BAKING PAPER

From our experience, baking paper is used once and then chucked in the bin. Now we are sorry to be the bearer of bad news but baking paper is typically coated in silicone - a synthetic polymer that shares many of the same characteristics as plastic.

So although baking paper isn’t plastic, the environmental impact is similar and just like cling film, baking paper remains in landfill for years.

Note: Silicone isn’t all bad. It can have a positive environmental impact due to its ability to last but only if it is reused many times over. Some Baking papers also have a light enough silicone coating to make them compostable - see below.

THE SOLUTION

SILICONe BAKING MATS

Matfer and Vogue produce quality reusable mats that can last years and save you money in the long run. If these brands are a bit pricey (£20+ each) there are also a few cheaper options below.

Silicone recycling isn’t currently an option in the UK so these mats will only reduce your environmental impact if they are used time and again.

Easy care steps, such as avoiding contact with sharp objects (including scrapers and brushes), will help them last for years

REUSE. THEN. COMPOST.

Buy FSC-certified, home-compostable baking paper to use for all the other jobs like lining tins and wrapping doughs.

Don’t be afraid to rinse and reuse this paper as much as you can - it can handle it!

GOOD OLD GREASING

Using less is always best! Save on the paper altogether and line your tins and pans with the appropriate fat.

NOTES

Home-compostable baking paper is best placed in your own compost heap.

If you choose to use industrial compostable baking paper (like Bakewells) and want to dispose of it in food waste bins, ensure your waste management accepts compostable materials, as some may not.

If industrial compostable baking paper doesn't reach a proper composting facility, it behaves like regular baking paper in the environment. Hence, using FSC-certified, home-compostable paper is recommended.

If you use white baking paper then make sure it is chlorine-free. Paper bleached using chlorine releases toxin by-products.