Buying guide for paper napkins

If we think of the essential elements in any catering service, napkins play a fundamental role. In fact, they welcome us when we arrive at a table to enjoy a good meal. As with crockery and cutlery, they help us to form an idea of the style of that bar or restaurant and condition us when it comes to enjoying the experience. Therefore, having quality paper napkins will allow us to offer the best version of our business to the public.

At Monouso we are aware that it is really difficult to choose between the wide variety of paper napkin options that we can find on the market: one, two or three layers, ecological, recycled, non-woven... Decisions that can sometimes be difficult and time-consuming. That's why we have prepared this complete guide to buying paper napkins. Leave it in our hands and forget your worries!

Why choose paper napkins?

In recent years, the advantages of using paper napkins in the hospitality industry have grown exponentially. After all, having this type of hygienic element in disposable format allows us to ensure much more correct cleanliness and the total satisfaction of our customers. But let's find out in more detail why we should choose this type of napkin.

• Hygiene: as they are for single use only, we can offer an individual napkin for each of our guests. This will avoid the possibility of contagion between diners and also cross-contamination. Although restaurants that have cloth napkins clean them properly, it is possible that some carelessness may cause problems in this aspect...
• Economic and workload savings: the maintenance of table linen (which includes both napkins and tablecloths) involves extra work that you can do without if you opt for paper napkins. In addition, it allows the removal and collection of the table to be much quicker and more effective, which relieves the workload of our staff.
• Price: paper napkins are much cheaper than cloth napkins. Although it is true that the replacement cost may seem higher, in reality we constantly save on water, electricity, detergent and fabric softener, which are necessary to keep cloth napkins in perfect condition.
• Space saving: the storage required varies from week to week but is still less, as it does not remain constant.
• Variety of colours and formats: you can find the perfect napkin for every occasion and surprise your customers with new colours, materials and formats. You will therefore have greater freedom.
• Cleanliness: they are the cleanest and most effective way to clean your mouth and hands during a meal. They are also easy to remove from the restaurant, keeping your workspace in perfect condition.
• Convenience: in some businesses, it is simply the most recommendable option if we specialise in take away and delivery services, where they represent the perfect alternative and also an opportunity to innovate.

Elements to consider when choosing paper napkins

So that you can browse through our catalogue in complete comfort and choose the napkins that best suit your business, we present two really important concepts that you should take into account when making your purchase: the materials and finishes of the paper napkins. We would also like to offer you all our help. You can always count on our Customer Service team, who will solve any of your doubts regarding paper napkins or any Monouso product about which you need some extra information.

Paper napkin materials

Although, in essence, they are all made of paper, we must take into account the different types of combinations of cellulose and other materials that give rise to various types of napkins

Among the main materials, we highlight...

Paper

White, coloured, striped or with multiple prints... paper offers us the opportunity to produce multiple formats of napkins with a more than acceptable quality and with the advantage of being able to dispose of them easily and conveniently when they have finished their function. Thus, paper napkins are made from a mixture of wood pulp and recycled fibres, subjected to refining processes to obtain a high quality product that is soft to the touch. This paper is cut and folded to obtain napkins of different sizes and designs used in the hotel and catering industry.

Non-woven fabric

TNT is produced by a manufacturing process in which wood and latex fibres are fused together without the use of yarns, using mechanical, chemical or thermal processes. Despite being a non-woven material, its appearance is very similar to that of traditional cloth napkins, which can even lead to confusion.

The wide variety of designs and sizes available will allow you to combine them with the tableware, tablecloths and decoration of your restaurant, thus providing high quality napkins adapted to every occasion of the year, improving the experience of your customers. One of the most popular non-woven formats is Airlaid, which we have in our catalogue.

Sulphite paper

Sulphite paper is ideal for wrapping food for delivery. This additional safety is provided by a sulphuric acid bath, which makes it waterproof. This special treatment also prevents grease from seeping through or deforming the napkins.

Paper napkins cover

Tip tip

This finish is characterised by its production system, which makes paper napkins with this finish much more resistant and consistent. They will withstand intensive use better and will not tear easily. For the production of these napkins, a double-layered cellulose material is used, which is separated by mechanical processes and to which a special glue is added. The two layers are then bonded together and embossed for a stronger bond.

