Consider unwrapping a just-baked pizza or a hot burger wrap with anticipation of enjoying the scent of good food—only to realize the potential danger of consuming it after learning that the material directly contacting the food may render it unfit for consumption. This is not a hypothetical issue at a distant end of the food packaging world because the use of fluorine-based compounds in food papers directly contacting food has raised area-wide concern in the food packaging industry.
Fluorinated chemicals, which resist grease well in paper products, can leach into foods. Historically, these chemicals have been associated with adverse health effects, government investigations, and a growing loss of public trust. In today’s food industry, it is no longer just about compliance – it is about reputation.
Why Fluorine in Food Packaging Is a Serious Problem
Fluorine coating, popular in the form of PFAS, is commonly applied on greaseproof papers that cover burgers, pizza, wraps, trays, and clamshell containers. Although it inhibits the leakage of oil, it conceals these dangers:
Chemical migration into hot or oily food
- Potential long-term health risks
- Non-compliance with developing food safety standards
- Consumer Trust Loss within the Food Sector
- Export rejections in regulated markets such as Europe, Africa, and Middle East countries
Countries such as Kenya are being particularly careful due to developments in food safety education and conformance to international food packaging standards. Examples of such countries include Kenya.
The Shift Towards Fluorine-Free, Food-Safe Papers
“The food packaging industry is undergoing a shift. Today, brands are searching for safe and sustainable, fluorine-free paper options without sacrificing performance and strength,” writes the observer. This is a major development. The industry has found fluorine-free papers. However,
It is here that Shitla Papers becomes extremely important.
With many years of experience and a reputation in more than 11 countries, the company specializes in assisting brands in selecting the right quality of papers for the packaging of foods. The company ensures the required safety and compliance.
Shitla Papers Solution-Driven Approach to Food Safety
At Shitla Papers, food safety is not viewed merely from the sidelines. It is infused into materials, purchases, and quality checks. Services provided at the company include a specialized line of fluorine-free papers that are food grade for direct food contact.
1. Virgin Food Boards
These boards are made up of pure virgin fibers and are used for food boxes, burger boxes, pizza boxes, and trays. These boards possess better rigidity, hygiene, and printability, which are not compromised by any chemicals.
2. Barrier-Coated Food Boards
Rather than the use of fluorine, these boards are protected with safe and food-approved barrier coatings that can withstand grease and moisture. Ideal for use in clamshell packages, cups, and food packets or boxes for carry-out meals.
3. Fluorine-Free Greaseproof Paper
This is a game-changer in the industry.’ Created with wrapping paper, greaseproof pouches, bakery sheets, or fast-food wraps in mind, this paper provides oil resistance, while fully complying with food safety regulations.
4. Virgin Food Grade Paper
This paper is suitable for direct food wrapping or inner liner applications. Its key benefit is that it retains purity, pleasantness of smell, and safety. This paper is suitable for brands whose clean labels are their main focus.
5. Odour-Free Paper for Master Cartons
Generally, outer packaging is often not given due consideration. This kind of packaging can carry unwanted smells to food packets. This is not a concern with master carton paper from Shitla Papers, which is odorless. This means that consumers receive food exactly as it is
Everything that we offer is produced with the highest quality control and can be tailored to fit your needs.
Why Standardisation Matters for Growing Food Brands
One of the most important challenges faced by food brands relates to inconsistent paper quality across a multitude of converters Said differently, different grades of paper can result in:
- Box strength variability
- Uneven print quality
- Odour issues
- Grease leakage
- Compliance failures
Shitla Papers works with brands to standardize paper specifications so that no matter whether your packaging is produced in India, the Middle East, or Kenya, the look, feel, strength, and safety are just the same.
Trusted by Brands That Consumers Trust
Well-known global and QSR brands like McDonald’s, Domino’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and other major regional food chains are shifting steadily towards the development of fluorine-free and safe-food-packaging solutions. The intentions are clear – protect the consumer, cater to regulations, and plan for the future.
Shitla Papers supports such brands and others worldwide and in the region. The paper manufacturer acts as a solution provider and a supplier of papers.
Supporting Food Packaging Growth in Kenya and Beyond
Markets like Kenya are experiencing fast development in the following areas:
- QSR chains
- Cloud kitchens
- Food ordering sites
- Food export-oriented manufacturing
However, with growth comes responsibility. Food brands doing business in Kenya require food safe packaging that is internationally recognized and at the same time feasible and economical. Repeated experience on different continents makes Shitla Papers a brand that can confidently walk food companies through this transition.
Conclusion
Fluorine in food-contact paper is one issue that no food brand can really afford to turn a blind eye toward. Today’s consumers are well versed and policies are tougher than ever before. Food packaging cannot contaminate; it can only protect.
Through its fluorine-free food papers, expertise, and solution competency, Shitla Papers assists brands in making the right choice—for today, as well as tomorrow.
