Sandwiches have now become a staple in this busy life. When it comes to reheating a sandwich, usually, microwaves are used. But did you ever think that the paper in which it is wrapped is safe to be microwaved? In this blog, we will discover whether you can microwave a sandwich paper without any sort of risk or not. 

What is sandwich paper?

Sandwich paper is used to wrap sandwiches and other similar items like sliders and hot dogs, so that customers do not have a problem while handling the product. They keep the food away from germs by not letting it come in direct contact with the environment. That is why brands prefer to get sandwich paper for their food product. 

At waxpapers.net, you can get countless options for customization. Custom sandwich papers can be designed and printed as you want. But it remains to be seen whether sandwich papers are safe to be used in a microwave or not. So come. Let’s find out. 

Is it safe to microwave a sandwich paper?

The main purpose of sandwich paper is to wrap sandwiches and other related food items. But there is no one specific type of sandwich paper. So, on what basis do they differ? It is the coating that makes them different. Generally, sandwich paper can be used in a microwave. However, there are some coatings that are not safe to be microwaved. 

Wax coating

Wax is a common coating for food papers because of its ability to resist moisture. If a sandwich paper roll is coated with wax, it can be microwaved. However, it is better not to expose it to radiation for a longer time. Also make sure that the wax-coated sandwich paper does not come in contact with the walls of the appliance. 

Polyethylene coating

Polyethylene coating is popular because of its grease and moisture-resistant properties. But it is not microwave safe because their melting points are low. It can melt and leach harmful chemicals like bisphenol A and phthalates into the food upon being heated. These chemicals are extremely harmful to health because they disrupt the hormonal balance of the body. 

Polypropylene coating

As compared to polyethylene coating, polypropylene coating has a comparatively higher melting point. It has the capacity to bear exposure to higher temperatures. Another plus point is that it is BPA-free. This is why the sandwich papers coated with polypropylene coating are safe to be used in a microwave. 

Silicone coating

Silicone coating is done to grant non-stick properties to the sandwich paper wraps. This makes sure that the customer gets a premium unwrapping experience because with silicone coating, food does not stick to the wrapping paper. A silicone-coated sandwich paper can be used in a microwave, but it is always better to check if any safety guidelines are given for the paper. 

Can printed sandwich paper be used in a microwave?

Customized sandwich paper indeed has an aesthetic appeal. The alluring designs capture your attention and make your mouth water. But is printed sandwich paper microwaveable? Yes, they are, but only if food-grade inks are used. Here is a list of commonly used inks for printing: 

Water-based inks

These inks use water as a primary solvent. Due to their non-toxic nature, they can be microwaved. Water-based inks do not impart the color of the pigment to the food when heated. 

Soy-based inks 

Made of soy beans, these inks are environmentally friendly because of lower VOC emissions. Inks purely made of soybean oils are safe to be used in the microwave. However, if these inks contain black ink pigment, then they contain a fire hazard if exposed to heat at high temperatures. 

Vegetable-based inks

They are plant-based inks. Manufacturers add special additives and binding agents that do not let these inks migrate to the food. This makes them safe for microwaving. 

Petroleum-based inks 

These inks are not safe to be used in a microwave. The prime reason behind this is that they are most of the time not free grade. When placed in a microwave, they release fumes and chemicals that are toxic. These chemicals leach into the food and make it unfit for consumption. They can also catch fire if they contain carbon pigment. 

Therefore, before placing a sandwich paper in microwave, always check what sort of inks have been used in printing it. 

What are other alternative options that can be used in a microwave?

Sandwich paper is one of the several types of food wrapping. Plenty of other options are also available, which are safe to be used in a microwave. You can choose any of these to reheat. A few of them are listed below:

Parchment paper

It is designed in a way that it can withstand high heat. Parchment paper with silicone coating can also be used in an oven. If you are a brand producing baked sandwiches, you can place parchment paper as a tray liner.

Wax paper

This is a type of paper where a thin layer of wax is applied to the wrapper. Wax paper makes sure that the food does not become soggy by preventing moisture from reaching the food. The best thing about it is that it can be used in a microwave. 

Shawarma paper

Shawarma can be reheated because the shawarma paper does not burn, nor does it leak harmful substances into the food when it is placed in a microwave. 

Butcher paper

Butcher paper is a multipurpose and durable paper. It is microwaveable due to its ability to bear heat, but it is not suitable for oven use.

Are sandwich paper bags microwave safe?

Sandwich paper bags are a great packaging option for fast food and baked goods. They are often used to carry lunch, which might need to be reheated. For this purpose, it is better to know what kinds of coatings are applied to the paper bags. The following coatings are normally considered safe for microwave use:

• Wax coating
• Silicone coating
• Polylactic acid coating
• Starch-based coating
• Cutin-based coating 

What precautionary measures can be taken while microwaving a sandwich paper?

It is always better to take precautionary steps than to bear damage. Sandwich paper can be heated in a microwave, but it is crucial to exercise caution. Take the following safety measures:

• Always check the specifications of deli sandwich paper whenever you visit a deli store.
• Verify if a microwave-safe label is present or not. 
• Do not heat the sandwich paper for a very long period of time.
• Ensure that the top or sides of the microwave do not touch the paper.
• If you see any smoke rising from the microwave, then switch it off instantly. 

Where can you get sandwich paper?

Sandwich papers are a necessity for almost every fast food brand, be it deli stores, sandwich brands, burger shops, and whatnot. If you are looking for a place that provides excellent quality sandwich papers, then you are at the right place. Because waxpapers offers you the best sandwich papers in town with unlimited design options. Choose us because we are great at what we do. Our prices are market competitive and our free shipping service acts like a cherry on the top.