This process offers great benefits for your business, as it gives a more elegant and sophisticated look to your products, as well as a greater volume and softness thanks to the small air cells that are formed between the different points, providing greater fluffiness and resistance.

Microdot

This material for paper napkins is also really strong. The biggest advantage of this material is that it has a bond between layers that provides extra softness and comfort for your customers. They are made from a double-layer cellulose roll, on which these microdots are created all over the surface of the napkin. This makes it difficult for the two layers to separate and achieves greater consistency and volume.

Valance

The border on a paper napkin not only provides a different and attractive aesthetic appearance, but also has practical benefits. The border refers to the embossing on the edges of the napkin, which holds the two layers together and prevents them from folding or shrinking. As a result, these napkins take up less storage space and are more convenient.

Layers

In simple terms, a ply refers to a sheet of paper in a napkin. Generally speaking, one-ply paper napkins tend to be thinner and lighter, making them ideal for use at casual or informal events where an economical and practical solution is needed. However, because they are thinner, they may not be as absorbent as two-ply napkins.

Two-ply napkins are thicker and more absorbent and therefore ideal for use in places where food and drinks are served. Because they have two sheets of paper joined together, they are less prone to tearing or breaking, making them more durable and resistant.

Types of paper napkins

Recycled and eco-friendly, cutlery napkins, flat paper napkins, mini napkins, zigzag napkins, cocktail napkins... We have a surprising variety of paper napkins, whose uses and advantages we will analyse in depth throughout our guide to guide you in your search for the ideal alternative.

Eco-friendly recycled napkins

Among the bulk of eco-friendly recycled paper napkins you will find different sizes, layers and functionalities

• By number of layers: 1 layer or 2 layers.
• By size: 17x17 cm, 20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, 33x33 cm, 32x40 cm and 40x40cm.
• By functionality: cocktail and cutlery holder.
• By finish: micro-point and point-point.

They all stand out for being made from 100% ecological paper, based on biodegradable or compostable vegetable materials. Their cellulose also makes them a commitment to nature and guarantees a very low environmental impact. They also have an attractive natural colour, which allows you to emphasise your business's commitment to sustainability.

Recycled paper napkins are made from paper that has been recovered and processed for reuse. This paper can come from different sources (newspapers, cardboard, office paper...) The recovered cellulose undergoes a process of cleaning, bleaching and transformation to become new paper that serves as the basis for this product.

Servilletas Airlaid Premium

As mentioned above, Airlaid napkins are a type of TNT napkins, which are made from cellulose fibres and natural latex. Not only do they offer a relevant consistency, but also a great resistance and, above all, a spectacular feel. They are very similar to cloth napkins, but have all the advantages of paper napkins.

They stand out for their wide variety of colours and prints and for having a premium finish, especially focused on establishments for which providing an image of exclusivity is essential. This cellulose-based fabric has a great capacity for absorbing liquids and is resistant to humidity. In addition, it is elastic and has been heat-sealed.

In our catalogue you will find Airlaid Premium napkins in different colours, sizes and finishes:

• Sizes: 32x40 cm, 33x40 cm and 40x40 cm.
• Colours and prints: white, black, brown, brown, green, lilac, red, burgundy, grey, pistachio, cream... Ideal for combining with the decoration of your premises.
• Finishes: square, table and cutlery holders, in different shapes.

Kangaroo napkins for cutlery

If you are looking for an economical and sophisticated way to speed up the table setting process in your business, then kangaroo cutlery napkins are the perfect solution for you. These cutlery holders are disposable and recyclable, making them an ideal option for presenting cutlery. They also allow you to transport cutlery hygienically and conveniently. Although they are strong enough to support the extra weight, they are very light and easy to store. They are therefore the perfect mix between paper napkins and envelopes for transporting cutlery.

They come in different sizes, colours, prints and materials.

• Sizes: 32x40 cm and 40x40 cm.
• Colours: black, white, blue, burgundy, grey... And with a wide variety of prints for different occasions (from imitation burlap or denim to cashmere, for example).
• Materials: Airlaid, paper and ecological paper.

