Grease-Resistant Board — Food-Safe Packaging That Holds Up Against Oils and Fats
Poly-coated or fluorocarbon-treated board that resists grease migration for bakery, food service, and fatty food packaging applications.
Why Choose Grease-Resistant Board
About Grease-Resistant Board
Grease-resistant board solves a specific problem in food packaging: the migration of oil and fat from fatty food products through standard paperboard, causing structural failure, print degradation, and aesthetic damage to the packaging. Standard paperboard absorbs grease readily — a croissant in a non-grease-resistant box will eventually soak the box bottom and sides, compromising structural integrity and print quality.
We produce grease-resistant packaging using two treatment approaches: poly coating (a thin polyethylene layer applied over the board surface, providing a physical barrier against grease migration) and aqueous grease-resistant coatings (water-based fluorocarbon-free formulations that provide grease barrier properties without plastic coating). Each approach has specific performance and sustainability trade-offs that we help brands evaluate for their specific application.
Poly Coating vs Aqueous Grease Resistance
Poly-coated board applies a thin polyethylene film over the board surface, creating a physical moisture and grease barrier. This is the most effective grease resistance treatment but adds a plastic layer that complicates recycling. Aqueous grease-resistant coatings use fluorocarbon-free water-based chemistry to create grease resistance without a plastic film layer — more sustainable and recyclability-compatible, but providing moderate rather than maximum grease barrier performance.
Grease Resistance Testing
Grease resistance is measured using the TAPPI T454 'Turpentine Test' — a standardized test that measures how long it takes for turpentine (a surrogate for grease) to penetrate the board. Higher T454 ratings indicate better grease resistance. We specify the appropriate grease resistance level for each food application and verify compliance with T454 testing before production release.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Eco-Friendly
- Options available
Thickness Options
Best For
Affordable sample kits available
Grease-Resistant Board is Best For
Available Box Styles
Grease-Resistant Board works great with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
The most widely used retail packaging style, available in straight and reverse tuck configurations with premium printing and finishing.
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Premium rigid boxes with concealed neodymium magnets that create a satisfying closure experience for luxury products and gifting.
Sleeve Boxes
A printed outer sleeve slides over an inner tray to create a distinctive, two-component unboxing experience for premium products.
Pillow Boxes
Curved pillow boxes with a distinctive oval cross-section for jewelry, small gifts, candies, and promotional packaging.
Gable Boxes
Distinctive roof-peak gable boxes with integrated carry handle for food service, bakery, retail gifting, and event giveaways.
Two-Piece Boxes
Separate lid and base construction creates the definitive premium unboxing experience for luxury retail, corporate gifting, and apparel packaging.
Explore Other Materials
Browse our other packaging materials.
Cardboard
EcoPremium paperboard for folding cartons, retail boxes, and custom packaging across every consumer category.
Corrugated
EcoFluted corrugated board in single, double, and triple-wall configurations for shipping, retail display, and e-commerce packaging.
Rigid Board
Dense greyboard that permanently maintains shape — the substrate for rigid boxes, set-up boxes, and luxury packaging that communicates quality through substance.
Kraft Paper
EcoNatural brown kraft paper and board communicates authenticity, sustainability, and artisan quality — the preferred material for natural, organic, and craft brands.
White Cardstock
Bright white clay-coated cardstock delivers pristine print quality for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and premium consumer goods packaging.
Specialty Paper
Pearlescent, metallic, embossed, linen, and other specialty papers create packaging that is visually and tactilely distinct from standard substrates.
Available Finishes
Enhance your grease-resistant board packaging with premium finishes.
Grease-Resistant Board FAQs
What foods require grease-resistant packaging?
Croissants, donuts, fried foods, pizza slices, breakfast sandwiches, butter-based pastries, cheese, and any food with significant fat content benefits from grease-resistant packaging. The required resistance level depends on fat content and the duration of food-to-package contact.
Is poly-coated board recyclable?
Poly-coated board is technically recyclable but requires the plastic film to be separated from the fiber during processing — a capability not all recycling facilities have. For brands requiring both grease resistance and recyclability, fluorocarbon-free aqueous grease-resistant coatings provide better recyclability.
What is a TAPPI T454 rating and what level do I need?
TAPPI T454 measures the time in seconds for turpentine to penetrate the board. Higher values indicate better resistance. Light pastry packaging typically needs T454 ratings of 400-600 seconds. Heavy fried food packaging may need 1000+ seconds. We specify the required rating based on your product.
Can grease-resistant board be printed with food-safe inks?
Yes. Grease-resistant board for food packaging uses food-safe ink systems applied over the grease-resistant surface. Ink adhesion on grease-resistant surfaces requires specific formulations — our technical team specifies compatible ink systems for each application.
What is the minimum order for grease-resistant packaging?
Grease-resistant food packaging starts at 100 units.
Ready to Order Grease-Resistant Board Packaging?
Get a free quote with competitive pricing, free shipping, and 2-3 week turnaround.