While bulk acetylation to high DS clearly has an impact on rapid biodegradability, we started our own research into this topic with the hypothesis that 'restricting chemical modification to only cellulose surfaces should allow for variation of surface properties yet will have a limited impact on biodegradation, in comparison to a bulk-modified sample'. In this manuscript we attempt to prove this hypothesis, using paper as a key commercial substrate and acetylation as a model reaction. Papers (traditional macro-and nano-papers) were chosen, as low-cost established materials that may offer a substitute to traditional petrochemical plastic-based packaging or barriers. The more rapid soil and enzymatic digestibility assays were used to assess the 'biodegradability' but seawater studies will be conducted in the future. 3 representative samples of varying DS and regioselectivity of reaction were made on a larger scale for extended characterisation. The generated samples were analysed using a range of methods (see SI table), and the degree of substitution (DS) and % weight loss from enzymatic digestibility (%ENZ) were modelled with multiple linear regression to describe the evolution of sample properties as a function of the acetylation conditions, using response surfaces.