Wood-Fibre Brotforms – Eco-Friendly Proofing Baskets

Wood-fibre brotforms - also known as pressed fibre proofing baskets - give 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 well suited to wetter doughs.

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Wood-Fibre Brotforms – Eco-Friendly Proofing Baskets

Choosing wood-fibre brotforms

Wood-fibre brotforms, 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, making it natural, food-safe and fully biodegradable at the end of its life.

Size guide by dough weight

Bannetons and brotforms are usually described by the total dough weight they hold, not the flour weight alone. As a general guide, 500g dough suits a 20-22cm round or oval form, 750g dough suits around 25cm, and 1kg dough suits around 28-30cm.

Performance benefits

Wood-fibre is naturally absorbent, drawing surface moisture from dough to help create a taut skin that bakes into a crisp crust. This makes wood-fibre brotforms particularly useful for wetter, high-hydration sourdoughs. They are also lightweight, durable and give a clean, smooth finish to the loaf.

Wood-fibre compared with cane and plastic

Wood-fibre combines sustainability with practical dough support: it is natural, fully degradable and especially good for high-hydration doughs. Cane bannetons are traditional, breathable and give a spiral pattern, while dishwashable plastic bannetons are durable and easy to wash but do not have the same natural fibre credentials.

Learn more about bannetons

Still unsure which basket fits your baking style? Our blog guides are here to help:

Wood-Fibre Brotforms - FAQs

Are wood-fibre brotforms eco-friendly?

Yes. Wood-fibre brotforms are made from pressed spruce wood pulp without glues or chemical coatings, and they are fully biodegradable at the end of their life.

How do I choose the right size brotform?

Choose by total dough weight, not flour weight alone. As a general guide, 500g dough suits a 20-22cm round or oval form, 750g dough suits around 25cm, and 1kg dough suits around 28-30cm.

How do I prepare a new wood-fibre brotform?

Dust the brotform lightly with flour before the first use. Over time, a natural flour layer develops on the surface, which helps reduce sticking and makes the basket easier to use.

How do I clean a wood-fibre brotform?

Let the brotform dry thoroughly, then brush or tap out any excess flour. Avoid washing it with water, as wood-fibre can soften when wet and should be kept dry between uses.

Can I use a wood-fibre brotform for high-hydration dough?

Yes. Wood-fibre absorbs surface moisture and helps create structure in wetter doughs, making it particularly useful for high-hydration sourdough and other sticky doughs.

What is the difference between a brotform and a banneton?

The words are often used interchangeably for proofing baskets. Brotform is commonly used for pressed wood-fibre forms, while banneton is often used more broadly for cane, wicker, plastic and other dough proofing baskets.

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