have certification.
Is Biodegradable the Same as Compostable?
People always mix the concepts of biodegradability and compostability. The key difference between the two is that biodegradable takes an indefinite period for the material to break down. On the other hand, compost will break down into natural substances within a definite period of time. But it will need some conditions that are present in industrial composting sites.
Conclusion
It is better to use compostable wax paper to sustain the environment. At Wax Papers Hub we provide customized kraft paper, all types of custom wax paper and much more. We have everything you need.
Now you can easily select the wax paper that is compostable. Because you know every type of coating, source and all the other details. You also know what steps you have to follow to compost the wax paper and where you can buy it.
FAQs
Is Wax Paper Eco-Friendly?
This paper is coated with paraffin, which makes this paper not environmentally friendly.
What Type Of Waxes Are Compostable?
You can use beeswax and soybean wax to make your wax paper compostable.
Can We Use Wax Paper To Wrap Food Items?
You can wrap your food items in wax paper because it helps in absorbing the moisture.