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Unprinted and unscented paper products reduce the number of additional components in the product, such as printing inks and fragrances, making them a practical choice where neutral product specifications, a large number of users or controlled use are important.
Facilities that handle food, provide healthcare services or accommodate many different users may choose neutral paper products as a simpler and more predictable option, particularly when they want to limit the number of added components in the product.
The migration of substances from printing inks into materials that come into contact with food must comply with the EU Framework Regulation on food contact materials and the guidelines issued by EuPIA, the industry association representing printing ink manufacturers.
Paper products made from 100% cellulose, without added colours or fragrances, offer the most suitable option for commercial facilities. To find out why, read our detailed blog post: Paper products: A complete guide to types, systems and applications.
Why does printing on paper products pose a risk in facilities that handle food?
Manufacturers apply printing ink to the surface of the paper, and moisture or friction may cause some of it to transfer to hands, food or work surfaces. In kitchens, restaurants and food service facilities, it is particularly important to distinguish between standard paper products and products intended for food contact. When paper may come into direct or indirect contact with food, the facility should check its declared purpose and the relevant documentation provided by the manufacturer or supplier. For this reason, such facilities generally use uncoloured paper towels without printing or fragrance.
Why can scented paper products cause allergic reactions in guests and employees?
Paper fragrances usually consist of synthetic compounds that manufacturers add to create a pleasant impression rather than to fulfil a hygiene function. In people with sensitive skin or known fragrance allergies, repeated contact with scented paper may cause redness, itching or irritation. In commercial facilities where many different people use paper products every day, an unscented option reduces the likelihood of an adverse reaction.
What does “virgin cellulose” mean and why does it matter?
Virgin cellulose refers to paper made from primary fibres that have not previously undergone recycling. However, this alone does not mean that the product contains no other additives. If a facility requires paper without added colours, fragrances or other specific components, it should confirm this information in the product specification.
Table: Comparison of paper products with and without colours and fragrances
| Feature | Paper products without printing or added fragrances | Printed or scented paper products | Why it matters when choosing |
| Printing | No added printing ink | May contain printing inks | Products intended for food contact require appropriate specifications and compliance |
| Added fragrances | No added fragrance components | May contain fragrance components | A more neutral choice for facilities with many different users |
| Composition | Fewer additional components when the product contains no colours, printing or fragrances | May contain additional components that provide colour, printing or fragrance | Simplifies the selection process when a facility requires neutral paper products |
| Standardisation | A neutral appearance and scent make it easier to establish a consistent standard | Design and scent may vary between products | Useful for chains and facilities that want consistent procurement specifications |
| Procurement checks | Check the raw material, number of plies, grammage, dimensions and product declaration | In addition to the basic characteristics, check the printing, fragrance and intended use | Supplier specifications provide more reliable information than an assessment based solely on appearance |
In which facilities do unprinted and unscented paper products make the most sense?
Unprinted and unscented paper products prove particularly practical where a consistent product composition, a large number of different users or controlled use of paper products matters. However, facilities should distinguish between different product applications, as paper that may come into contact with food must meet different requirements from toilet paper or hand towels.
Facilities most commonly consider them for:
- restaurants, kitchens and food service facilities: where staff should check the declared purpose and relevant compliance of products that may come into contact with food
- healthcare facilities: where neutral paper products without added fragrances provide a practical choice for many different users
- hotels and hospitality facilities: where many guests use the same product every day
- office buildings and public facilities : where neutral specifications simplify procurement standardisation
- chains of facilities: where the same product standard must apply across multiple locations
Unprinted and unscented paper products -Recommended products:
Unprinted and unscented paper products – FAQ
Do uncoloured paper products have a shorter shelf life than printed products?
No. Colour and printing serve as cosmetic additions and do not affect the paper’s structure or durability. The raw material (virgin cellulose), grammage and number of plies determine shelf life and strength, not the presence or absence of colour. Facilities store and use uncoloured paper in exactly the same way as standard paper.
How can you tell whether paper truly contains no added fragrances?
A visual inspection cannot provide reliable confirmation because other additives may mask traces of fragrance. The product specification or supplier declaration provides a reliable method of verification, as it explicitly states whether the product contains added fragrance components. Commercial facilities should treat this as a standard requirement when selecting a supplier.
Are unprinted and unscented paper products cheaper?
Not necessarily. The absence of printing and fragrance represents only one product characteristic and does not determine the final price. Raw materials, number of plies, grammage, format, pack quantity, manufacturing quality and other parameters all affect the price. Buyers should therefore compare products according to their complete specifications rather than only the presence of printing or fragrance.
Does unprinted paper automatically qualify as suitable for food contact?
No. The absence of printing reduces the number of additional components on the paper, but it does not confirm that the manufacturer intended the product for food contact. For this application, buyers should check the product’s declared purpose and the relevant documentation provided by the manufacturer or supplier.
Does white paper contain no colours or other additives?
Not necessarily. A product’s appearance alone does not reveal its composition. If a facility requires paper without added colours, fragrances or other specific components, it should check the product specification or declaration rather than rely solely on a visual inspection.
A good paper product standard begins with details that often remain hidden at first glance. If you want to align your choice with the purpose of the facility, the number of users and procurement requirements, we are here to help you find the right solution.
About the author:
Milja Tonić – SEO Content Strategist & Copywriter
Milja Tonić works as an SEO Content Strategist and Copywriter at LUU. In collaboration with the sales and technical teams, she creates content about professional paper products, dispensers and hygiene management in commercial facilities.
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