Printed greaseproof paper is often discussed in kilograms when it is purchased, but consumed one sheet at a time during service. Without connecting those units, it is difficult to explain why two orders of equal weight last for different periods. Fully wrapping a burger, lining a box and covering a tray may also require different sizes. This guide provides a practical method for selecting dimensions on the real product, estimating sheet counts and tracking finished printed-paper consumption. Dimensions and grammages below are calculation examples, not material recommendations for every food.
1. Separate wrapping, box lining and tray use
For wrapping, the paper needs to cover the product and leave enough overlap for folding. For a liner, consider base coverage and how far the edges should extend upwards. Measuring only product length and width is insufficient because it leaves out height and the wrapping action.
Prepare a separate sample for each use, such as a standard burger, tall burger and tray. A manufacturer's application categories reinforce the need to describe the use: Metsä PACK offers food packaging and wrapping papers. Do not assume printed wrapping paper can go in an oven; confirm suitability for the intended application with the supplier.
2. Select sheet size by wrapping the actual product
Use the existing size as a reference and trial two alternatives around it. Start with the same paper type so that only dimensions change. Observe how many folds staff make, whether edges remain exposed and whether excess paper interferes with box closure.
The smallest sheet is not always the most efficient. If staff use a second sheet or rewrap the product, the theoretical material gain may disappear. Include large and small portions, service pace and the customer's opening experience in the trial. Record which products are approved for single-sheet use.
- Separate sizes for wrapping and lining
- Actual product height and folding allowance
- Record any need for a second sheet
- Check box closure and customer opening
3. Convert kilograms into a theoretical sheet count
Convert dimensions to metres first: sheet mass (g) = width (m) × length (m) × grammage (g/m²). Theoretical sheet count = net paper weight (kg) × 1,000 ÷ sheet mass (g). A 30 × 40 cm sheet at an illustrative 40 g/m² weighs 0.30 × 0.40 × 40 = 4.8 grams. On this basis, 200 kg of net paper represents approximately 41,667 sheets.
At the same illustrative grammage, a 25 × 35 cm sheet weighs 3.5 grams, giving approximately 57,143 sheets from 200 kg. These are theoretical results based on nominal grammage, not guaranteed delivery counts. Exclude cartons, pallets and packing tare. Clarify how printing, material tolerances and cutting losses are treated; do not confuse purchased raw-paper weight with finished cut-sheet weight.
4. Connect kilogram pricing to cost per wrapped product
Before comparing prices per kilogram, check whether sheet size, paper grade, grammage, print scope and net delivery weight are comparable. Even at the same kilogram price, a larger sheet can use more mass per wrap. Conversely, two smaller sheets may consume more paper per order.
For 10,000 single-sheet uses of the same hypothetical 40 g/m² paper, 30 × 40 cm requires a theoretical 48 kg and 25 × 35 cm requires 35 kg. If the smaller size needs two sheets, however, consumption rises to 70 kg. This is not a savings promise: it shows why dimensions and staff usage must be assessed together. Compare actual net kilograms consumed per successfully wrapped product.
5. Check the logo on both the flat sheet and wrapped product
A logo centred on a flat sheet may finish underneath the burger or inside a fold. Trial a single large logo and a repeating pattern on the actual wrap. For tray liners, assess the visible area after placing the food and sauce containers. An empty-sheet photograph does not fully represent brand visibility.
Request a layout showing trim size, print orientation and pattern repeat. Identify the printed side and intended food-contact arrangement on the approved sample. After changing sheet size, recheck logo visibility instead of simply scaling down the old artwork. Keep the approved file version alongside a photograph of the wrapped product.
6. Verify the estimate at receipt and track usage during service
For example, weigh a counted group of 100 sheets after subtracting the container tare, then divide by 100 to estimate average finished-sheet mass. The scale needs sufficient resolution for the measurement. Repeat with sheets from different packs and investigate significant differences with the supplier. This is a practical stock estimate, not a replacement for contractual acceptance criteria or a guaranteed count.
During initial use, record products wrapped, sheets taken, double wraps and discarded sheets. This connects the estimated sheet count to actual sales served. On repeat orders, keep size, grammage, material code, artwork version and the net-weight basis together. Alongside price, the useful outcome is consistent paper consumption for the same product.
- Distinguish net weight from tare
- Weigh counted samples from different packs
- Track single- and double-sheet consumption
- Reorder by size, material and print version