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Amber Robertson

Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. A creative writing studio that helps people find their voice and share their stories. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. She loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, writing, and traveling. When Amber was younger, she loved to write short stories and plays. But somewhere along the way, she lost touch with her creativity. It wasn’t until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her stories—both the good and the bad—with the people she loves most. That’s when Quill and Fox was born. Amber is passionate about helping others find their voice and share their stories. She believes that every person has a story worth telling, and it’s her mission to help them tell it in a way that is authentic and true to themselves

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Composting with Quill And Fox
Amber Robertson
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Wondering about the eco-friendliness of parchment paper? This comprehensive kitchen guide from Quill And Fox will explain what parchment paper is, how it’s manufactured, the proper way to dispose of it, and provide greener alternatives for your kitchen needs.

a box of unbleached parchment paper on a white countertop

Do you frequently use parchment paper in your kitchen? While it serves many purposes, such as baking and food storage, it’s essential to evaluate the environmental impact of single-use products. In comparison to reusable alternatives, parchment paper has a higher environmental footprint due to its one-time usage.

Although parchment paper is a more sustainable option compared to wax paper, it still falls short of being an environmentally friendly choice. This is primarily because of its processing methods and the fact that it is typically discarded after a single use.

Do you want to learn more about the eco-friendliness of parchment paper and discover sustainable alternatives to using it? Read on to find out!

What is Parchment Paper?

Parchment paper, also known as baking paper, is a type of non-stick paper commonly utilized in cooking and baking. It consists of two main components: wood pulp and silicone. This unique combination provides parchment paper with its distinctive non-stick properties, allowing for cooking and baking without added oils or butter.

Types of Parchment Paper

There are two main types of parchment paper available: brown and white.

  • Brown parchment paper is made from unbleached wood pulp, avoiding the bleaching process.
  • White parchment paper, on the other hand, is made from bleached wood pulp, which gives it a lighter color. However, this bleaching process makes it less environmentally friendly.

Parchment paper is typically coated with silicone to enhance its non-stick properties (similar to wax paper, which is coated with wax). However, this coating also contributes to its less eco-friendly nature. In rare cases, parchment paper is sold without the silicone coating.

a roll of brown unbleached parchment paper on a white table

Parchment Paper in the Kitchen

Parchment paper finds a variety of uses in the kitchen. It is commonly employed as a liner for baking trays and pans, preventing food from sticking and simplifying cleanup. Additionally, it can be used as a wrapping or cover for meat or fish during roasting or grilling, minimizing drippings onto the cooktop or grill.

Cake pans are often lined with parchment paper to prevent cakes or cupcakes from adhering to the sides and facilitate easy removal after baking. When deep frying, parchment paper acts as a liner to prevent oil splatters and messes. Pastry chefs often turn to parchment paper to roll out dough, as it provides a non-stick surface, preventing sticking to the rolling pin or countertop.

The Manufacturing Process of Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is manufactured by combining wood pulp and silicone through a multi-step process.

  1. The initial step involves treating the wood pulp with chemicals to break down the fibers, facilitating easier binding when heated.
  2. Next, the treated wood pulp is mixed with silicone oil or wax, acting as a binding agent. This mixture is then passed through large, heated rollers to create thin sheets of parchment paper.
  3. Once the parchment paper is formed, it is cut into various sizes and packaged for sale.

Would you like to witness the parchment paper manufacturing process? Click here to view a video by the Science Channel that demonstrates the steps involved.

a box of brown parchment paper on a table

Disposal Methods for Parchment Paper

The proper disposal of parchment paper depends on the type you have. Brown parchment paper is biodegradable and can be composted, while white parchment paper is not as easily broken down and should be recycled.

Composting Parchment Paper

Composting is an ideal method for disposing of brown parchment paper. You can either place it in an outdoor compost bin or add it to your home compost pile. To expedite the breakdown process, cut or tear the parchment paper into smaller pieces and soak them in warm, soapy water before adding them to your compost. Please note that parchment paper soaked in oil should not be composted.

Recycling Parchment Paper

Recycling parchment paper can be challenging due to its silicone coating. This hampers the separation of its components, making recycling more difficult. To determine if your parchment paper can be recycled, contact your local recycling center before placing it in the recycling bin. Similar to composting, parchment paper soaked in oil should not be recycled.

Reusing Parchment Paper

Parchment paper can be reused multiple times, although it will eventually lose its non-stick properties. After each use, wash it with soap and water, and allow it to air dry. Ideally, parchment paper can be reused as long as it has not been exposed to temperatures exceeding the manufacturer’s recommendation (typically approximately 425 degrees Fahrenheit).

crumpled paper bag in a white ceramic bin on a countertop

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Parchment Paper

Various eco-friendly alternatives exist that can replace parchment paper in your kitchen.

  1. Silicone baking mats, made from food-grade silicone, can be used as substitutes for parchment paper when lining baking pans, trays, and other surfaces. These mats are non-stick, reusable, and often dishwasher safe. They significantly reduce waste and landfill contributions. Quill And Fox recommends Silpat as a top-quality brand of silicone baking mats.

  2. Instead of parchment paper, you can use oil to grease your baking pans or trays. This simple technique prevents food from sticking and facilitates easy release once the food is cooked.

In summary, there are numerous ways to dispose of or reuse parchment paper, along with a wide range of eco-friendly alternatives available for your kitchen needs. Selecting the best option for your cooking and baking endeavors becomes a breeze.

Is Parchment Paper Eco-Friendly?

Discover More Eco-Friendly Kitchen Guides with Quill And Fox

Interested in more tips for going green in the kitchen? Quill And Fox invites you to explore their other eco-friendly guides:

  • 4 Green Alternatives to Using Tin Foil in the Kitchen
  • Are Silpats (Silicone Baking Mats) Environmentally Friendly?
  • Is Wax Paper Eco-Friendly?
  • 4 Eco Alternatives to Traditional Dish Sponges
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