posted 8th October 2026
Can You Print Colour on Greaseproof Paper? And How Do You Check That It’s Food Safe?
Yes, colours can be printed on to greaseproof paper, and the best way to check it's safe to come into direct contact with food is to ask your printing service.
Greaseproof paper is designed to resist grease and oils, making it ideal for wrapping everything from burgers to pastries, and a great choice for hot food packaging.
However, because it will be in direct contact with food, the printing process, inks, coatings all need to be carefully researched.
What Will The Print Quality Be Like?
The print quality depends on the type of paper being used and the printing process.
Some greaseproof papers have a smooth surface which can produce sharper and more vibrant results, while others have a more natural or textured appearance.
Check with your printing provider which paper they use. For example, at Grease Lightning we use recyclable paper that enables full colour CMYK and single colour Pantone colours to print sharply and brightly.
The quality of the print also depends on the quality of the artwork provided. Professional printing providers will have guidelines for artwork readily available.
What makes colour-printed greaseproof paper food safe?
Because not all printing inks are suitable for use on food packaging, it is important the inks being used are safe for contact with food, as food safety depends on more than the paper itself.
One point to consider is whether the printed surface comes into direct contact with the food.
If the ink is printed on the outside of the packaging and is separated from the food by an appropriate paper layer, the risk of ink transfer may be lower. However, this does not mean that food-contact suitability should be assumed.
The printing company should be able to confirm that the finished product is suitable for its intended use; if they cannot confirm this, you may wish to consider a provider that can provide this reassurance.
And if you sell hot food that will come into contact with the paper, check this will not affect the possible transfer of ink onto the food. Again, a professional printing provider will be able to answer all your questions.
When it comes to food safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry
For peace of mind, some of the questions you can ask a greaseproof paper printing company include:
- Is the paper suitable for direct food contact?
- Is it suitable for oily or fatty foods?
- Can it be used with hot food?
- How long can the food remain in contact with it?
- Which inks and coatings are being used?
- How should the artwork be provided to ensure best print quality?
- Is the printed side suitable for direct contact, or should the unprinted side face the food?
These questions can help identify whether the supplier’s colour-printed greaseproof paper is appropriate for the food you serve your customers.
A good supplier will be happy to answer these questions and provide supporting documentation if requested (like we can!).
Greaseproof Paper Can Be Colourful, And Safe
Printed greaseproof paper is an excellent way to add branding to every order.
A well-designed, printed sheet can turn a simple takeaway, bakery product or café order into an experience for the customer, and a marketing opportunity for you.
However, it’s always best to check the paper, ink and printing process all need to be suitable and safe to wrap your delicious food!
If you have any questions, we’re always happy to answer them.
