| Product definition | Confirm whether the product is greaseproof paper, parchment paper, or silicone-coated baking paper; these terms are not interchangeable. | Request a material specification, construction details, and a physical sample. Check whether the paper is coated, treated, or uncoated. | Use the same product description in the quotation, purchase order, packaging artwork, and shipping documents. |
| Paper weight and dimensions | Set the required basis weight, envelope size, flap design, and dimensional tolerances in the purchase specification. There is no single universal specification for these envelopes. | Measure samples and compare paper weight with the agreed specification. Confirm dimensions after converting the flat blank into a finished envelope. | Agree on tolerances before production, especially when envelopes must fit a specific product or automated packing line. |
| Grease and moisture performance | Define the intended use and required resistance rather than relying on general terms such as “greaseproof” or “water-resistant.” | Request test results for the relevant paper grade and, where appropriate, conduct application-specific checks with the actual food or product. | Performance can vary with paper composition, coatings, temperature, contact time, and the type of food. Confirm suitability for the intended conditions. |
| Food-contact compliance | Specify the destination market and the food-contact conditions, including food type, temperature, and duration of contact. | Ask for applicable declarations, supporting test reports, and traceability information for the supplied material. Verify that documents cover the exact grade and use. | Requirements differ by market. For example, EU food-contact materials are subject to framework rules including Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and good manufacturing practice requirements under Regulation (EC) No 2023/2006. Confirm current requirements with the importer or compliance adviser. |
| Printing, inks, and adhesives | Approve artwork, print coverage, ink colors, adhesive locations, and any restrictions on the food-contact side before production. | Review a production-representative sample for ink transfer, odor, adhesion, sealing, and appearance. Confirm which surfaces may contact food. | Request confirmation that inks and adhesives are appropriate for the intended packaging application and destination-market requirements. |
| Quality control | Use a written specification covering material, dimensions, sealing, appearance, packing, and acceptable defect limits. | Approve a pre-production sample; define in-process and final inspections; retain batch records and reference samples. | Agree who conducts inspection, when it occurs, how defects are recorded, and how nonconforming goods are handled before the order is placed. |
| Packaging and shipment protection | Agree on inner wrapping, carton quantity, carton strength, labeling, and moisture protection based on the shipping route and storage conditions. | Check carton markings, packed quantity, product cleanliness, and whether cartons can withstand normal handling and stacking. | Confirm carton dimensions and gross weight early for freight planning. Keep packaging details consistent with the packing list and shipping instructions. |
| Export documentation | Confirm the required commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, and any destination-specific certificates or declarations. | Check that product descriptions, quantities, weights, consignee details, and country-of-origin information match across documents. | Confirm the customs classification with a qualified customs broker or importer; classification depends on the product’s material and construction. Agree on Incoterms and the named place of delivery in the sales contract. |
| Supplier assessment | Compare suppliers using documented capability, sample consistency, communication, production capacity, and quality-control procedures. | Request relevant audit or quality-system evidence, production records, and references appropriate to the order. Verify documents independently where necessary. | Do not rely on a sample alone: confirm that the approved specification, production process, and shipment inspection plan apply to the commercial order. |