In the past, cheese was usually packed in black wax. Nowadays this is rarely done.
It is found either in foil packaging (such a cheese can not breathe) or wrapped in greased cheese wraps, which allow the cheese to breathe and at the same time protect it from dirt getting into it.
"Parmigiano Reggiano" and "Parmesan" are Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) for cheese produced in these provinces under Italian and European law.
Outside the European Union, the name "Parmesan" can be legally used for similar cheeses. The designation "Parmigiano Reggiano" refers only to the original Italian cheese.