The world of custom packaging makes you pass through the term “paper grade”. This may become confusing for the brands holding zero knowledge about the product packaging. Paper grade refers to the thickness of the packaging material used to ensure product protection. The more thickness it has, the more sturdiness it offers during the shipping process. The current era brands have become concerned about paper grading as it greatly impacts the packaging quality.
Different types of paperboard grades are available in the market that incredibly affect the durability, cost, and strength of the customized box. Understanding every kind of packaging material is important to choosing the right type to protect the products during tough shipping procedures. The article will explain the difference between paperboard packaging and cardboard packaging followed by the 4 types of paperboard grades. We will also recommend the types of finishes that go well with the paperboard packaging. So, let’s dig in.
Paperboard packaging is manufactured using a versatile and sturdy packaging material, generated by compressing the paper pulp sheets to create a rigid board. Paperboard packaging could be customized in any shape, size, or style depending on the brand’s needs and product requirements. This is mostly used in the cosmetic industry, retail, and food packaging.
Paperboard packaging is a sustainable alternative designed to keep the environment safe from harmful elements. This is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable. The brands can now avail it in different grades combined with distinct types of finishing methods including coated, uncoated, matte, and glossy.
Most of the people remain confused about the paperboard and cardboard packaging. They appear to be similar but hold great differences. Paperboard is a durable yet lightweight packaging material manufactured by compressing layers of paper pulp. On the other hand, cardboard is a stiff packaging material, manufactured by using multiple sheets of paper combined with a small quantity of plastics.
Both packaging materials hold their own set of benefits. The brands could choose any of them considering the product weight, durability, and shipping distance.
Following are the 4 types of paperboard grades available in the market for the packaging of goods:
Clay-coated news backboards are manufactured using old recycled newspapers and other types of paper. This is quite affordable but holds a water-absorbent nature. The materials are coated to protect the products from the moisture available in the surrounding environment. These are not efficient for expensive products but are considered best for shipping lightweight goods to the customer’s destination.
Folding box board is manufactured using a unique combination of chemicals and paper pulp to generate several layers of thick packaging material. This type holds great strength and durability. To achieve exceptional printing results, this paper is passed through a proper bleaching procedure to create high-quality product packaging. This is mostly utilized for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
Solid bleached sulfate board (SBS) is a thicker form of folding box board, manufactured using chemicals and paper pulp. This packaging material is also bleached to be transformed into distinct shapes of customized boxes. It is a great packaging material for brands aspiring to hold inside and outside printing. High-end finishing methods including embossing, debossing, spot UV, and hot foil stamping could be effortlessly applied on SBS to produce impressive packaging.
Natural Kraft packaging is manufactured using 100% sustainable materials. This is an eco-friendly packaging alternative designed for brands aspiring to shift toward nature-conscious processes. This usually holds an organic brown color and is used in food packaging all around the globe. This is quite thick, tear-resistant, and sturdy enough to be used for cosmetics, drinks, and much more. The clients could achieve the printing results on this type of packaging material by applying a thin layer of coating on its surface.
The following list of finishes is used to enhance the customer experience using the paperboard packaging:
The Matte finish holds a non-glossy texture, offering a soft and sophisticated outlook to the premium packaging material. This is mostly used for luxurious products including cosmetics, perfumes, etc.
The gloss finish offers a shiny surface. This is utilized to give products a modern outlook. Such a sleek and trendy outlook is a perfect choice to fulfill advertising purposes.
The embossed finish is used to give name, text, images, or artwork design an elevated appearance to make it prominent on the packaging. It is a brilliant choice for making the consumer enjoy a three-dimensional packaging effect.
Spot UV is used when the brands want to highlight specific areas of the packaging using the premium quality gloss finish. It is a perfect combination of matte and glossy textures to make logos, text, artwork design, or images prominent.
Foil stamping involves the application of metallic foil onto the surface of paper packaging. Brands could choose metallic or colored foil to create an elegant outlook. This is mostly used for high-end products including chocolates, wines, etc.
Hope the article has helped you understand the paper grades to choose the appropriate packaging material for the product’s protection. Each one holds its strength, durability, and thickness. The brands could order customized packaging for their premium product by efficiently recognizing the difference between the distinct types of paper grades.
The thickness of the packaging material could be measured using a GSM or PT unit. The higher the value, the more would be the thickness and weight of the packaging material. To discuss it further, get in contact with the packaging experts of Box Agency. We are always at your service.