Flat paper napkins

The flat paper napkins are made of sulphite paper. They stand out for their...

• Be very resilient.
• Absorb fats and oils from snacks, sandwiches, bakery, tapas....
• Be economical and versatile.
• To have a dense material.
• Be recyclable and biodegradable.

They are available in different sizes: 15x15 cm, 20x20 cm and 25x25 cm.

MiniServis 17x17 napkins

Also known as "Mini Service", these MiniServis paper napkins are known to be a hit at bars and tables in bars and cafés. They are small and handy and, depending on the material they are made of, have a very high absorbency. The tissue paper MiniServis are much softer, while the sulphite paper MiniServis are particularly suitable for preventing your customers from staining their hands when they pick up food or preparations.

Therefore, you can have just one of these models or, perhaps, opt for both, depending on your specific needs. They are also usually placed in dispensers, so that customers can access them without difficulty.

Napkins 14x14 ZigZag

The classic sulphite paper napkins commonly used in bars are available in an interesting quality and iconic design. This economical alternative is ideal for the bar and terrace napkin holders of any cafe, bar or restaurant. The napkins are intertwined, so that each napkin is pulled by the next as it leaves the holder. Their thin, white edge allows for convenient zigzag serving. In addition, these ZigZag napkins come in a handy pack that allows you to quickly and easily refill the napkin holders in your business.

Square napkins of different sizes

In our catalogue you can find different sizes of square napkins:

• 20x 20 cm (cocktail type): totally recommended for serving drinks in caterings, receptions, parties, cocktails and pubs. You can find them made of normal paper or ecological paper. They have different finishes (micro-dot, pointed tip and border) and different number of layers (1, 2 or 3).
• 25x25 cm: these paper napkins are specially designed for use at all kinds of celebrations and events. They are ideal for cocktails, tapas and tasting products. They are made of double-layer tissue and are easy to fold and store. You can choose between the border finish or the pointed tip finish.
• 30x30 cm: recommended especially for breakfasts, lunches and snacks. They are very soft, but also elastic and voluminous. You can choose between 1 or 2 layers and opt for the border finish.
• 33x33 cm: if you are not sure what size to choose for your hospitality business, we recommend you opt for paper napkins in these sizes. They have several layers, are economical and perfect for serving meals in restaurants and bars.
• 40x40 cm: our 40x40 cm napkins have a pointed tip finish which, as mentioned above, is a commitment to softness and ease of cleaning.

How to choose the right paper napkin

Deciding which type of paper napkin is right for your hospitality business can be a real torment, can't it? Whether you have more or less experience, the truth is that it is somewhat complicated to choose the most correct or suitable option. For this reason, at Monouso we will recommend the right type of paper napkins, taking into account the type of catering establishment that you run or in which you work. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Even so, it is advisable to have a wide variety of paper napkins, so that we can serve our customers in the best possible way and ensure their well-being and comfort.

Bars and breweries

• Ecological recycled napkins: especially interesting if we want to show a real commitment to the environment and, in addition, generate a climate of collaboration with the sustainability of the planet.
• Kangaroo napkins for cutlery: a really convenient option if we have a set menu in our local offer.
• Miniservis 17x16 napkins: convenient and practical, as they can be offered to the customer through dispensers, which facilitates cleaning.
• 14x14 ZigZag napkins: ideal for bars that do not serve food.

Cafeterías, pastelerías y food trucks

• Ecological recycled napkins: with different sizes, they offer a sustainable and convenient option for cleaning your customers' mouths and hands.
• Miniservis 17x16 napkins: ideal if you have paper napkin dispensers suitable for this size. Convenience and order at your fingertips to improve your visitors' experience.

Restaurants

• Airlaid Premium napkins: recommended for restaurants with a select clientele or a menu with an above-average price range, who opt for comfort, but want to add an extra touch to the experience.
• Napkins of different sizes: depending on the type of table you have and the type of menu, you can opt for a larger or smaller model. In any case, we always recommend that you opt for the softest models, such as microdot or pointed napkins.

Remember that you can always count on our Customer Service team, who will guide you so that you can choose the best option in case of doubt. We are waiting for you!