Wood-Fibre Brotforms – Eco-Friendly Proofing Baskets
Wood-fibre brotforms – also known as pressed fibre proofing baskets – give your dough reliable support while being one of the most sustainable choices for bakers. Made from pure spruce pulp without glues or chemicals, they are food-safe, fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
500-750g Oval Spiral-Patterned Brotform or Proofing Basket
£15.26 £12.72 From £13.74 £11.45Sold Out
500-750g Round Spiral-Patterned Brotform or Proofing Basket
£15.26 £12.72 From £13.74 £11.45Sold Out
Why Choose Wood-Fibre Brotforms?
Wood-fibre bannetons, developed in German bakeries in the 1920s, remain popular for both performance and ecological credentials. Each basket is pressed from spruce wood pulp with no adhesives or coatings, meaning they are natural, food-safe, and completely biodegradable at the end of their life. A long-lasting and sustainable option for any baker.
Size Guide (by dough weight)
- 500g dough → 20–22cm round or oval
- 750g dough → 25cm round or oval
- 1kg dough → 28–30cm round or oval
Performance Benefits
Wood-fibre is naturally absorbent, drawing surface moisture from dough to create a taut skin that bakes into a crisp crust. This makes them particularly good for wetter, high-hydration sourdoughs. They are lightweight, durable, and provide a clean, smooth finish to your loaf.
Wood-Fibre Compared with Cane and Plastic
Wood-fibre combines sustainability with function: natural, fully degradable, and excellent for high-hydration doughs. Cane bannetons are traditional, breathable, and give a spiral pattern. Plastic bannetons are durable and easy to wash, but lack the ecological benefits of natural fibre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wood-fibre brotforms eco-friendly?
Yes. They are made from pressed spruce wood pulp with no glues or chemicals, and are fully biodegradable at the end of their life.
How do I choose the right size?
Bannetons are named after the total dough weight they hold – not flour weight. Use the guide above, or see our full breakdown in this blog post.
How do I prepare a new brotform?
Dust lightly with flour before the first use. Over time, a natural flour layer develops that helps prevent sticking.
How do I clean a wood-fibre brotform?
Let it dry thoroughly, then brush or tap out flour. Avoid water – wood-fibre softens when wet.
Can I use it for high-hydration dough?
Yes – wood-fibre absorbs extra moisture and helps create structure in wetter doughs much better than plastic or undusted cane.
Learn More About Bannetons
Still unsure which basket fits your baking style? Our blog guides are here to help: