Paperboard, a thick, versatile paper-based material, commonly used in packaging solutions across industries. Its utility and sustainability make it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers and businesses aiming to combine functionality with environmental responsibility.
What is paperboard?
Paperboard is fabricated from various plant sources, including traditional wood pulp and alternative materials such as sugarcane bagasse, straw, and hemp. It can undergo processes like chemical pulping, which offers superior strength but lower yield, or thermo mechanical pulping, known for its high yield at the expense of strength.
Several types of paperboard
Now that you understand what paperboard is, it's valuable to recognize its various types. We've compiled a list of the most common ones for your reference.
- Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS): A premium, brilliant white grade, SBS is known for its smoothness and high-quality printing surface, making it the choice for food packaging and luxury retail products.
- Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS) Paperboard: Not explicitly detailed in the initial sources, SUS paperboard is similar to CUK in that it is made from unbleached virgin fibers but with a focus on high durability and moisture resistance, often used for liquid and food packaging.
- Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK): Distinguished by its natural brown color, CUK offers excellent strength and tear resistance. It's primarily used for beverage containers and heavy-duty retail packaging.
- Coated Recycled Paperboard: Made from recycled fibers, this grade supports environmental sustainability. It's typically used for products where strength and appearance are less critical.
- Non-Bending Chipboard: Constructed from recycled materials, non-bending chipboard is used for rigid boxes that house luxury items, offering durability and a premium feel.
Properties influencing paperboard selection
The choice of paperboard is influenced by its inherent properties, which determine its suitability for various applications:
- Basisweight and caliper: Indicate the paperboard's thickness and weight, influencing its strength and sturdiness. Explore packaging design tips you must know.
- Brightness and whiteness: Affect the visual appeal of printed packaging, with higher brightness levels offering better color reproduction.
- Curl: An essential factor in maintaining the shape of the packaging under different humidity conditions.
- Glueability and moisture content: Critical for the assembly process and the longevity of the packaging.
- Plybond strength: Reflects the internal bond strength of the paperboard, essential for structural integrity.
- Smoothness: Impacts print quality and the tactile experience of the packaging.
Embracing sustainability and versatility
Paperboard packaging's appeal lies not only in its physical and aesthetic properties but also in its sustainability. It's renewable, recyclable, and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of products and consumers.
Selecting the right type of paperboard involves balancing the physical requirements of the packaging with the desired aesthetic outcomes and environmental considerations. Whether it's the premium finish of SBS for high-end products or the rugged strength of CUK for beverage containers, paperboard offers a solution. Its broad range of types and properties ensures that there's a paperboard material suitable for almost any packaging challenge.
Also read: The 5 benefits of folding carton packaging
Request a free sample now!
