I. Core Safety Criteria: Compliance Comes First
When selecting paper for food stickers, the top priority is compliance with food-contact material standards, which ensures the paper is safe for use. Although national regulations vary, the core safety principles are consistent. The following certifications and parameters should be carefully reviewed.
(1) Key Certifications: Look for “Food Contact Grade” Labels
China: Must comply with GB 4806.8-2016 National Food Safety Standard — Paper and Paperboard Materials and Articles in Contact with Food.
This regulation limits heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium), fluorescent substances, formaldehyde, and total migration levels. Only paper that passes this certification can be safely used for food stickers.
International: For export or imported papers, check for EU Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 (European food-contact standard) and U.S. FDA 21 CFR 176.170 (paper and paperboard components in contact with aqueous and fatty foods).
These standards have stricter limits — for example, EU total migration ≤60 mg/kg, and no detectable fluorescent brighteners.
Always ask suppliers for official test reports, and avoid industrial-grade papers (e.g., office paper, generic packaging paper), which may contain fluorescent agents or residual inks that could contaminate food upon direct contact.
(2) Key Safety Indicators: Avoid Hidden Risks
Even with certification, pay attention to specific parameters to ensure full safety:
Fluorescent Agents: Prohibited in food-contact papers, especially for stickers that touch food directly (e.g., fruit labels, bakery seals). Under UV light, paper emitting a blue-violet glow indicates fluorescent agent presence and must be rejected.
Heavy Metals: Lead ≤ 1.0 mg/kg; cadmium ≤ 0.1 mg/kg per GB 4806.8-2016. Heavy metal migration can damage liver and kidney function, posing higher risks for children.
Residual Solvents & Formaldehyde: Printing processes must control solvent residue (benzene, toluene) and formaldehyde levels — ≤ 1.0 mg/kg and ≤ 5.0 mg/m² respectively. Prefer solvent-free or water-based ink printing.
Total Migration & Potassium Permanganate Consumption:
These indicate how much material can migrate from paper to food, especially under contact with acidic or oily foods. Both must meet national standards to prevent contamination.
II. Common Safe Paper Types: Matching Paper to Food Scenarios
Compliant paper comes in various types, each suited for different food-contact conditions. Choose based on whether the sticker directly contacts food, and the food’s state (dry/wet/oily) or storage environment (ambient/refrigerated/heated).
(1) Virgin Pulp Paper: A Basic, Reliable Choice for Dry, Indirect Contact
Virgin pulp paper is made from untreated natural wood fibers, offering high purity, low impurities, and smooth texture. It’s odorless and easy to print, making it suitable for labeling dry, packaged foods such as snack bags or gift boxes.
Advantages: Low heavy metal and fluorescent content; compliant with food-contact standards; excellent printability.
Limitations: Poor moisture and oil resistance — unsuitable for direct contact with greasy or wet foods, as it may absorb moisture, blur ink, or deform.
Note: Avoid confusing “virgin pulp paper” with recycled pulp paper. Recycled varieties may contain pesticide or heavy metal residues and are not safe for food labels.
(2) Kraft Paper: Eco-Friendly and Durable for Dry Goods & Outer Packaging
Kraft paper, made from unbleached sulfate softwood pulp, is strong, tear-resistant, and naturally brown. It’s free from harmful bleaching by-products (like dioxins), making it a sustainable choice for natural-style food branding — ideal for coffee bags, nut jars, or bakery packaging labels.
Advantages: High mechanical strength; resistant to tearing and abrasion; naturally non-toxic; easily passes food-contact testing.
Limitations: Moderate moisture and oil resistance — short-term contact with fresh produce or slightly damp surfaces is fine, but long-term exposure requires a coating layer (e.g., waxed or PE-laminated kraft).
Recommended Specs:
Standard kraft: 50–80 g/m² (best for stickers)
Reinforced kraft: 100–120 g/m² (for structural packaging)
For food stickers, 60–80 g/m² is ideal — balancing durability and flexibility.
