You did it! After months of hard work, you finally signed off on the perfect packaging design. You’ve selected your colors, impactful images that represent your product and you know exactly which innovative and enhanced printing effects to use so your packaging stands out from the rest. Now, the ultimate question arises: which paperboard do you use?
A wide range of paperboard is used in folding carton packaging – from lightweight paperboard to corrugated flute. Paperboards are thicker than regular paper and are generally made of multiple layers. They are popular due to their flexibility, durability and versatility. In this article, we take a look at what makes the different paperboard types unique from one another.
Types of Paperboards
Netpak offers a broad range of paperboards in various thicknesses and weights to cater to various clients and markets with unique specifications. Understanding the different types of paperboards will help you develop your packaging more effectively and Netpak’s procurement team can help you select the right paperboard for your project requirements, all while being cost-effective. Find out more about Netpak’s extensive selection of paperboards here.
- SBS and SUS
Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) and Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS) are a 100% virgin fibre grade of paperboard. SBS is made from purely bleached chemical pulp, while SUS is unbleached. Known for their consistency and uniformity, both paperboards offer a coating on one side for a smooth surface, as well as outstanding color rendering and printability. These types of paperboards are ideal candidates for food contact packaging as they meet food contact packaging requirements in Canada and the USA.
- CRB
Coated Recycled Board (CRB) is made from 100% recycled fiber and is very popular in high volume folding carton packaging (such as pasta or cereal boxes). CRB is recognized for it’s excellent roll-to-roll consistency and for its affordable price. The top surface clay-based coating allows for excellent printability, including enhanced printing effects such as UV high gloss coating. It is approved in Canada and the USA for multiple food contact requirements in food and beverage packaging.
- FBB
Folding Box Board (FBB) consists of a wide range of paperboard known for its lightweight and sustainable properties. FFB is a multi-ply board made of a layer mechanical pulp placed between layers of chemical pulp. This combination of layers creates a durable, stiff sheet. Composed of renewable materials, FBB is recyclable and highly used in today’s environmentally-conscious world across various industries. It is suitable for various applications, including those looking for a folding carton solution with a natural feel or those looking for a luxurious impression.
- URB
Uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), more commonly known as chipboard, is a multipurpose paperboard made from 100% recycled fiber. This paperboard has a clean surface that is ideal for providing a natural look and provides excellent roll-to-roll consistency. Its recyclability makes it an excellent candidate for those looking for sustainable packaging options. It is commonly used in applications where rigidity and stiffness are important, but bending and folding qualities are not required. Chipboard meets multiple requirements in Canada and the USA for food contact packaging.
- Micro-flute
Corrugated fiberboard also known as Micro-flute, is an alternative to corrugated board. Micro-flute is a material consisting of a fluted corrugated sheet and one or two flat linerboards. This sustainable board, relatively new to the market, is becoming the material of choice in various industries, including food and beverage as well as pharmaceuticals, as it offers a more rigid packaging option while being eco-friendly. Unlike corrugated board, micro-flute has enhanced printing capabilities and Netpak has developed an innovative packaging solution that allows for direct printing on micro-flute.
JIT Delivery
In order to cater to our customers’ needs, enhance customer experience and consistently provide turnover times among the fastest in the industry, Netpak has developed a stocking program and JIT delivery system. Netpak stocks an impressive amount of paperboard all year round to respond to our customer’s speed-to-market needs and to ensure efficient production at all times. We continuously strive to be excellent in our fields, so these innovative processes undergo optimization annually to ensure we provide the best customer service and continue to maintain our competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Netpak: Printed Folding Carton Experts. Contact us today for a quote: sales@netpak.com | CANADA – USA 1-866-399-8544