Ahlstrom’s new Grease-Gard PLUS, PRO target PFAS-free fast food packaging

NORTH AMERICA – Ahlstrom has launched Grease-Gard PLUS and Grease-Gard PRO, two new recyclable, grease-resistant papers for the North American QSR sector, designed to offer a PFAS-free and aluminium-free alternative for wraps, bags, and hot-food packaging.

The two new products expand the company’s Grease-Gard portfolio, which is built on Ahlstrom’s FluoroFree® technology, ensuring the papers are manufactured without the use of PFAS (fluorochemicals) and meet FDA and BfR requirements for direct food contact.

Travis Dahlke, Vice President of Global Food Packaging at Ahlstrom, stated that the launch reflects the company’s commitment to helping customers navigate an increasingly complex packaging landscape while supporting their sustainability ambitions.

Differentiated Solutions for Moisture, Heat and Grease Resistance

Grease-Gard PLUS combines the grease resistance of the range with enhanced water holdout, making it a sustainable alternative to wax-treated papers for applications exposed to moisture or condensation. It delivers reliable converting, excellent printability and consistent packaging integrity across wraps, bags and other food service formats. 

The product is designed for recyclability and can serve as an alternative to wax-treated papers in food service uses where moisture or condensation is present, helping brands reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and coated packaging materials.

Grease-Gard PRO is engineered for premium applications where exceptional grease resistance and heat retention are essential. 

Developed as a paper-based substitute for traditional foil bags and wraps, it helps brands reduce aluminium use while preserving food quality, freshness and consumer experience for hot sandwiches, burgers and burritos. 

The Grease-Gard PRO line is suited to hot sandwiches, burgers, burritos and other grab-and-go items that need high-performance bags and wraps, offering the grease resistance and heat retention required for these demanding applications.

Commercial Availability and Market Context

Both products are now commercially available across North America through Ahlstrom’s sales network. 

The launch follows Ahlstrom’s recent acquisition of the Stevens Point mill, which significantly expanded the company’s capabilities in coated barrier papers. 

The combined offering now serves applications including quick-service restaurant packaging, snacks, bakery, confectionery and dry mixes, supporting the transition away from plastic-, foil- and wax-based packaging toward renewable paper-based alternatives. 

The Grease-Gard papers are designed for recyclability according to EN 13430 and are biodegradable, offering converters and brand owners a PFAS-free path to meeting evolving regulatory requirements while maintaining high-performance standards in foodservice packaging.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE