Innovative and Sustainable Wax Paper for the Kitchen of the Future

2 minutes

By combining deep materials expertise, transparency across the supply chain and a shared commitment to sustainability, De Monchy and Fredman Group developed a natural wax paper solution that meets modern kitchen demands while preserving food quality in a responsible way.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Kitchen

For Finnish company Fredman Group, everything revolves around two core pillars: the kitchen and sustainability. The company develops and supplies sustainable solutions for both private and professional kitchens, ranging from baking paper and coffee filters to cardboard take-away packaging and baking molds in countless shapes and sizes.

In January, Fredman Group expanded its portfolio with a new product: wax paper. Designed for natural food preservation, the product allows food to be stored and transported sustainably while maintaining its quality. But behind this consumer-facing innovation lies a multi-year collaboration focused on innovation, transparency and responsible sourcing.

The challenge: natural food protection without compromise

The idea for wax paper originated directly from the market. Customers were looking for a packaging solution that combines the familiar functionality of baking paper with enhanced moisture resistance, without relying on synthetic coatings.

Wax paper resembles baking paper, but with a crucial difference: one side is coated with a layer of wax that prevents moisture from passing through. This makes it ideal for wrapping, storing and carrying food in a natural way. The challenge, however, lay in selecting the right wax, one that would meet functional requirements while aligning with Fredman Group’s strict sustainability standards.

Initially, Carnauba wax emerged as a potential solution. Known for its extremely hard structure, it is not an obvious choice for paper applications.

According to Timo Ouwendijk, Business Unit Manager Waxes at De Monchy:

“Because of the extremely hard structure of Carnauba wax, my first thought was: don’t do it. But at the same time, I was immediately triggered. Producing wax paper with Carnauba as a protective layer would be a great development.”

The solution: innovation powered by transparency and expertise

The first contact between De Monchy International and Fredman Group took place around three years ago, when a Fredman Group intern was researching sustainable packaging solutions and approached De Monchy with questions about Carnauba wax.

What started as an exploratory discussion quickly evolved into an intensive collaboration. Both companies share a strong innovative mindset and take market-driven questions seriously. This mutual approach created the foundation for developing a wax paper entirely based on natural ingredients.

De Monchy International took responsibility for the supply of the waxes, with a strong focus on transparency. Given Fredman Group’s sustainability requirements, full insight into the origin of the wax was essential.

“Fredman Group only works with parties that consider sustainability to be of paramount importance,” Timo explains. “That’s why we provided full transparency into our Carnauba wax supply chain and shared all available information and documentation.”

This open attitude proved decisive. According to Jens Rosenqvist, Development and Design Director (Non-Digital Solutions) at Fredman Group:

“We always research the origin of the products we use. We want to know where our suppliers get their products from and be sure they handle this sustainably. With De Monchy, we found a reliable supplier that meets these requirements.”

The advantages: sustainability, trust and new applications

The cooperation resulted in a wax paper that meets both functional and environmental expectations:
– Natural moisture barrier for food preservation
– Made entirely from natural ingredients
– Aligned with Fredman Group’s sustainability strategy
– Full transparency across the supply chain

Beyond the product itself, the collaboration delivered value on both sides. Fredman Group successfully introduced a new sustainable packaging solution to the consumer market, while De Monchy gained valuable insights into the potential of Carnauba wax within the packaging industry.

A collaboration built on shared values

The partnership between Fredman Group and De Monchy is a clear example of how innovation flourishes when sustainability, transparency and technical expertise come together. By working together from idea to implementation, Fredman Group and De Monchy have shown that sustainable innovation is not just about the end product, but about the values and trust that shape the journey.

“The cooperation has been successful for both parties. For Fredman Group it resulted in a new product and application. For us, it opened up new perspectives on what Carnauba wax can contribute to sustainable packaging. We hope to build on this collaboration for many years to come.”

Timo Ouwendijk, BU Manager Waxes, De Monchy